Discover Sailing – Start Racing

It’s now to time to take your sailing to a new level and go racing.

You can learn racing tactics at both an elementary level for those new to the concept or hone your seasoned sailor skills.

This course considers all components required from all crew and skipper to successfully get around the course faster than your competitors.

Sailing Element	Criteria
Preparation	Knows the appropriate clothing to be worn and safety equipment to be taken when racing inshore and offshore or overnight Understands the importance of minimising the weight of personal gear Understands the importance of physical fitness and preparation Understands the importance of contributing as a crew i.e. helping with boat preparation and packing up, attending briefings and debriefings
Boats and Equipment	Knows the correct techniques for the efficient and safe use of all deck hardware – e.g. winches, jamming cleats, traveller, jib track, spinnaker poles / bowsprits and their associated fittings
Skills and Techniques	Understands and is competent in each crew position during the following manoeuvres: pre-start, tacking (including roll tacking), gybing, windward and leeward mark roundings Can work as part of a team during all manoeuvres Can operate sail controls to achieve optimum sail shape in light, medium & heavy airs Can work as a team with other trimmers and the helm Can hike effectively when required
Racing Theory	Understands the theory of sail shape, including draft position and twist Understands the importance of correct crew weight placement in all conditions and points of sail Understands ‘Start’ and ‘Finish’ procedures including flags and sound signals Understands different course types including windward / leeward, olympic triangle, laid / passage course Can plan for expected manoeuvres for a given course Knows the basic Rules of Racing
Communication	As crew, can communicate effectively within a team Knows what information to transmit to the afterguard – and how often and when to transmit it

There are five training courses available – Start Crewing, Start Helming, Start Skippering, Spinnakers, and Start Racing.

If you have a question, contact the club on discoversailing@mooloolabayachtclub.com.au or phone 0457 574 419.