SCYAs 33RD WOMEN'S BOATING EVENT
2024 SCYA Commodore Kathy St. Amant

2024 SCYA Commodore & Event Chair Kathy St. Amant

I am very proud to welcome you to the Southern California Yachting Association’s 33rd Women’s Boating Event. We have worked very hard this year to bring you many new workshops to choose from. We heard in the past that there were not enough advanced topics. You will see that on Sunday, we have the best coaches, renowned for their expertise, ready to work with you to grow your intermediate to advanced skills and knowledge. This event is the time and place to come together and network with the best of the best.

You will notice that there has been a format change as well. To simplify, mornings will be all land based workshops and afternoons will be out on the water, when the breeze is best. I know that there are so many workshops to choose from, it will be tough to pick. But, with such a variety, you will find the set of workshops for you, your skill level, and the knowledge base you are looking for. After the weekend of learning and experiencing, you will leave full of confidence and bursting with excitement to get out on your own to practice everything. Don’t get so excited to leave your slip that you forget to go to your boat and check for all the safety gear you learned about!

REGISTER  NOW


Del Rey Yacht Club, Marina del Rey, is where the full event will occur. Seminar registration will include continental breakfast and lunch. Dinner is no host.

  • Cost:

    • Saturday or Sunday Workshops (one day): $250
    • Both days, Saturday and Sunday Workshops (two day): $425
    • Dinner Sunday: $30

WORKSHOPS ARE STILL IN THE FORMATION STATE. I AM WORKING ON POWER BOAT WORKSHOPS. THEY WILL BE POSTED SOON.

There is an abundance of NEW workshops that have not been presented before. We were told we didn’t have advanced workshops. The 33rd is bringing in top sailors to provide keen advanced workshops. All levels of training available on both days. We ask that you follow the skill and knowledge guidelines for the on the water workshops, all levels are welcome to the land based workshops. For advanced and some intermediate workshops, you will be vetted.

There are more offered this year than ever. We MUST have at least 4 per workshop to present it. You will be asked to choose your number one selection, plus a second workshop for mornings and afternoon choices in case your first choice does not make. We reserve the right to add, cancel, and change the workshops & leaders at anytime.

The Saturday evening dinner will be on the pool deck at Del Rey Yacht Club. This is an optional choice, and will only be $30 for the buffet when pre-ordered, $35 at the dinner. This a great the time for networking. Our keynote speaker is USCG 50 ton Captain Leslie Washburn. See more about her below.

As always, our instructors are some of the best sailors and are excited to share their knowledge.

EVENT SHIRTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE SOON.

OUR PARTNERS

RAFFLE PRIZE
HIT Hydrostatic Inflatable PFD with Tether Point

 

Captain Leslie Washburn

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SATURDAY EVENING SEPTEMBER 28TH

Captain Leslie Washburn grew up sailing on the Great Lakes and is a USCG licensed captain with a 50GTS MMC.  Having accumulated over 20,000 bluewater miles cruising, chartering and making deliveries she has both traversed the Atlantic west to east and crossed the Pacific. As a competitive racer, she has logged podiums in buoy and distance racing including the overall Chicago NOOD championship, Verve Cup, and N2E. Participating in more than 27 Chicago to Mackinac regattas she has also earned her place in the Old Goat Society.

What her resume doesn’t convey are her experiences navigating Force 11 in the Atlantic with an injured crew or surviving a wreck on a South Pacific reef. With a wealth of experiences across the oceans, she will share a few stories, discuss how to prepare for the unthinkable and what to do after disaster strikes.

Questions? Contact Commodore St. Amant

Days Until We Get Together

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WORKSHOPS
Additions/Deletions may occur

SATURDAY MORNING 3 HOUR SEMINARS
9:30-12:30

BEGINNING SAILING

Captain Jane Thomas Workshop Leader

In the classroom, you will be introduced to sailing basics so you can go onboard prepared to learn hands-on. This will introduce you to sailing terms, how to determine the wind direction, the “points of sail,” introduction to trimming the sails, what is tacking & gybing, and steering the boat.  The goal is to provide enough understanding so you can go onboard and have lots of fun as you begin your learn-to-sail journey. This class is intended for those who have very limited or no previous sailing experience.

