For aspiring skippers looking to check off those last few skills we are offering focused skill-development nights. Our first for dinghies will be sailing backwards and sailing without a rudder, both of which are on the skipper test. 

Backwards sailing is surprisingly easy. While not an everyday skill, it has its places in approaching/leaving dock, and maybe even in racing. After a couple attempts, you’ll probably have this dialled right in.

Sailing without a rudder is not just a fun party trick or an emergency backup. The ability to fine tune helm by balancing centre of effort (CE) and centre of lateral resistance (CLR) makes for easier and faster boat handling. Both racers wanting to win and general sailors looking to bring more finesse to boat control across wind conditions will benefit. With a bit of practice, it’s surprisingly easy to master steering by controlling sheets and body weight. By the end of the evening you may well find yourself steering a straight course and tacking upwind with no rudder!

We will do a quick on-shore session about the theory behind these skills and providing a few practical tips, then we’ll get out on the water to practice. 

First mates, let’s get these skills nailed down so you can graduate to skipper status!
Crew are welcome too, subject to skipper availability.

Wanted: skipper volunteers to help out. Please contact Jeff Cassidy (Jeffrey.cassidy@gmail.com) if you’re willing and able to help out.