Tacking Tips Part I – The Turn
Good tacks are essential to good racing. Make each tack a little better and you’ll save a few boat lengths every race. Tacks can be divided into two parts: The Turn and The Acceleration.
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Planning a European Sailing Adventure? Here’s How the US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate Can Help
Thinking about taking a European sailing getaway? Imagine setting sail along Croatia’s coast, island-hopping in Greece, or exploring Spain’s hidden coves—all without a captain. The freedom to chart your own course in European waters is closer than ever, thanks to the US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). This required certification allows qualified American sailors to charter sailboats independently in many European Union (EU) waters, simplifying the process and ensuring compliance with EU maritime regulations.
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Lake Sailing Tips
By Richard Feeny, US Sailing Junior National Coach, Finger Lakes Junior Laser Champion Introduction The shape of the land to windward of the race course will affect the wind. The first thing to look for is any low area that will let the wind onto the race course. In a flat country with no valleys…Read More
Youth Sailing Today
Five Key Principles for Youth Sailing Today US Sailing is undertaking a long-term project to incorporate the five key principles outlined in the American Development Model into our strategy for growing participation in both recreational and competitive sailing. These five key principles include: Expand access to create opportunity for more youth to start sailing Developmentally…Read More
Teaching Fundamentals: Stress Management
Stress gradually takes its toll when an instructor feels overwhelmed by job pressures. Frequent pressing deadlines, long hours, conflicts, high expectations, insufficient resources, emergencies, sudden setbacks, financial constraints, and preoccupying personal problems are only a few of the things instructors may face every day which contribute to stress. Stress management is particularly important during a…Read More
Small Boat Sailing: Teaching Sportsmanship
When you’re trying to teach sportsmanship in competitive sailing, there are no proven methods to follow. You need to try different approaches because every group you teach will react differently to the request to “act sportsmanlike.” Practice sessions can fall apart if your team isn’t getting along and all you can is, “Will you please…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
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
Implementing an Offshore Safety and Preparedness Plan
By: Chuck Hawley & Sally Lindsay HoneyHere are some items to consider when creating and implementing an offshore safety and preparedness plan:1. Start with a safety ethos for the event2. Implement pre-departure training3. Select an equipment list4. Identify skipper/crew/yacht qualifications, if any5. Pre-departure inspections – make them useful6. Communication plan appropriate for the event7. Emergency…Read More