BEGINNING SAIL TRIM

Dockside
Monica Chaban Workshop Leader

With the boat tied up at a dock the learning platform is stable and provides immediate feedback. Your understanding of the controls will provide immediate results with every tweak of the sail controls. You will gain the knowledge of what those controls have on the stability or speed of the boat. You will leave with an understanding of what the sail shaping means, the center of effort, and more.

In the afternoon, get on a boat and put the techniques into action. Sign up for Beginning Sail Trim On the Water.

BEGINNING SAILBOAT RACING

Captain Karyn Jones Workshop Leader

Are you interested in finding out how a sailboat race is organized and how to compete in one? Beginning Racing will introduce you to registration for the race, the NOR (Notice of Race), the SI’s (Sailing Instructions), understanding the start sequence, basic rules, to getting around the course safely. You will leave the workshop understanding how much fun it is to be competitive sailor

Take this seminar in conjunction with the afternoon race seminar to get out on the water and practice what you learned in the classroom.

(See the Sunday racing seminar for advanced racers.)

EASY ELECTRICAL - 12 VOLT BASICS

Captain Judy Fusco Workshop Leader

In this workshop, you will learn the basics of DC electrical for boating applications. Learn about the variables involved in DC electrical work and learn how to calculate these variables using a basic equation. Learn about the different types of batteries and how to size your battery needs and how to choose the correct size wire for your application. Learn about the symbols used for variables and how to make wiring diagrams. Learn about the different tools required and get some practice using these tools to strip and crimp wires. You will use a multi-meter to measure the variables that were discussed.
(See the Sunday racing seminar for advanced racers.)

BASIC BOAT MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

Melody Kanschat Workshop Leader

Observe and learn: you will be introduced to what you should look for to keep your boat safe and comfortable. A list of “tool must haves” will be provided. You will be guided around the diesel engine, observe how to bleed the diesel, see how to check rigging for dangerous chafing, learn how to check your thru hulls, and maintain the stability of your head. Gain an understanding about freshwater systems, the fuel tank, electrical systems safety, minor fiberglass repairs and more. Get a grip on the never-ending task list as you gain basic knowledge to keep your boat floating and safe.

DEMYSTIFY SYMMETRICAL SPINNAKER SET

Patti Eagan Workshop Leader

So many lines, and what is that pole for? Flying a spinnaker is a multi-person set of tasks. The presentation of the steps that are needed to prepare the spinnaker to fly will be demonstrated in a simplified manner. With the boat at the dock, the steps to set up the spinnaker will be performed and explained. Visually and hands-on practice for the set will solve the mystery of how to get a symmetrical spinnaker set and flying.

CRUISING CRASH COURSE

Stacy Sinclair Workshop Leader

Ever thought about taking a boat beyond the bay? What about beyond Catalina? Tour a cruising boat and get the feel for where and how to store equipment, spares, tools and provisions; learn the boat modifications to consider for double handing or sailing single handed; get many tips on how to live aboard comfortably and host current friends, and those to be, with mindfulness for you and your boat’s safety. Stacy will share what she has learned from world cruisers. Bring questions.

INTRODUCTION TO COASTAL PILOTING

Captain Wendy Sarnoff Workshop Leader

Coastal piloting is a fundamental skill for mariners navigating near shorelines. It involves using visual references, charts, and aids to navigation to determine your position and plot a safe course. As a beginner, we will focus on understanding chart symbols, recognizing landmarks, and practicing dead reckoning. Each participant will receive a paper chart to practice their new skills learned from the lecture and guiding hands of Captain Sarnoff.

Remember that coastal piloting requires both knowledge and practical experience to ensure safe and accurate navigation along coastlines.

