SAILING SCHOOL
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the principles of sailing and boat handling with an emphasis on safety.
We begin with basic seamanship including sailing terms, navigation, right of way, docking and line handling. Students learn about the interaction of the wind with the boat and sails. We proceed to rigging the boat and head out for hands on boat handling on the water. Students alternate steering and trimming sails. The Novice Course requires four to five hours of instruction.
Advanced Sailing
This course builds on the experience and knowledge gained in the novice course. We begin with a review of the seamanship, right of way, and sailing elemants , then practice individual boat handling and sail trim skills on water. You learn more about sail controls, wind indicatiors, crew responsibilities and communication. Advanced students may also experience an introduction to the elements of the spinnaker sail.
Advanced Sailing - Lasers
Students who have demonstrated sailing skills on the J/24 may advance to sailing solo on the Olympic Class Laser Sailboats. Students will practice boat handling and sail trim, rounding inflatable marks, docking and recovery, and get a first taste of sailing around a race course.
Racing School
The Racing Program covers five elements, including Preparation, Pre-Race Maneuvers, Starting, Upwind Legs and Downwind Legs. Each elemant involves organization, strategy, and hands on experience. This course can be reviewed in one lesson but requires two to three to build confidence and understanding. We will boost the learning curve for the novice racer and improve finishing positions for experienced sailors.
Spinnaker
This course will help you organize the boat and crew members, building everyone's confidence to enjoy this exciting element of sailing.
We cover the set up of the boat, crew responsibilities and pre-hoist preparation. Then proceed to the spinnaker hoist and drop procedures. You will practice spinnaker sail trim and jibing maneuvers. Students alternate roles gaining experience as foredeckman, cockpit sheet trimmer and helmsman.
The Boats
SML Sailing School sails on a J24 Sloop and Laser Sailboats... or if you have your own boat we can coach off your dock.