Twin Cities Sailing Club 2013 Handbook

Twin Cities Sailing Club
2013 Handbook
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This handbook belongs to
Table of Contents
Welcome to our Sailing Club .................................................................................................................. 3 2013 Executive Committee & Boat Captains.......................................................................................... 3 Club Sailing Times – Tuesdays @ 5:30-8:00PM / Saturdays @ 9:00-11:30AM .................................... 4 Club Sailing – Roles & Duties................................................................................................................. 4 Membership Expectations ...................................................................................................................... 5 The “Deal" .............................................................................................................................................. 6 The “Skipper-Out” Process ..................................................................................................................... 6 Club Rules .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Boat Maintenance & Upkeep .................................................................................................................. 7 Orientation & Expectations for Club Sailing Days .................................................................................. 8 Rigging & Derigging................................................................................................................................ 9 Knots .................................................................................................................................................... 10 Points of Sail......................................................................................................................................... 11 Tacking (Coming About) ....................................................................................................................... 12 Jibing (aka Gybing)............................................................................................................................... 12 In and Out of Irons ................................................................................................................................ 13 Parts of a Sailboat (diagram) ................................................................................................................ 14 Slowing and Stopping ........................................................................................................................... 15 Man Overboard..................................................................................................................................... 15 Leaving the Dock .................................................................................................................................. 16 Landing at the Dock.............................................................................................................................. 16 Capsizing .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Right of Way Rules ............................................................................................................................... 18 Sailing Terms ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Racing – Got a Need for Speed? ......................................................................................................... 20 Thank You ............................................................................................................................................ 22 2011 Boats and Buoys ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Senior Skippers .................................................................................................................................... 22 TCSC Suggested Reading List............................................................................................................. 22 Visit the Twin Cities Sailing Club online at http://tcsailing.com or the Online Skipper Scheduler at
http://tcsailing.com/oss/
Or visit the Discussion Forum (for members only, powered by Google Groups) at:
https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/tcsailing
Sign up for Jibs & Jibes, our weekly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jJ5Fr
Twin Cities Sailing Club Handbook 2013
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Welcome to our Sailing Club
The Twin Cities Sailing Club is a nonprofit organization for adults of all skill
levels interested in sailing. Our goal is to
provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming
environment for all members.
The club’s guiding philosophy.
When you join the Twin Cities Sailing
Club, you are not just learning to sail or
sailing boats. It’s so much more than
that. You are joining a community of
fun-loving people dedicated to the sport
of sailing. Our sailing club is operated
much like a cooperative; it is owned and
operated by the members for our own benefit. As much as possible, the club promotes a “self-service”
philosophy, meaning that your experience is dependent upon your initiative. More than anything
else, individual member initiative is what creates a positive experience for each individual
member – and improves the club as a whole.
Become a Skipper!
You are encouraged to become a club-certified Skipper by learning how to sail and passing through
the Skipper-Out Process. In addition to the prestige and honor that comes with being a Sailing Club
Skipper, the biggest benefit is that you will gain access to club boats outside of club times. Information
on all required sailing skills is included in this handbook, but we believe the best way to learn is to
show up and sail!
20112 Executive Committee & Boat Captains
Executive committee officers and captains are group of elected and appointed officers who volunteer
their time and are responsible for managing the day to day operation of the club.
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Treasurer
Secretary
Head Instructor
Assistant Instructor
Racing Coordinator
Fleet Co-Captain
Fleet Co-Captain
Shore Team Coordinator
New Member Coordinator
Shed Captain
Boat Acquisition/Divestment
Technology Coordinator
Officer-At-Large
Officer-At-Large
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Twin Cities Sailing Club Handbook 2013
Walton Stanley <walton.stanley@mm.com>
Sarah Wisneski <sarahwisneski@gmail.com>
Kraig Larson <kraig@ciceron.com>
Leif Helgeson <lhx141@gmail.com>
Ramona Barbeau <ramonalbarbeau@aol.com>
Lori Tolonen <loritolonen@msn.com>
Blayne Field <blayne.field@gmail.com>
John Berg <skipper.johnb@gmail.com>
Mike McDonald <michaelwmcdonald@comcast.net>
Matt Stark <gov.squid@gmail.com>
Stephen Manuszak <stephen.manuszak@gmail.com>
Christy Mattingly <teacherinpastlife@gmail.com>
Brian Cermak <brian.cermak@gmail.com>
Jason Curtis <jasongcurtis@gmail.com>
Donovan Walker <donovan.walker@gmail.com>
Jeffrey Seewald <jeff.seewald@gmail.com>
Tony Steinhagen <t.p.steinhagen@gmail.com>
Jemiah Aitch <jemiaha@gmail.com>
Joe Allen <averagejoe417@yahoo.com>
Page 3 of 22
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Boat Captain
Social Coordinator
Jibs and Jybes
Boat Launch
Boat Pull
Apostle Islands
John Berg <skipper.johnb@gmail.com>
Colin Campbell <cln.cmbl@gmail.com>
Stephen Collins <sec@umn.edu>
Jamie Fraser <jamie@widernets.com>
Geo Giuliani <marygeogiuliani@gmail.com>
Russ Kuenzi <rjkuenzi@comcast.net>
Christy Mattingly <teacherinpastlife@gmail.com>
Henry Pawlowski <henrypawlowski@yahoo.com>
Don Remington <dreming@aol.com>
Laura Silver <lauransilver@gmail.com>
Dennis Silvers <dennisandkathy@msn.com>
David Smith <dsmithmn@yahoo.com>
Jerry Tennis <jerrytnns@yahoo.com>
Aaron Vap <minnvaps@gmail.com>
Lisa Franek <franekli@gmail.com>
Kara Fancy <kara345@gmail.com>
Joel Neisen <joel@g-ware.org>
Tony Steinhagen <t.p.steinhagen@gmail.com>
Jeffrey Seewald <jeff.seewald@gmail.com>
Club Sailing – Tuesdays @ 5:30-8:00PM / Saturdays @ 9:00-11:30AM
Arrive at the Lake Harriet boat shed (north end of lake by boat ramp, just east of the band shell). If
possible, arrive 15-20 minutes early to help row and retrieve a boat or otherwise help set up. Boat
assignments are first come, first serve – so sign-in with the Shore Team as soon as you arrive.
