How to Learn Sailboat Racing

Sailing often comes across to people as a mellow activity. Racing changes all that.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 Pair Boat Shoes
• 1 Duffel Bags
• 1 Set Foul Weather Gear
• 1 insulated, waterproof jackets

1. Take a basic sailing course to learn fundamental sailing skills.
2. Take an introduction to racing course or study procedures and tactics from books.
3. Locate bodies of water in your area where people race sailboats.
4. Determine which club or clubs sponsor races.
5. Prepare 3"X5" cards that extol your virtues as crew. If your sailing experience is limited or non-existent, list attributes such as strength, agility, ability to follow instructions, mechanical ability or strong work ethic.
6. Visit the clubs you discovered and post your cards on bulletin boards.
7. Look for notices of upcoming races and record the dates and start times.
8. Ask people at the clubs if there are any regularly scheduled races on evenings or weekends that aren't otherwise posted.
9. Show up at the club or nearby marinas where sailboats are kept, an hour before a race.
10. Walk up to groups of sailors preparing boats for the race and ask who's the skipper.
11. Ask him or her if the boat could use extra help.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid exectations of anyone on a race boat explaining sailing to you. You'll get instruction on a specific chore. Everything else you learn will come from watching and listening.
• Larger boats need more crew, most of whom sit on the rail.
• Don't expect people on a race boat to warn you about dangers. You'll have to watch out for yourself from the beginning.