The purpose of this program is to provide a less stressful way of introducing new or prospective racers to the sport. They can see how it works in their own boat with their own crew with an experienced racer on board near the skipper, talking them through the various maneuvers and rules. This will give skipper and crew experience working in closer quarters with other boats that have different handling characteristics and levels of crew experience. This will give new racers an appreciation of the challenges involved and why many sailors enjoy the racing experience.

The first session is on Victoria Day, Monday, May 24, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in MCC’ Flag Room for orientation and basics (about a two hour talk). The skippers and crew are introduced to safety, the basic rules, starting sequence, tactics and strategies of yacht racing during a "PowerPoint" presentation. We welcome existing racers to sit in, as this is a good refresher and will help your crew become more knowledgeable.

We practice the next 6 Monday evenings (to the end of June). We go through the regular starting sequence with sound and visual signals. Occasionally, other racers may join the practice sessions for new boat or new crew experience. Each boat progresses at its own pace and the skipper should become comfortable with most situations that arise.

Last year we often got together for do-it-ourselves BBQ, salad and refreshments after each session.
New participants in this program could be eligible for free registration in the EYC Summer and Fall racing series.

More details to come.