How to Get the Most Out of this Clinic

Have Fun
We want this to be an enjoyable day. Our goal is for you to learn a lot, improve your sailing/racing skills - and have fun too.

Be Ready to Go
Arrive early enough to get your boat rigged and be ready to go when the Clinic begins.

A Full Day of Sailing - Pace Yourself
This clinic will be filled with on-the-water sailing activities. You will be doing more sailing in one day than usual. Pace yourself. If you get tired, sit out a drill or two.

Try New Things
This Clinic offers you a unique opportunity to try new things. Don't just get better at doing things the way you have alwys done them. Instead, learn newer, better ways. Try starting at many different places on the starting line. Try coming in to marks in a variety of ways and from different angles. Try that different technique for sailing by the lee or roll tacking - or whatever you have been wanting to try. In a race situation, you might hesitate to try something new because you don't want to take a chance on losing the race if it doesn't work. But here nobody is keeping score and it is not important whether you win or lose. It is important to learn something or improve your technique.

Be Safe
Sail safely and in control. Remember Racing Rule Number 1: Don't hit other boats. No playing bumper boats. Always be aware of the other boats and avoid collisions no matter what. Be in complete control of your own boat.

Drills
The Clinic uses Drills as the main vehicle for you to learn and improve. Before going on the water, the coaches will explain the drills that will be used. Listen carefully to the purpose of each drill and use the drills to improve yourself.

The Purpose of Drills
Most Drills will be in a racing style format - and will include a start and a small course. HOWEVER, remember the main purpose of the Clinic is to improve your sailing and have fun - not beat someone else around the course.

Meeting Up
If the Coach gives the signal to "meet up", come to a stop on starboard tack to leeward of and close to the Coach Boat and put your boat in the safety position. This makes it easier for the Coach to talk to all the sailors at one time while you are on the water.

Watch For Coaches
As you sail, Coaches will often follow you very closely in a Coach Boat - giving instructions, taking video or simply observing. The drivers will try very hard not to be in your way - but remember to avoid hitting Coach Boats just as you avoid hitting other sailboats.

Speak Up
If you have a question, a special technique you want to work on, or have a problem - please let one of the Coaches know. This will help make the Clinic worthwhile and fun for you.