Sunday Club Sailing @ 1:00-3:30PM
In addition, there will also be club sailing for the first 6 weeks of the season, through mid-June (except
for Memorial Day weekend).
Sign-In and Getting on a Boat (Don’t forget to wear a name tag!)
Crew Members / Learners
OSS Skippers
1. Sign in on the clipboard.
1. Report to and sign-in with the Dock
Captain.
2. The Dock Captain will assign you to a boat and
direct you to your skipper, or ask you to
volunteer for other tasks.
2. The Dock Captain will assign you a boat,
and assign crew as they arrive.
Club Sailing is managed by the Shore Team: a Dock Captain and 2 Mates (assistants). This rotating
volunteer staff is made up of Executive Committee (board of directors) and other club volunteers.
When you are signing-in and waiting to be assigned a boat, please be patient. Club Sailing
procedures can be a little chaotic – especially in May or with many new members, but they do work to
get crew and skippers sailing.
Club Sailing – Roles & Duties
Dock Captain – overall coordinator during club sailing; assigns skippers and crew to boats; assesses
safety of weather conditions; ensures boats are on buoys at end of sailing.
Shore Team: First Mate – greets people as they arrive; facilitates sign-in; coordinates volunteers to
assist Dock Captain or Second Mate; handles paper work; answers questions.
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Shore Team: Second Mate – manages traffic to and from the dock; coordinates tenders and boat
retrieval; helps train new members on rigging and rowing tenders.
Skippers (Volunteer Instructors) – not formal instructors. Club members who have completed the
Skipper-Out Process volunteer twice per month to help teach other members how to sail. Skippers are
also allowed access to club boats outside of club sailing times.
Crew – usually a newer member or someone not yet skippered-out, but skippers can be crew when
they are not doing “skipper duty” or are still learning sailing instruction.
Before You Set Sail
Volunteering at the Dock
• Required: everyone must have a PFD
(personal floatation device, or life preserver) to
sail
After being assigned to a
boat, the Dock Captain or
First Mate may ask you to:
• Recommended: sailing gloves, sunglasses,
sun block, hat, etc.
• Wait on shore or at your
boat for your skipper
• Valuables – please leave all valuables in your
car or at home. We cannot store items for you
while you are on the lake.
• Assist the Second Mate
on the dock
• Car keys and small stuff – clip to your PFD or
swim trunks.
• Cell phones – it is not recommended to bring
your cell phone with you.
• You may want to visit the restrooms at the
concessionary BEFORE signing in and
BEFORE being assigned to a boat. Don’t hold
up your boat because you have to go pee.
• Collect tenders and
working oars
• Learn how to row a
tender, or train
someone
• Help retrieve your boat
from the buoy field
After Sailing –
Returning to the
Dock
• You are
responsible for
de-rigging the
boat and
bringing the
boat back to the
buoy.
• Report any
damage to the
Shore Team.
• Volunteer to
help others
returning to the
dock.
• Help repair or clean a
boat
OSS: The Online Skipper & Shore Team Scheduler
http://tcsailing.com/oss/ This is the club’s web-based scheduling tool for skippers (instructors) and for
shore team. It also doubles as the Club Member Directory. Ask the Membership Coordinator
(membership@tcsailing.com) for password access.
For Skippers - as part of the The Deal, skippers must volunteer 2x/month for skipper duty during club
sailing times.
For Shore Team Volunteers - once you’ve completed Shore Team training, you can volunteer to be
First Mate or Second Mate or Dock Captain on club sailing days.
Membership Expectations
The Twin Cities Sailing Club recognizes that its membership is a diverse mixture of backgrounds,
cultures, faiths, ages, genders, orientations and sailing abilities that adds to its vitality and the positive
experience of its members. The club thrives, thanks to the members who volunteer their time to
maintain our fleet, manage club activities, and instruct new sailors. A main objective of the club is to
establish a welcoming environment free from harassment and discrimination and one that promotes
Twin Cities Sailing Club Handbook 2013
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mutual respect, trust and open communication. As a member of the club, you agree to abide by the
club’s policy prohibiting sexual harassment (available on our website). The expectation is that you as
a member will share these values and strive to treat every member fairly and equally with dignity and
respect. Club leaders will help obtain our objective by modeling the positive behavior they wish to see,
being available to hear any and all complaints, managing these complaints, handling conflicts in a fair,
consistent and confidential manner, and consulting the Executive Committee when necessary.