SATURDAY 1.5 Hour Seminars
9:15-10:45

COOKING SAFELY ON A BOAT

Patricia Rose Workshop Leader

Learn how to operate the boat oven/cooktop safely and plan provisions for a local cruise to the islands of Southern California. You will feel confident when you light your oven on board and prepare the well thought out menus you prepared.  Now sit in your cockpit, enjoy the view and your onboard prepared meal after confidently cooking.

FIRST AID KIT & SEA SICKNESS MEDS

Captain Leslie Washburn Workshop Leader

What personal first aid supplies do you always carry in your gear bag, or do you trust the boat is well stocked and geared to your potential needs?

A well-stocked first aid kit can save a life, make your trip less miserable and prevent emergency evacuations. Four different actual onboard med kits will be set out and inventoried for you to review. Basic medical emergency prevention techniques and organizational tips will be discussed and your questions answered on stocking a kit and getting prescriptions.  Ideas will be shared for those sailors who crew on different boats and who may want to bring their own backup kits.  Three or four emergency situations and the resulting lessons learned will be shared.

INTRODUCTION TO RACE COMMITTEE

Captain David Ross Workshop Leader

Volunteering on the race committee is a fun way to support local sailing and enjoy front row seats to the racing action. Also. When you understand what the race committee is doing at the start will make you more valuable to your skipper. It takes a team to run a race, each member of the race committee team has an important role to play. In this workshop you will learn about the action on the committee boat, including the flags, mark setter, wind reader, Principal Race Officer (PRO), line sighter, sounder, and more.

MARLINSPIKE SEAMANSHIP

WORKSHOP LEADER TBD

Marine knots play a crucial role in boating safety and functionality. Whether you are securing loads, mooring, or preparing for a storm, knowing the right knot to use for the job is essential. This is a hands-on workshop. Through demonstrations and exercises we will tie some commonly used boating knots together. You will complete an eye splice.

SATURDAY MORNING 1.5 HOUR SEMINARS
11:00 to 12:30

RIGGING FOR SHORT HANDED SAILING

BRENDAN HUFFMAN WORKSHOP LEADER

Things happen that are not planned for every day, on the water or at home. We cannot live by the “it will never happen to me” mantra. When on the water it is better to be prepared for the “not if, but when” mantra. Brendan grew up in a professional rigging family. He has sailed 10 Trans Pacific races, including single handed races. He has prepared his boats for ease of handling alone and crewed in any condition. He will bring slides of his boat as he rigged the hardware, running and standing rigging, as well as share the reasons he chose the layout. Bring questions, he is the best!

FOUL WEATHER GEAR – INSIDE & OUT

Captain Leslie Washburn Workshop Leader

Quality foul weather gear and a good layering system protects against wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Five different actual sets of head-to-toe gear will be on display with the owner of each explaining pros and cons and decisions they make when packing for various trips. Weight conscious racers will talk about decisions to lighten gear bags and tricks they use for long distance regattas.  Cruisers will discuss items for comfort and special finds they would not leave home without.

 

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & VHF RADIO BASICS

Captain David Ross Workshop Leader

Every boater has a selection of safety gear onboard. Each size of boat and the way the boat is used will dictate what is aboard. It is important to choose the correct gear, make sure it is in good order, and you know how to use it. Where you stow it is key as well. In an emergency, we don’t think clearly. This workshop will present various gear choices and the reasons to have them aboard. Captain Ross will provide the thought process utilized when stowing the gear allowing access to the crew when needed. He will also demonstrate VHF radio basics along with the models on the market. The correct choice may mean your safety or loss.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON 3 HOUR SEMINARS
1:30 to 4:30

BEGINNING SAILING

Captain Jane Thomas Lead Workshop Leader

In this 3-hour on-the-water class, you’ll learn and practice the basics of sailing, including a few important knots and sailing terms, determining wind direction, “points of sail,” trimming the sails, tacking, gybing, steering the boat, and getting from point A to point B. Our goal is to have lots of fun as you begin your learn-to-sail journey. This class is intended for those who have very limited or no previous sailing experience. This class will continue the concepts from the morning’s Beginning Sailing & Beginning Sail Trim workshops. It is highly recommended that you take the morning class so you can build on the theory you learned.

