The next Introduction to Sailboat Racing class will be in the fall of 2012. If you’re interested in taking the class, please contact Mike Ferring so he can notify you when the sessions are scheduled.

To register for other ASF classes, click the icon:

You’ll be guided through the sign-up process, including a medical questionnaire and legal release. If there are questions on the medical release that you’re unable to answer, just indicate that in the blank with a “DK.”

Racing a sailboat is a kick. It combines the fun of sailing your boat with the raw competition of trying to beat someone else in a similar boat. Racing also teaches you boat handling and sail trim in a way that no amount of cruising could—by comparing your speed and handling side-by-side with other boats.

True, the first time you see a sailboat race, you may think it’s too complicated and chaotic (it can be both). But like anything else new, you can grow into it step-by-step. This class is designed to let you take a bunch of steps all at once.

Who should take the class: Anyone who would like to sharpen sailing skills or sink your teeth into the excitement of sailboat racing. Even if you’ve raced before, you’ll learn a lot of new things about rules, tactics and procedures. Even if you only intend to crew or simply want to understand the game, you’re welcome in this class.

Class description: As a graduate of this class, you’ll be qualified to drive or crew an adopted AYC club boat or your own dinghy or centerboard/keel boat in around-the-buoys lake racing. You’ll learn race procedures, rules, and tactics. You’ll compete in actual races. And you’ll receive up to $50 off the entry fee for your first AYC race series (within the first year of graduation).

Course Content Includes:

• Race Procedures: Race Documents, Entry, Check-in, Starts, Courses, Finish, Scoring, Race Committee Responsibilities, Protests
• Rules: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012, including when boats meet, complying with race procedures, and avoiding incidents
• Tactics: Starts, Boat Speed, Boat Handling, Upwind Tactics, Downwind Tactics, Mark Roundings, Wind Shifts, and Finishes

Class meetings: Two classroom sessions followed immediately the same days by two on-the-water sessions. The classroom sessions will be at a Tempe meeting room; the on-the-water sessions will be at Tempe Town Lake. Details will be sent to you in the week before the first session.

Prerequisites: You must be a certified US Sailing graduate of Start Sailing Right or have equivalent experience. You’ll need to enter the course with the basic skills to handle a Capri 14.2 in moderate wind.

Equipment: Normal sailing stuff (shorts, shirt, hat, closed-toed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water), including a PFD (though a simple orange one can be provided) and a watch that shows seconds. Directions: Getting to Tempe Town Lake

Tuition: $195 (which includes a $50 discount coupon for AYC race series entry)

Instructors: Mike and Maryellen Ferring, both US Sailing Small Boat Instructors originated the course and have taught it for about five years. Mike is also a certified powerboat instructor and has been a US Sailing certified club race officer. They race a C14 at Tempe Town Lake and a J/80 at Lake Pleasant. Last year they won both the TTL C14 season championship and the LP PHRF Non-Spin championship (and they won four out of the last five PHRF Non-Spin season championships). In addition, the classes have always had on-the-water instruction from the reigning AYC Club Champion, who this year was Martin Lorch.

Contact Instructor Mike Ferring by email