The “Deal"
Once you have learned to sail the boats in our fleet, you are eligible to become a “Skipper”. This
means that you have demonstrated a certain level of sailing skills and taken our proficiency exam. No
one can join the club for the first time and immediately be a Skipper. However, all members are
eligible to become Skippers. After becoming a Skipper, you are granted special privileges including
having first-come, first-serve access to all boats in the fleet during non-club times, access to racing,
and additional training opportunities such as "Skipper Week". You will also receive a discount off
membership dues ($50 off in 2013) when you re-join the Club in as a Skipper in future years. In
exchange, all Skippers are required to give back to the Club and volunteer as a sailing instructor for
other members on at least two club sailing days per month. When a member “Skippers Out” in the
middle of a season, they are allowed a 4 to 6 week grace period to build their confidence and comfort
before they must start teaching as a “Skipper” on club sailing days. New skippers are encouraged to
use this time to sail with very experienced “Senior Skippers”, to build their confidence. A Skipper's
privileges may be revoked if the Skipper does not meet the obligations of this “Deal”. Alternative
arrangements may be made to fulfill this obligation to give back to the Club (boat maintenance
volunteers), but those arrangements must be made with the Commodore prior to joining the Club or
becoming a Skipper.
The “Skipper-Out” Process
There are many benefits to becoming a Sailing Club “Skipper” including the ability to take out club
boats during non-club times and enter races on Lake Harriet. New members with significant previous
sailing experience may be eligible for a fast-track Skipper-Out process. If you believe you might
qualify, contact the Club’s Head Instructor. Members interested in becoming a Skipper, but new to
sailing, must follow the “Skipper-Out” process:
1. Obtain a “Skipper-Out Card” from the Dock Captain. Hang on to this card!!! Think of it as a
passport to Skipper-dom. All of the skills that you need to know to become a Skipper are listed
on this card and explained in this handbook. If you don’t understand something, just ask a
Skipper!
2. Practice your skills. You are responsible for your own development towards becoming a
Skipper. Come to the dock at club times. Skippers will be available to sail with you and
practice your skills. If club times aren’t enough, talk to a Skipper about practicing outside of
club times, or ask on the Club’s Google Groups Discussion Board.
3. Ask a Skipper to initial a skill box. When you are ready to test a skill, tell your Skipper. You
need to demonstrate proficiency at a skill in order for the Skipper to sign your card. Some skills
require more or fewer initials than others.
4. Skipper for a Day. When you have finished all the skill boxes on your Skipper Card, you will
be ready to practice at teaching others how to sail. An experienced Skipper will sail with you,
but you will act as the instructor for other members learning their sailing skills.
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5. Turn in your completed Skipper-Out Card to the Dock Captain after all skill boxes (except
the Final Written Exam) has been initialed by a Skipper.
6. Pass the Written Exam. The Dock Captain will arrange to administer the written exam to you.
You need to score at least 90% on the Written Exam to pass. You will discuss your results with
your exam administrator.
7. Obtain your Skipper Packet. Upon successful completion of the Written Exam, you will
receive a Skipper Packet that contains a certificate, information on the benefits and
responsibilities of a being a Skipper, and tips on how to be a great Skipper. Your exam
administrator will discuss and review the packet, benefits and expectations with you.
Club Rules
1. There must be a Twin Cities Sailing Club Skipper on board a Sailing Club sailboat when under
sail. That Skipper is fully responsible for the sailboat.
2. Guests must have a signed Sailing Club liability waiver on file with the club before they can
sail on a Sailing Club sailboat.
3. Everyone on a Sailing Club sailboat or tender must have a lifejacket on board. Guests under
age 18 and non-swimmers must wear their lifejacket at all times while on board.
4. Each Sailing Club sailboat must have a paddle, bailing bucket, and throw-able flotation
device onboard.
5. Before sailing any boat, look over the boat to make sure everything is in working order.
6. In the event of a capsize, all sailors must stay with the sailboat. Our sailboats usually float
when capsized.
7. If something breaks on a Sailing Club sailboat, the Skipper in charge should either make the
repair or report the damage to tcsc-boat-repair@googlegroups.com
8. If a member of Sailing Club causes damage to a non-club boat or property with a Sailing
Club sailboat, the Skipper in charge must report to the Commodore.
9. Sailing Club sailboats are reserved for and during regularly scheduled club times.
10. Sailing Club sailboats cannot be reserved for pleasure sailing. First-come, first-served is
the rule when there are no scheduled club times or races.
11. Sailing Club sailboats must be reserved with the Racing Coordinator for use during
scheduled LHYC races.
12. Sailing Club sailboats must be tied up to their assigned buoys on the lake after use.
13. Sailing Club sailboats can be sailed only on the lake where they are moored unless you get
prior permission from the Commodore.
14. Sailing Club sailboats can be sailed only during daylight hours.
15. Sailing Club sailboats cannot be sailed when lightning is visible at the lake. Return to the
dock if already out.
16. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Sailing Club sailboats.
Boat Maintenance & Upkeep
The Twin Cities Sailing Club’s fleet of boats is its most precious asset. As a Twin Cities Sailing Club
member, you share the responsibility of keeping the fleet in sailable condition.
The Guiding Philosophies of Twin Cities Sailing Club Boat Maintenance:
1. Assume an ownership attitude. The Twin Cities Sailing Club operates like a cooperative; all
Sailing Club members are part owners of the club’s assets. Please treat the boats like they
belong to you.