BEGINNING SAIL TRIM

Monica Chaban Workshop Leader

Learning to trim your sails according to present conditions while onboard, along with expert guidance on what and why you use each sail control will provide a strong base of understanding the forces of the wind on the boat. Out of control sailing is usually the fault of misunderstanding what should be done. Controlling the mainsail and headsails correctly creates a safe boat and makes the sport more fun.

BEGINNING SPINNAKER TRIM

TBD Workshop Leader

Pack the spinnaker, set up the gear on the boat and get ready to set and fly the chute. Each sailor will have the opportunity to handle the various control sheets, the pole and trim the spinnaker. During the hands on training, your skipper and coaches will introduce you to each position and explain the intricacies of the downwind sail. 

BEGINNING SAILBOAT RACING

Captain Karyn Jones Lead Workshop Leader

This on the water workshop will continue from the AM racing seminar. You will get onboard, prepare the boat, start a race and go all the way to the finish line. You will get an idea of what it takes to be prepared to race and how to get around the racecourse. Each boat will have a very experienced sailboat racer to coach you. You will leave the workshop understanding how fun it is to be a competitive sailor and experience a “hot” race boat at the same time.

ANCHORS AWEIGH & MOORING BALLS TOO

Melody Kanschat Lead Workshop Leader

This workshop will cover various types of modern day ground tackle, finding the best spot to drop, determining scope and setting an anchor securely.  In the second half of the workshop, types of moorings, how to pick them up,  bridling, dealing with the sandline, and more will be demonstrated.

After a short chalk talk, participants will get hands on experience at the windlass, on the helm, taking a bearing and wiping off slime. Anchoring theories are the same for power and for sail enthusiasts.

SUDDENLY ALONE & CONFIDENT SHORTHANDED SAILING

Brendan Huffman Workshop Leader

Your captain becomes incapacitated and now you are the one that must get the boat back safely. Brendan is an experienced single-handed sailor with high value knowledge of what it takes to sail alone or sail shorthanded safely. Sail on board his boat which he has prepared for the Single-handed Trans-Pacific Yacht Race. The techniques you will learn are what you need to know when you are “SUDDENLY ALONE”. Confidence building is key to your success. In this hands-on workshop you will gain the knowledge and skills to be prepared for an emergency, or to enjoy shorthanded sailing.

SAILBOATS IN CLOSE QUARTERS – DOCKING

TBD Workshop Leader

Boat handling skills for turning in tight spaces and docking will be practiced in the main basin, such as turning in the length of the vessel, reverse, speed control, etc. You will begin with hands on boat handling using buoys to simulate docking and then actually docking along a side tie. Onboard discussion and hands on practice will include: Boat Handling skills and hands-on practice, Leaving the dock, Maneuvering in tight quarters, Docking side tie, and Docking according to the wind direction.

POWERBOATS IN CLOSE QUARTERS – DOCKING

TBD Workshop Leader

Boat handling skills for turning in tight spaces and docking will be practiced in the main basin, such as turning in the length of the vessel, reverse, speed control, etc. You will begin with hands on boat handling using buoys to simulate docking and then actually dock along a side tie. Onboard discussion and hands on practice will include: Boat Handling skills and hands-on practice, Leaving the dock, Maneuvering in tight quarters, Docking side tie, and Docking according to the wind direction.

PERSONAL & CREW SAFETY – Hands-On

Captain Heather Gift & Captain David Ross Workshop Leaders

The workshop will begin onboard the boat with a short safety briefing before leaving the dock. Once in the open waters, you will learn about safety and how to handle the gear it takes to be a responsible skipper and boat owner. Captains Gift and Ross will demonstrate skipper and crew responsibilities when an emergency happens. Learn and use a VHF radio. You will practice the skills and gain the confidence to handle the VHF radio, place a Man Overboard GPS waypoint, understand what you should say and when you should call for help in emergencies. We will practice recovering a “person” overboard using a flotation device. Finally, in the marina, we will practice the “dance” of getting in and out of a dinghy.

