Case Study: An Emergency Action Plan Report from OCSC

When a Life Hangs in the Balance – Emergency at the Club By: Rich Jepsen and Steve SaulAll sailing instructors and program directors are trained in the ‘what ifs’ of safety and risk in our jobs teaching kids and adults how to sail, while providing them opportunities to enjoy their new found skills.We all know…Read More

Sharing the Seas: Safe Boating for Sailors and Whales

Did you know that collision with vessels is one of the leading causes of death among whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale? Collisions can also cause thousands of dollars in damage to boats and injure crew. US Sailing, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, New Bedford Whaling Museum and Whale and Dolphin…Read More

Long Range Planning for Your Sailing Organization

Clay Deutsch, CEO and President of Boston Private Financial Holdings, presents "Long Range Planning for Your Organization" at the US Sailing Leadership Forum 2014. Power Point PresentationRead More

Running Efficient Match Racing Events

By: Donald Wilson, Founder Chicago Match Race Center With so many integral elements to consider, running a successful match race can be both challenging and extremely rewarding. When a well-run regatta is executed with great talent and a lot of racing, all the participants want to return, including competitors, umpires, and volunteers. Don Wilson, founder…Read More

Crew Overboard Prevention: How to Remain Aboard

Following these rules can prevent virtually all man-overboard incidents: 1. Remain sober, especially if you expect to go on deck for any reason. 2. Wear non-skid footwear when working on deck and have nonskid paint or pads in critical work areas. 3. Walk or crawl on the uphill windward side in a crouched position with…Read More

Keeping Regattas Fun

By: Jake Fish, Communications Manager, US Sailing Many attendees of the Sailing Leadership Forum expressed the desire for more variety in our race courses with fewer windward/leeward courses and more non-traditional regattas. Attendees emphasized the importance of growth in participation and sportsmanship, especially for youth. Regatta organizers were challenged to create more alternative courses, games…Read More

Sponsorship Request Tips

Trying to build your club's sponsor portfolio for an upcoming event? Here are some helpful sponsorship request tips from Whitney Peterson, VP of Marketing at Gowrie Group. 1. Be clear on what you are asking for.• In-kind vs. Cash sponsorship• One time vs. annual request2. Align with the company’s passions or a key-person’s affinities.• CEO loves sailing,…Read More

Sailing Program Sample: Syllabus for basic sailing beginner

This Sailing Program sample has been taken from various programs across the United States to provide a greater representation of methods, techniques, and styles. SAMPLE: SYLLABUS Basic Sailing Beginner FORMAT: (8) three-hour lessons for youth or adults for one week or several weeks TOPIC - CLASS 1 Introduction and Course Overview: 10 minutes Team Building:…Read More

Pre-Sailing Exercises

Before any exercising, including sailing, you should warm up and loosen up by stretching. Keep yourself in reasonably good condition, and before heading out, stretch out. These flexibility exercises should be done for about 30 seconds. Do not stretch to the point of pain, only to increase flexibility. Sailing requires movements in many unusual positions.…Read More

Basic Cruising: The bilge system

Never let the bilge be "out of sight, out of mind." A regular visual inspection of the bilge should become a habit. You will quickly learn what is normal water in the bilge - rainwater coming down the mast, ice box drainage, and the drip from the stuffing box - and recognize water that indicates…Read More