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2. Before Setting Sail. Before sailing any boat, review the boat’s sail and lines and moving parts
to make sure that everything appears to be in a safe and sailable condition.
3. If you break something, help fix it. Begin by emailing a message to tcsc-boatrepair@googlegroups.com with as much information as possible. At a minimum, include the
boat name and a description of the problem. Also include your name and contact information
so we can ask questions if needed. If you are not able to post to the message board, please
contact one of the Fleet Captains, found in this sailing handbook. During club times, please
leave a note on the white board posted near the sail shed. Be sure to ask the Fleet Captain
what you can do to help make the repair. Tie a bailer to the mast to communicate that the boat
is not in sailable condition.
4. Volunteer. There are maintenance events throughout the season that will require the help of
the Sailing Club’s members. Please set aside some time to help in these pursuits.
a. Boat launch and boat pull. These activities to transport our boats to and from Lake
Harriet at the beginning and end of the season are labor intensive. Your help will be
much appreciated, particularly if you own a car with a hitch and can haul our boats
to/from storage.
b. Boat maintenance days. Periodic boat maintenance days will be organized
throughout the season. On these days, club members will perform major and minor
repairs and general boat cleaning.
Having access to a great selection of well-maintained vessels is a big part of having a great
Sailing Club experience.
Orientation & Expectations for Club Sailing Days
Parking. Parking abounds near the sailing shed. A relatively inexpensive Park Patron Parking Pass
may be purchased from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (www.minneapolisparks.org). Free
on-street parking is usually available around the lake. A convenient area to the west of the lake is
near the intersection of W. 42nd St and S. Queen Ave. On the north side of the lake is free parking
along Lake Harriet Parkway near the North beach.
What to bring: The focus is on being safe and comfortable while sailing. Only one piece of gear is
required to sail with the club: a personal flotation device (aka a PFD or lifejacket). A PFD can be
purchased at most sporting goods stores. The following items are optional, but recommended:
• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (filtered, w/ UV protection), lip block.
• Appropriate dress. Warm clothes on cool days. Light, but protective clothes on warm days.
Keep in mind you might get wet! It may be nice to keep a change of clothes and towel in your
car. Quick-drying shorts or pants work well.
• Water or a drink to keep you hydrated while on the water.
• Non-marking deck shoes, sailing gloves, a dry bag (to keep keys and phones dry.) There is
no place to store personal items on shore. If you can't bring it on the boat, don't bring it.
Bad weather. Inclement weather may force the club to cancel a Club Sailing day (Tuesday nights or
Saturday mornings). Conditions will be assessed at the dock. The decision whether or not the club will
sail will be made - and announced - at the dock only.
Weekly newsletter - The club’s weekly electronic newsletter, Jibs & Jibes, contains the most up-todate information about club happenings and events, including information about racing, learning
opportunities, and mixers. This email is sent to all members each week during the season. If you are
not receiving this important newsletter, sign up here: http://eepurl.com/jJ5Fr
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Website - The club’s web site is http://tcsailing.com. Important information, especially as it pertains to
the public and potential new members, is posted here.
Google Group Discussion Forum - Club members use Google Groups to connect with each other to
sail outside of club times, to report maintenance issues, and much more.
https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/tcsailing To get access, send your email
address to membership@tcsailing.com
Club Document Library – An archive of club information for members and the Executive Committee.
Use your Google account (the same username and password your use for the Google Groups
Discussion Forum) to log in: http://tcsc.tcsailing.com. just login using the same username and
password as you use for the Google Groups message board.
Rigging & Derigging
To “rig” a boat is simply to make it ready to sail. A boat’s rigging includes the lines and wires keeping
the sail, mast and boom in place, and includes some colorful jargon. You will eventually learn to adjust
the rigging on any boat in the Sailing Club.
Before rigging a boat:
1. Assess wind conditions to determine if it is safe/manageable to row a boat from a buoy to the
dock. If it’s safe…
2. Row out to the boat and tow it back to the dock.
To rig the boat:
1. Remove the cover, stow it in the hull, get out the jib sail.
2. Safety check: Do you have a:
• Bailer?
• Paddle?
• Throw-able flotation device?
• PFD for everyone on board?
3. Do a “once-over”:
• Is there excessive water in the hull? (If so, bail it.)
• Is anything obviously broken? (If so, report it.)
• Is it dirty? (If so, clean it.)
4. Undo the zipper knot on the main sail. Unroll the sail. Find the head.
5. Loosen the main sheet (you need a lot of slack!), boomvang, outhaul
6. Attach the halyard to the main sail.
7. Confirm you are ready to depart the dock and that you have a plan for departure.
8. Raise the mainsail.
9. Attach the cunningham. (MC)
10. Adjust the outhaul, and boomvang, cunningham. (MC)
11. Raise the jib sail, if applicable. Ready the jib sheets.
12. Make sure the rudder is down and free of weeds.
13. Stow all free lines, covers, and personal belongings away, so they stay dry and stay out of
your way.
14. Put the board(s) down.
15. Plan your path of leaving the dock. Communicate with your crew.
To de-rig the boat:
1. Lower the mainsail. Roll it and secure with the zipper knot.
2. Raise the boards, close bailers (on the MCs)
3. Put the cover back on.
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Knots
Knots are very important to a sailor. Securing a boat to a dock, raising the mainsail and rigging the jib
sheets are all aspects of sailing that require knots. Sailors may use many other knots, but these four
will cover most situations.