SUNDAY MORNING 3 HOUR SEMINARS
9:30-12:30

OFFSHORE CRUISING, RACING, & DELIVERIES

Captain Stacy Sinclair Workshop Leader

Ever thought about taking a boat beyond the bay? What about beyond Catalina? Tour a cruising boat and get the feel for where and how to store equipment, spares, tools and provisions; learn the boat modifications to consider for double handing or sailing single handed; get many tips on how to live aboard comfortably and host current friends, and those to be, with mindfulness for you and your boat’s safety. Stacy will share what she has learned from world cruisers. Bring questions.

OFFSHORE WEATHER PLANNING

John Jourdane Workshop Leader

Offshore weather planning is crucial for safe passages. Offshore cruisers require accurate marine planning forecasts, severe weather advisory solutions with 6-10 day weather outlooks. With the forecast the navigator can make informed decisions for the crew’s comfort and safety during the passage. Our expert weather guru and offshore sailor will present methods and techniques so you can gather the reports and plan your cruise.

OVERBOARD – RESCUE TECHNIQUES

TBD Workshop Leader

One of your crew goes overboard, now what do you do? This workshop will cover techniques utilizing discussions, equipment; including Lifesling and tackle, throw lines, the Dan Buoy, and others, with hands on training. You will learn how to physically remove a person from the water. Teams will rotate, get in the water and perform procedures. The Lifesling will be demonstrated on board a vessel. An inflatable life raft will be opened for boarding practice. There will be discussions on key problem solving related to real-life scenarios to enhance your understanding. You will be empowered with the knowledge you need to always keep your crew safe.

SUNDAY 1.5 Hour Seminars
9:15-10:45

OFFSHORE PFD STYLES – PROs & CONs

Captain Leslie Washburn Workshop Leader

Have you ever been tempted to remove your PFD because your neck is chafed to the point of bleeding?

If you are heading offshore, you want to feel safe and know that your choices onshore will keep you safe. Four different PFDs will be laid out for you to try on. Owners will discuss pros and cons. Tethers, jacklines, D-ring attachments, PLBs, boat setups and SOPs will be reviewed. Participants determine which life jacket might be most appropriate for them and hear mistakes made and issues resolved by seasoned sailors.

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED RACING TACTICS

Champion Racer Bill Stump Workshop Leader

Sailboat racing is complicated. Successful racing requires split-second decisions based upon a changing array of strategic and tactical considerations. You need to gather the right info, evaluate your options, and communicate clearly to execute successfully. In this workshop Bill will discuss the elements of tactical decision making for you and your team so you will understand where to focus your attention to make the best decisions in all settings.

NIGHT NAVIGATION

Captain Heather Gift Workshop Leader

The dark hours don’t need to feel threatening. The visual horizon, reducing with darkness, needs to be replaced by the projection of spatial awareness. Break it down to focus on each of its components and layer by layer it will become a reliable comfort, effortlessly adjusting for tide, wind, waves and the quirks of your boat. Gain an understanding about the night sailing plan, the hazards in the dark, and night sailing equipment to get you through the night safely and confidently.

BUYING YOUR FIRST or NEXT BOAT

Denise George Workshop Leader

Buying your first, or your next boat, is an exciting adventure. It is easy to become confused. If you are a first timer or a seasoned boater, there are so many factors you must understand to choose the right boat for you, such as; choosing the right boat type, new or used, which brand, which model, and what is your budget?

Once you find the boat you know you would love to have you should understand the process to purchase it. Buying a boat is not like buying a car. Denise George is a well-known sailor, racer, boater and yacht broker. She will provide the information for you to walk into the dealership with the knowledge you need to complete the deal confidently and safely.

