By Mike Ferring
Are you watching the flurry of bigtime sailboat racing now? The finals of the SailGP series, the Olympics, and the America’s Cup. It’s enough to make any sailor think sailboat racing could be a lot of fun—and it is!
If it’s new to you (or if you know someone who might like to try it), sign up for the Arizona Yacht Club’s Introduction to Sailboat Racing, a 2½-hour seminar that will lay the groundwork for your start in the sport, whether as an entrant or crew. It happens Saturday morning, September 14, at the Tempe Public Library. Click here to get the details and to register.
The first step is to understand the way the game is played: how to enter, how to know the rules, how to know where the racecourse goes, and to know how to start. That’s the basic version of the curriculum for the introductory course but bring all your questions too.
Not only is racing a fun game to play with our AYC friends, but it’s an excellent way to hone your sailing skills. If someone is sailing faster than you are, what’s that person doing that you aren’t?
Maryellen and I have been teaching this introductory class for over a decade. We race at both AYC lakes and last year managed to win both the PHRF Spin fleet and Capri 14.2 fleet. We’re US Sailing certified Small Boat Instructors and I’m certified as Powerboat Instructor and Club Race Officer.
Now, excuse me… the Olympic races are about to start!