FIGURE 8 à
This knot is used as a stopper knot to prevent a line from
slipping through a block or fairlead. (See sailing terms.)
ß SQUARE KNOT
This knot is used for tying two lines of equal thickness together. Take
two lines, tie the right over the left (as one ties a shoe) then do the
opposite (i.e. left over right).
THE BOW LINE à
The bowline knot produces a loop that will not slip. It is one of the
most common sailing knots. This knot will also undo quite easily
after placed under considerable strain.
ß THE ZIPPER KNOT
Our club uses this knot to secure the rolled main sail to the boom AND to
stow the main sheet where it will stay dry. When done correctly, it is
simple to untie the end knot and “unzip” the mainsheet when preparing to
rig a boat.
It consists of a series of loops, one inside the
other, using the main sheet, starting with a loop around the boom rest, and
continuing forward along the boom, securing the rolled sail, ending with a
simple knot such as a half hitch.
THE CLEAT HITCH à
The cleat hitch is used to tie a boat to a cleat on the dock. This knot is easily
tied and untied. It is also used to secure the halyard to the cleat on at the
base of the mast.
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Points of Sail
Points of sail refer to the
position of the boat in relation
to the wind. The Sailing Club
identifies three primary points
of sail: close hauled, reach and
run.
Close hauled - Close hauled
is as close to the wind as a
sailboat can sail. A boat is
considered to be sailing close
hauled when the bow is 45
degrees or less from the wind.
At this point of sail, the sails of
the boat should be sheeted all
the way in and the boat will
probably tilt to the side, also
know as “heeling”. The telltale
on the shroud opposite from
the main sail will be pointing
mostly towards the aft of the
boat with a slight inclination
towards the main sail.
If the boat heels farther than
you are comfortable, “sheet
out” or “head up”. That is, let
out the main sheet or turn the
boat slightly more into the
wind.
The term “beating” refers to
sailing up wind by tacking,
from one close hauled position
to another. This maneuver
makes a zigzag pattern.
Reach - A reach is a middle-ground point of sail. As noted in the diagram on the previous page, there
are three kinds of reaches: close, beam and broad. Your sails should be not too tight, not all the way
out, and you will probably not heel. The telltale opposite from the main sail will point towards the main
sail. On a broad reach the telltale will point squarely towards the main sail.
This point of sail works well for beginners and a broad reach is (arguably) the fastest point of sail for
the scows.
Run - A run is when the wind is blowing from behind the boat. This point of sail is also referred to as
“sailing down wind”. A boat is considered to be on a run when it is roughly 155 degrees to 180
degrees from the wind. With the wind at your back, the sails should be let out all the way. With a jib,
you can sail “wing on wing”, the only point of sail to have the jib and main on opposite sides of the
boat. A run is a safe point of sail, but…
Twin Cities Sailing Club Handbook 2013
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Beware! When the wind is coming over the same side of the boat the main sail is on, you are sailing
by the lee. At this point an accidental jibe is possible. This extreme point of sail should be avoided by
executing a controlled jibe as soon as possible or by steering the boat to head up. Waves, wind
switches, even weight shifts can make a boat jibe. Keep an eye on the wind and the weight on the
boat distributed evenly.
Tacking (Coming About)
Tacking is the way in which a boat can get to a point directly
upwind from its current position. The actual procedure of tacking
is when a boat on one tack (port for example), passes its bow
through the wind until the sails fill on the other side (to a
starboard tack). Tacking is a simple process, but to ensure the
safety of both the skipper and the crew there are five steps to
follow.
Steps to Tack:
1. The Skipper looks around to ensure there is enough room to
execute the tack.
2. The Skipper alerts the crew by yelling “Ready about!”
3. The crew replies “Ready!”
4. The Skipper will then yell "Tacking!” or “Hard-a-lee!”, and
push the tiller towards the main sail to turn the bow into the
wind.
5. The crew releases the jib sheet on the leeward side. Then
as the boat assumes its position on the opposite tack, the
crew trims the jib sheet in on other side.
6. The Skipper is responsible for controlling the mainsheet and boat direction during the tack.
For safety reasons, both the skipper and the crew should clear themselves of any lines or
obstacles before tacking.
Tacking is a relatively safe maneuver compared to jibing.
Jibing (aka Gybing)
Jibing occurs as a boat travels away
from the wind (downwind), as opposed
to tacking where the boat travels into
the wind. Jibing is also different from
tacking in that jibing crosses the stern
of the boat through the wind - not the
bow.
During a jibe, the skipper and the crew
must be careful to communicate with
one another. They must also keep their
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heads low where it is convenient to do so. Due to the nature of a jibe, it is not always possible to
control the movement of the boom. For this reason, the crew and skipper should be aware of where
the wind is coming from and how the boom is behaving.
Steps to Jibe
1. The skipper should steer the boat so that the boat sails by the lee.
2. The skipper should alert crew by: “Ready to Jibe!”
3. The crew will reply “Ready!”, when they are ready.
4. The skipper will yell “Jibe Ho!” to indicate that the boat is jibing. The skipper will also push the
tiller slightly away from the main sail so that the stern of the boat passes through the wind.
5. Then, in a controlled manner, the skipper will use the mainsheet to pull the boom over to the
other side.