PREPARE THE BOAT BEFORE THE BIG STORM

TBD  Workshop Leaders

Weather events have the potential to seriously damage or even destroy your vessel. The time to create a plan and have it in place can help you to prepare your boat for many possible circumstances. This workshop will provide the steps to take when severe weather is forecast. Discussions about testing and implementing the procedures developed will provide the knowledge necessary to be prepared for what is coming at the right time… BEFORE THE STORM HITS.

SUNDAY MORNING 1.5 HOUR SEMINARS
11:00 to 12:30

AIS ESSENTIALS

Captain Jane Thomas Workshop Leader

AIS isn’t just little boats on the screen. Explore the features of AIS, how to read the displays as well as how to use the tool for safety with vectors and AIS overlays. Using real screen shots or live broadcasting, we will practice giving a helmsperson information on traffic including TCIP and range. Tips on managing information overload will be shared and discussed.

RACE COMMITTEE – BEYOND THE FLAGS

PRO Debbie Feinerman Workshop Leader

No one person can run a good regatta. It takes a team on land and on the water to have a successful event. Perhaps you’ve displayed class or course flags, taken some wind readings or written down sail numbers as boats crossed the finish line. But what does it all mean? This seminar focuses on what race committee does and why. Knowing how the pieces fit together will make you a more valuable member of the race committee team, enhance your enjoyment on the water, and produce better races for the competitors. 

Spoiler alert: It’s all about safety, and fun and fair racing!

RACING RULES – INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED

US SAILING Judge Bill Stump Workshop Leader

US SAILING Judge Stump will cover certain rules in depth, providing better understanding of the rules. You will build your confidence about what to do in crowded situations at the starting line, mark roundings and everywhere else. Knowing the rules is key for staying in control of your race and not getting pushed around by other boats.

OFFSHORE FIRST AID FOR NON-MEDICAL PERSONNEL

Captain Leslie Washburn Workshop Leader

Have you ever been the appointed the PIC for a medical emergency?

 

Risk reduction starts with keen observation and an inventory of skills and assets available. Whether a boat owner or invited crew, there are a lot of practical, easy to implement best practices to reduce risk.

Basics Covered

  1. Two Stage First Aid Kits
  2. Quantities and Selection
  3. Crew Prep before Stepping on the Boat
  4. SOAP Notes
  5. Communications to Shore
  6. Galley Suggestions

 

Real Life Examples to Debrief

  1. Tackle box first aid kit
  2. Man down, logging progression/deterioration
  3. Barfing belowdecks best practices
  4. Sharpie is your friend
  5. Cooking, knife work and other high-risk activities
  6. Best footwear for a Pacific rescue
  7. Head injury triage in a washing machine
  8. Garmin lesson learned

FOOD PLANNING & PREPARATION FOR LONG TERM CRUISING

Patricia Rose Workshop Leader

Getting ready to Provision for a long-term cruise? Learn how to menu plan for a longer trip, what to bring and what not to bring, how to shop for provisions and store them on your boat. Patricia will discuss food safety, and cooking tips to make sure your crew eats well and stays healthy on board. When you and your crew are well fed, the morale and energy level is high. Everyone will be strong, healthy and ready for their daily tasks.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON 3 HOUR SEMINARS
1:30 to 4:30

INTERMEDIATE SAILING – SAIL TRIM

Monica Chaban workshop leader

Intermediate sailing builds upon the basics, allowing you to venture farther and tackle more challenging conditions. While sailing on a larger sailboat, this workshop will cover how to interpret the weather utilizing the logic for the sail selection and set on your boat, as well as trimming for optimal performance and safety. There will be time to practice some maneuvers such as tacking, jibing and reefing while discussing unexpected situations.

INTERMEDIATE RACING

Captain Karyn Jones Lead Workshop Leader

The race committee boat will be on station and ready for you to go out and actually race. Please keep your true competitive spirit in check because as every phase of the race unfolds, your experienced skipper and coaches will be describing what is going on. They will discuss the steps involved in decision making, tacks, jibes, and wind and sea variables. The finish won’t be the end of the discussion, as a race debrief will follow. 

