The Racing School curriculum consists of the courses described below:

Basic Sailor - This is the perfect course for students new to sailing :-) No prior experience is required. Students will learn basic sailboat handling, tacking and gybing, the basic rules of the road (port tack vs starboard tack) and will learn the different points of sail (close hauled, beam reach, broad reach and running downwind). In addition students will be introduced to sailboat racing, the typical windward/leeward course used during most races, the different sails used for upwind and downwind sailing, and the mechanics of raising and lowering the sails while rounding the marks. After completing the Basic Sailor course, students will be able perform the most typical crew positions. Next course: "The Spinnaker!" :-)

Advanced Sailor - Students will learn foredeck and will learn how to fly a spinnaker. In addition students will learn advanced racing techniques and will start learning how to drive a sailboat in all points of sail. After completing this course, students will be able to direct all aspects of rigging the boat, including selecting the appropriate headsail and tuning the shroud tension according to the wind conditions, setting the sails, running all lines, preparing the spinnaker and filling the ice chest with, umm, beverages :-) The student will be aided by experienced instructors but the student will direct all aspects of the operation. This prepares the students for the day when they own a sailboat and gives them the knowledge needed to direct their friends. Next course: "Heavy Weather!" :-)

Master Sailor - Students will master how to drive and race a sailboat under various weather conditions and will gain confidence by knowing what to expect and how to react if the wind picks up! At this point, master students will be typically participating as crew in local AYC races and out-of-town regattas. After completing this course, students will be able to direct all aspects of lowering and stepping the mast, including positioning the boat at the crane, lowering the crane boom, releasing forestay and backstay, releasing inner shrouds, attaching crane strap to mast, releasing outer shrouds, detaching mast from baseplate, raising mast above deck, and lowering mast onto the bow and stern pulpits. The student will be aided by experienced instructors but the student will direct all aspects of the operation. Next course: "The Solo Flight!" :-)

Black Belt Sailor - This is the equivalent of the "solo" flight :-) Upon completing this course, the student will skipper a sailboat during an AYC race and will be in charge of all aspects of the race, including pulling the boat out of the dry sail area, launching the boat on the ramp and driving the boat during the race. The student will be in charge during the entire day as if they owned the boat. The student will be aided by experienced instructors but the student will give directions to the instructors as if they were beginners. This prepares the students for the day when they own a sailboat and gives them the knowledge needed to direct their friends. Students who complete the Black Belt course are ready to own a sailboat and start racing. They will have confidence in their abilities and will be ready to invite their friends to go sailing.