6. The crew should undo the jib sheet on the leeward side of the sailboat, and then the crew
should pull the jib sheet on the other side of the boat.
Communicate! Watch the wind! Keep your head low!
In and Out of Irons
When the boat is pointed straight
into the wind, you are “in irons” –
you will lose all momentum, and thus
all steering.
To Get IN Irons
• Loosen the sails, point the boat
into the wind, drift.
• Practice this often until you have
the feel for how long a boat will
continue its momentum in
different conditions.
To Get OUT of Irons
Steps to get out of irons are similar
to steps to leave the dock.
• As the boat drifts backwards,
push the tiller in the direction you
wish the boat to go. This causes
the bow of the boat to move
away from the wind.
• Drift backwards until the sail fills. Sheet in and sail away!!
• It may also help to “backwind” the sail. Grab the boom and pull it to the “wrong” side of the boat, to
try to catch some wind.
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Parts of a Sailboat (diagram)
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Slowing and Stopping
There are safer alternatives to going into irons if you need to stop your boat in the middle of the water.
Knowing how to stop you boat is an important part of being safe on the water and is useful when
changing skippers, picking up a man overboard, or just taking a moment to catch your breath.
Heaving To
Heaving to the best way to stop a larger boat and works in the dinghies we sail at TCSC, too. To
heave to, start to tack the boat but do not pass the jib. Let the mainsail out and help it luff over the
leeward side of the boat. Keep the tiller pushed to leeward. The tiller and the backed jib will balance
against one another when a boat is Hove To. Heaving to is a great technique to use when you want to
reef you sail while on the lake.
Safety Position
The safety position is an alternative to Heaving To, often taught for dinghy sailing. To execute the
safety position, head to a close haul, let you sails luff to leeward and push your tiller slightly to lee to
keep the boat pointed to a close reach. The safety position is the final step of the man-overboard drill.
Man Overboard
This term is fairly self-explanatory, but very important. The man overboard procedure is applied to a
number of situations, including rescuing an individual or recovering dropped equipment. The steps to
perform a proper man overboard procedure are as follows:
1. If the person does not
have a life jacket,
immediately throw one.
If available, designate a
crew member to spot
the MOB position.
2. If the skipper will be
sailing alone, sail with
only the mainsail.
3. Immediately sail on a
beam reach heading
away from the MOB.
4. Head up to a close
hauled point of sail and
prepare to tack.
5. Tack. Continue bearing
away and head down to
a deep broad reach.
6. Cross your reach wake line until you are down wind from the MOB. As soon as the MOB is aft
of your beam, head up to a close reach. Approach the victim on a course of approximately 60
degrees off the wind.
7. Luff your sails and approach the MOB at the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage.
If you need more power, trim the mainsail appropriately.
8. Establish contact with the victim on the leeward side of the boat.
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Leaving the Dock
Assess Conditions: Prior to even
rowing out to get the boat with the
tender, assess conditions. This
includes evaluating the:
1. Wind speed (Is the wind
too strong? Look at the
flags.)
2. Weather (Are there
thunderstorms in the
forecast?)
3. Waves (Are there
whitecaps? Is the lake
calm?)
4. Ability of the crew (Have
they sailed before?)
5. Appropriateness of the
boat you intend to sail.
Prior to leaving the dock: Before
leaving any environment:
1. Locate hazards and dangers around your departure area.
2. Plan a route before leaving the dock.
3. Plan alternate routes if something were to happen on the original route.
Leaving the dock:
1. Once settled in the boat, crew unties boat from dock.
2. With the sail luffing, push back from the dock.
3. Push the tiller in the direction you want the bow to head.
4. Drift away until the bow has swung 45 degrees away from the wind. Then straighten the tiller,
trim the sheets, and sail!
Landing at the Dock
Before landing at the dock, make your plan. Discuss the plan with everyone on board. Look around!
Are there other boats arriving/leaving soon?
Your goal: to drift slowly into irons while the boat is pointed directly at the dock, so the boat stops just
inches away from the dock.
1. Sail for a point two or
three boat lengths
downwind of the dock.
2. Roll up the jib sail,
especially if on a roller
furling.
3. Luff the main sail to
lose momentum. Trim
and ease the main
sheet to speed up or
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slow down your approach.
4. When directly downwind of the dock, turn into the wind and loosen all sheets.
5. Lose momentum and drift towards the dock.
6. Crew member will grab the painter and step onto the dock.
In the above diagram, Figure B shows a good landing.
Figure C shows a landing that is too cautious. (The boat goes into irons before reaching the dock.)
Figure D shows a landing that is too bold. Don’t do this! People could get hurt, and the boat and dock
will take a beating.
Capsizing
The Day Sailors are self-bailing – if you capsize and right them, they drain without any effort on your
part. The Scows are not self-bailing. In most cases, you either recover a scow virtually dry or you will
need to bail it.
1. When capsizing is imminent, get out of the boat into the water immediately to prevent it from
swamping or turtling (which makes recovery near impossible). Avoid leaning on the boat while
it is on its side. Stay with the boat. Do not swim to shore.
2. The Skipper should call out each crew member’s name: “Are you ok? Do you have a PFD?”
3. Loosen all sheets. Ensure all boards are down. Point the bow into the wind (otherwise boat
may just flip to the other side).
