Learning to race

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Jun 13, 2004
39
- - Toronto
Is there a sailing school that has a course to teach race basics. I was racing this season and was relegated to one position. I did not learn that much and would like to get to get the opportunity to do more.
 
B

Bill O'Donovan

J World

J World offers courses in Key West that are to die for. I've been twice, and the instruction is excellent. I have no affiliation, sadly.
 
Jun 2, 2004
64
Catalina 30 Ruskin/Tampa Bay
J World Newport

If you are from Rhode Island they have a J World in Newport that runs from May to Sept. Having taken the class I 2nd great instruction and instructors. Check them out at jworldschool.com They have other sites in San Diego and Annapolis, Md
 
Jul 8, 2004
361
S2 9.1 chelsea ny
I agree

J world is the BEST place to learn how to be a better racer. HAnds on with a racing skipper who will help you get better, but don't forget NOTHING beats being on the water. BUT.....don't give up!! I have been racing for the past 4 years and have only won twice, and usually come in near the back of the pack. Winning isn't the most important ( Yes I do want to win, and yes I do like to win and Yes I HATE to lose) BUT every time I go out on the race course either as crew or skipper on my boat I learn something. Whether it is sail trim, how to start better, rounding a mark, down win, covering, etc,etc, Best of luck......
 
J

James

Crew on more than one boat

I agree with all the previous posts but would add one more suggestion - find another boat. I see you are from the Ocean State so you can crew every day of the week if you want - I crew for skippers in Barraington (J-37) and Bristol (Pearson 26). I have been crewing for 15 years and enjoy every minute of it - good weather, bad weather - there is something to lern or improve everytime including equipment failures (Jib's tearing apart) and ..... man overboard during a race. Both captains allow the crew to learn different positions (except the helm - I'll have to work on that now that I think about it) and we all try to teach the new crew member something - Sail trim, foredeck, rigging the pole, being rail meat! you name it. So my advice - find a captain who will allow the crew to share responsibilities and help teach you different aspects of sailing - or crew for a different captain on a different night in a different club. The advantages of the a different boat at a different club are that you will learn more about the waters of narrangansett bay and have the opportunity to sail with a differnent bunch of people on a different boat. All clubs I know are looking for committed/dedicated crew - so just out there and have fun. Good luck - James
 
Jun 4, 2004
844
Hunter 28.5 Tolchester, MD
North Sails Courses

I remember seeing adds for North Sails Racing Tactics and Sail Trim courses, and several years ago bought the Notebooks but did not take the course. The books are great; I assume the courses are even better if they are still being run by North.
 
D

Darrel

Read!!!!!!!

Just my opinion. With all due respect I suggest you read all you can about sail trim and tactics and then go apply what you have read out on the water with your boat and crew. Next, I would find someone in the fleet that does well and follow them around the course and do what they do then meet up with them at the after race party to discuss the why's and what for's. Save the schools until you have developed basic skills and practical expirence. The school when then make more sense and allow you to improve your skills more. Look over on Sailnet and you will find many articles written and make for good reading. Several books out there that can also help you with the basics. Last but not least, find a good sailor that will crew with you. You will learn a lot that way. I believe that practical hands on expirence lays a good foundation of knowledge and then attending a sailing school will advance your knowledge. Most sailing schools cater to the more advanced sailor anyway and you may be lost attending as a newbie. Wish you the best in advancing your skills, its all time well spent and generally a lot of fun learning via practical hands on application.
 
Jun 4, 2004
629
Sailboat - 48N x 89W
North U

North U Racing Seminars: http://www.northu.com/seminars.taf?_course=1&page_name=info
 
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