Basic Crewing/Sailing Course

LET'S GO SAILING!

In this interactive Basic Crew and Sailing Course you will learn sailing theory, sail trim, points of sail, tacking and gybing, crew positions, safety techniques, parts of a sailboat, and nomenclature.  Course fee includes three in-class sessions, one At-The-Dock and two Training Sails.  Hands on learning occurs on skipper owned vessels ranging from 30’- 45’ and located throughout the Puget Sound region.  Course begins April 1^st and spots will go fast!

Course Objectives:

• Rig a sloop-rigged sailboat.
• Understand and use terms for parts of a boat. 
• Assist in departing from and arriving at a dock under power.
• Have a basic understanding of sail trim and points of sail.
• Learn about sailing gear and requirements for sailing on our Skippers vessels.
• Learn and execute safety practices under weather conditions which may be encountered during Mountaineers sails.
• Be able to function as a crew member during a sail.
• Have a basic understanding of navigation aids. 
• Learn rules of the road including right-of-way and give-way.  
• Practice your sailing skills under the watchful eye of the Skipper.  
• Experience sailing on different types and sizes of vessels.  

Course graduation requirements:

• Attendance at all three classroom sessions.  Sessions will be held on April 1, 8 and 22 from 6:30-9:30pm.  In-person classroom sessions are held at the Seattle Mountaineers Program Center located at 7700 Sand Point Way NE on the shores of Lake Washington.  
• Participation in one At-The-Dock session. There will be many to choose from in a variety of marinas located throughout Puget Sound.  Sessions will be held between April 9 and April 21. They last approximately 2-3 hours and will be scheduled during the first in-person class.  
• Participation in two Training Sails.  Dates will be scheduled during the in-person classes and will be offered after April 22 and throughout the spring.   

Course Completion:

• Mountaineers Sailing Badge assigned to your personal Mountaineers profile.
• Ability to sign up for free sails posted by Mountaineers Skippers.

NOTE:  The Seattle Basic Crew and Sailing Course is comprised of in-classroom lecture, hands-on skills development and on-the-water training sails.  Students are advised that sailing is a physical sport with exposure to a variety of weather and water conditions.  We strive to provide learning opportunities that are safe for students as well as the safety of Skippers and their vessels.  During the course, Skippers evaluate student performance during all course activities, assess safety concerns and may determine a student’s performance is insufficient to graduate.  In the event a student is not awarded a Sailing badge, the student may sign up on a Training Sail during the following years course and be re-evaluated.  Students not receiving a badge will not receive a refund of course fees. 

 Optional:

The course uses the US Sailing Basic Keelboat book as a guide. It's highly recommended to purchase the book for additional reference.  Note:  Used books are easily obtained online.