4. Apply downward pressure on the boards. On an MC, stand on the lower board and hang on to
the upper one. An MC will usually recover quickly. A C-boat often requires two people on the
boards and possibly one lifting the mast.
5. The boat will come slowly come upright. Maintain the boat in irons while all of the crew
scrambles in.
6. Reset sails, bail, and sail away.
It is not, obviously, always this easy.
If the boat turtles (turns entirely upside down), you may need outside help. Call for help; wave your
arms to attract other boaters. An anchor rope thrown over the side may assist in pulling a turtled boat
onto its side.
Some of the day sailors have balloons at the top of the mast to make turtling impossible. If your boat
does not have a balloon, consider sending a crew member to the top of the mast with a spare PFD to
keep the boat from turtling.
In the presence of high winds, have one crew member hold the painter of the boat and
swim to keep the boat pointed into the wind.
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Right of Way Rules
1. A port tack vessel should keep
clear of a starboard tack vessel.
2. A windward vessel shall keep clear
of a leeward vessel.
3. A vessel clear astern shall keep
clear of a vessel clear ahead. Any
vessel overtaking another shall
keep clear.
4. A vessel tacking or jibing shall
keep clear of a vessel on a tack.
5. When two vessels are tacking or
jibing at the same time, the one on
the other's port side shall keep
clear.
6. A vessel under way shall keep
clear of one anchored.
7. Sailboats must give way to fishing
boats that are fishing, as well as
canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts,
and tenders.
The following diagrams outline some
of the right away rules set forth above.
Sailing Terms
Port - The left side of the boat when facing forward.
Starboard - The right side of the boat when facing forward.
Bow – The fore (front) part of a boat.
Stern -The after (back) part of a boat.
Halyard – Any line that pulls a sail up.
Sheet – Any line that pulls a sail in or out.
Block - A pulley through which a line passes.
Fairlead - The fitting that guides the jib sheets.
Stays - Metal cables which keep the mast in place. On Sailing Club boats, these include the forestay
and sidestays.
Telltales – Pieces of ribbon (or audio cassette tape) indicating the direction of the apparent wind. Tied
to the side stays of the boat or on the fore stay.
Scow – The Sailing Club scows are racing boats with two side boards.
Day sailor - Typically an open boat without accommodations for bunking overnight. The Sailing Club
day sailors have a main sail and jib, have benches that can hold 4 to 5 people and one center board.
Tender - The small rowboat used to bring sailboats from a buoy to the dock and back. Also known as
a dingy.
Boomvang – The line that pulls the boom down.
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Cunningham – The line that pulls down on the sail along the mast.
Outhaul – The line that pulls the sail out along the boom.
Cleat – a metal fixture with two projecting arms to which a line can be secured (on the dock, or on the
mast, for example)
Capsize - When a sailboat is turned over on its side.
Close hauled - Sailing the boat upwind as close to the wind as possible. Sails are pulled in tight.
Reaching - Sailing with the wind coming over the side of the boat. Sails are let out until almost luffing.
Luff - When the sail is flapping at its forward edge.
Pinch - Sailing upwind so close to the wind that the sail luffs.
In Irons - When the boat is pointing directly towards the wind and is stopped or even moving
backwards slowly.
Ease - To adjust the sail position by letting the sheet out.
Trim - To adjust the sail position by pulling in the sheet tighter.
Fall off (or bear off or bear away) - To turn bow of boat away from the wind.
Head Up - To turn the bow of the boat toward the wind.
Heel - Sailboat leans to one side due to the force of the wind on the sails.
Hike - When the Skipper and Crew lean over the side of the sailboat to counteract heeling.
Tacking (coming about) - When sailing upwind, turning the boat’s bow through the wind changing
the side of the boat that the wind is coming over.
Port Tack - When the wind is coming over the left side of the sailboat. The sail will be on the right or
starboard side.
Starboard tack - When the wind is coming over the right side of the sailboat. The sail will be on the
left or port side.
Beating to windward - Sailing a zigzag course upwind by making a series of tacks.
Jibe (or gybe) - When sailing downwind, turn the stern of the boat through the wind so that the side
of the boat that the wind is coming from changes.
Running - Sailing with wind coming over the stern of the boat. Sails are let out until the boom almost
touches the side stay.
Sailing by the Lee – Sailing on a run with the wind coming over the stern from the same side as the
boom (danger of jibing).
Apparent wind – The combination of true wind, boat speed and boat direction results in apparent
wind. Telltales indicate the direction of the apparent wind. Sails should be optimized for apparent
wind.
Backwind – To fill the sail from the wrong side, often by pushing the boom to windward.
Leeward - Away from the direction the wind is coming from. Also the side of the boat away from the
direction the wind is coming from. (The side the sail will be on)
Windward - Toward the direction the wind is coming from. Also the side of the boat towards the
direction the wind is coming from. (opposite the side that the sail is on)
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Racing – Got a Need for Speed?
Through a long-established affiliation with the Lake Harriet Yacht Club (LHYC), our members can
participate in MC and M16 scow races. LHYC has been around since 1941 and organizes the
races and regattas on the lake. TCSC members can participate in one of three ways:
How Can I Participate in Races on Lake Harriet?
Skipper – If you are a club skipper, you can join the races by taking the racing assessment and
racing quiz. test. Once you have passed you will be issued a score number. Your score number is
used to keep track of your score across races. Email racing@tcsailing.com for info.
