Introduction to Sailboat Racing

This course provides an introduction to sailboat racing in the Puget Sound area.  Seattle Mountaineers Sailing Committee Skippers will share their knowledge through in-class lecture and the opportunity for each student to participate in an actual sailboat race.  

Course Requirements for Graduation: 

• Two classroom sessions held on Tuesday, May 14 and Tuesday, May 21 from 6:30-9:00pm at the Seattle Mountaineers Program Center.
• One On-the-Water race TBD by the Skippers racing schedule.

Course Objectives:  

• Build on the skills learned in the Mountaineers Basic Crewing/Sailing Course.
• Be able to function as a valued crew member during a sailboat race.
• Learn some basic Racing Rules of Sailing, and how they apply during a race.
• Be prepared to assist in preparation for a race, both before the race and on the boat.
• Learn about all three sails typically used in sailboat racing: Main, Genoa, and Spinnaker.
• Gain a basic understanding of upwind sailing, downwind sailing, and downwind sails.
• Have a basic understanding of the anatomy of a sailboat race, from prestart to finish.
• Learn what needs to be done at mark roundings: before, during, and after.

Pre-Requisite:

Participants must hold a Mountaineers Sailing Badge in order to register.