This is a great workshop for crew that have been racing for a few years, working as crew and is ready to learn more, more knowledge about the actual racing and not just pulling the strings.

INTERMEDIATE SPINNAKER SET & TRIM

Stine workshop leader

Practice more advanced spinnaker maneuvers, such as very quick set ups to launch time, reach to reach jibes, learn take downs to weather and to leeward, and how to fix a twisted kite. Drop the chute, pack it, and get the spinnaker back up quickly on the “other side” of the boat, and more. Great bow need to work quickly and problem solve. When the bow know the ins and outs of spinnakers, the kites will stay on the boat, won’t twist, and will launch and douse easily.

ADVANCED SAILING

Various workshop leaders

You will be sailing on PHRF A and B class boats. This workshop is for those who know how to crew in various positions but have not had the opportunity to sail on A or B class boat. Your coaches are the crew that sail on the boat and can direct and teach you what you need to know to gain the skill level to join as a crew on the powerful boats out there.

For this workshop, you must have an advanced intermediate to advanced skillset. You will be vetted. You must bring a proper PFD and sailing gear to be allowed to step on board.

ADVANCED SAIL TRIM

Brendan Huffman Workshop Leader

Achieving the optimal sail trim is the key to harnessing the maximum speed from your boat. Top sail trimmers are meticulous observers and regularly monitor how the sails are interacting with wind currents, wind shifts, etc. Learn in more detail the important principles of sail trim and discover insights for advances sailors keen on honing your trimming skills.

INCREASE YOUR RACING CHOPS BY OBSERVATION

US Sailing Judge Bill Stump & PRO Workshop Leader

Objective: Observe a race in action on the water to gain a stronger understanding of the whole picture.

In this workshop you will be an engaged observer of the race in real time with a US Sailing Judge. Bill will describe what is going on and what may be influencing the team’s decision making. The running commentary/conversations will include starting tactics, wind influences, sail trim, and the tactical decisions being made, etc., through the end of the race.

A proper PFD is required.

YOU ARE ON THE RACE COMMITTEE

PRO Debbie Feinerman workshop leader

The committee will run the starts for the sailing race workshops. During the setup and sequences, discussions will be presented to build your RC knowledge. The prime goal of the race committee is to offer safe, fair and fun competition to all. A good race committee starts on time, delivers clear racing instructions and signals, sets a precise course and adjusts promptly to changing wind and weather. A well­ organized race committee does a lot to set the tone for fair competition. the most important objective is to give competitors satisfaction, by setting a good starting line, setting a good course and finish line, and providing a racing event that is safe and fun, ashore and afloat. It requires foresight, detailed planning, and above all, teamwork!

LONG DISTANCE AND HEAVY WEATHER SAILING

Workshop Leader Captain Melody Kanschat

Ahh the dream….  Someday I’ll take my boat to Mexico. Maybe we can circumnavigate the Channel Islands?  How about an offshore overnight too?  My partner and I would like to retire and sail around…we could dream up so many options!

We’ve all had these dreams, but deciding where to start so you can begin this type of adventure safely can be the hardest first step. Captain Melody will share tips and tricks for assessing your (and your boat’s) readiness for long distance and heavy weather cruising.   She will focus on weather forecasts, bailout strategies, fuel burn rate, sail inventory, beefing up the rigging, and prepping for heavy weather before it happens.  You’ll tour her boat “Harmony” and talk through equipment, spares, tools, crew, preparation, and finances as you take the helm of your own dream of a lifetime.  

EMERGENCY DRILLS, PLAN & PRACTICE

Captain Leslie Washburn Workshop Leader

When the crew is trained then the likelihood of success in an emergency is far greater. Success means saving lives. This workshop will begin by running through a series of specific onboard emergencies and typical responses. With that discussion in mind, we will head offshore and you will respond to one or more simulated emergency situations onboard. After each simulation, we will conduct a debrief and share insights and lessons learned. Participants will rotate in positions to gain a more well-rounded view of roles and requirements. Weather and time permitting, we will practice a MOB drill and recovery using a Lifesling.