Racing Crew – If you want to do more than just watch the race, volunteer to be crew; racers are
always looking for crew. As crew you are usually expected to work the side boards, balance the
boat, and give the skipper tactical information. If you are interested in being crew, contact the
Racing Coordinator or members of the Lake Harriet Yacht Club.
Safety Boat – The easiest way to get out on the water during races is to hop in the safety boat. In
the safety boat (a motor boat) your job is to watch the race. If any boats capsize, you ask if they
need assistance, and provide assistance if necessary. In addition you act as a ferry for the racers
before and after the race. LHYC offers safety boat training once a year and all TCSC members
are welcome.
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When Are the Races?
Weekends: Races are held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season, May to
September. Two races are held on Saturdays and the first begins at 1:00 pm. From start of the
first race to the finish of the second race is usually 2-3 hours. There is one race on Sunday that
begins at 10:30 am. Monday holiday races begin at 10:30 am. From start to finish the race is often
just over an hour long.
Wednesday nights: Informal races are held on Wednesday nights, 6:30pm start time, June thru
August. There are usually three to four short races. Races are 20-30+ minutes each. Wednesday
night races are typically followed by a social time at a local food/drink establishment.
Fun2SailFast Program: for New and Returning Racers
Fun2SailFast is TCSC’s spring racing “how-to” and practice program offering orientation and
training for sailors new to racing. It is also helps returning racers prepare for the coming season
by reviewing basic strategy, rules and technique. Any and all Twin Cities Sailing Club members
are invited to join the F2SF program and are encouraged to race all summer.
• Fun2SailFast – Pre-season Racing Orientations: Feb-April
In winter/early spring months we prepare for the coming racing season with informal
seminars for learning and improving racing skills and techniques.
• Fun2SailFast – On-Water Practice and F2SF Challenge: Wednesdays in May
Practice: Wednesday nights during May it’s time to practice, practice, practice! Beginners
and returning racers do start drills and practice power-ups, boat handling, up-wind legs,
buoy roundings, and lots more.
So, you wanna race, crew or safety boat?
Get more information or sign up for training. Email the Racing Coordinator at
racing@tcsailing.com.
How Do I Get A Racing Score Number?
1. Join TCSC and become a club skipper.
2. Crew in a Race*
3. Complete the On-Water Assessment* Rig solo at a buoy; Solo buoy departure and
landing; Solo sail rolling and de-rigging at buoy; In Irons (30 seconds);
4. Read the LHYC Sailing Instructions http://www.lhycsailing.com/raceinfo/LHYC 2012
Sailing Instructions.pdf
5. Take the TCSC racing quiz. This is an open book quiz (you may complete it at home, and
bring the finished race to the dock).
6. Get Your Racing Score Number. Obtained from the TCSC racing coordinator.
* Can be completed during F2SF On-water Practice in May.
Racing & Financial Responsibility. Participating in racing is an activity separate and different
from typical club sailing. As part of choosing to participate in racing, you understand and
acknowledge that racers are responsible for any "at fault" damage (as determined by the racing
rules) caused to a Club boat for which they are acting as skipper, or to the boat or property of
another racing participant. The Club, at its sole discretion, may elect to submit an insurance claim
for such boat or property damage, and if so, you agree, as a racing skipper, to be responsible for
any deductibles and insurance-related costs.
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Thank You
This instruction handbook is a work-in-progress. Thank you to all who have contributed to it over the
years. If you have any suggestions for improvement, please contact the Head Instructor.
.
Appendix A
2012 Senior Skippers (to be updated for 2013)
Senior skippers are willing to help you make the transition from a “Skippered-Out Sailor” to a
confident teacher, ready to teach on club days and abide by the deal. If you have skippered out
recently or are about to skipper out, feel free to contact a senior skipper and set up a time to meet
with them to sail one on one to help you build confidence.
Jemiah Aitch
David Hansen
Peter Lock
Steve Loschieder
Dave Munneke
Joel Neisen
Ole Nelson
Joe Schroeder
Kevin Roberts
Ann Papenfuss
Josh Tolkan
jemiaha@gmail.com
dhansenmn@gmail.com
lockx001@umn.edu
Steven.Loscheider@yahoo.com
davem@dds.nl
joel@g-ware.org
olenelson@gmail.com
jkarenjoe@aol.com
rober074@umn.edu
apapenfuss@comcast.net
josh.tolkan@gmail.com
Appendix B
TCSC Suggested Reading List
There are many great books written about sailing, all with differing strengths. If you want to read
more on how to sail, beyond what is contained in this manual, the following are some texts our
club members recommend.
Title
Author
Comments
Start Sailing
Right!
(U.S. Sailing small
boat certification
series.)
Mark
Smith
and
Derrick
Fries
Covers all aspects of small sailboat instruction in an easyto-read, non-intimidating format. The book is 100+ pages
and amply illustrated. Recommended to anyone who
knows little or nothing about sailing, this is a book that can
be read relatively quickly, yet tells the reader everything
he/she needs to know to get started.
Invitation to
sailing
Alan
Brown
Another TCSC member recommended this book to me. It
is very helpful.
The Complete
Sailor
David
Seidman
A great companion for the lifelong sailor. This book has
great information to help you get started on boat of any
size, but also cover everything you need to know to start
cruising. Great hand drawn illustrations.
There are also a number of books on tuning and performance that someone interested in racing
might look for.
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