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LEARN TO SAIL
During the 2001 season, we conducted our first informal Learn-to-Sail program. This is a great opportunity for those who want to learn but don't necessarily have a boat, or are thinking about getting a boat but aren't sure what they can handle. The response to this program over the past two seasons has been great and we plan to have it again this year.

The format we have used has been in two parts: a classroom session, with hands-on work on sailboats brought by our members (this is a half-day, on land event), followed up with on-the-water practice at any and all BMSA sailing events. This particularly includes our Wednesday evening sails at Blue Marsh from June through August.

Classroom
In the classroom session, we try to cover the basics, plus address the things that tend to cause anxiety in new sailors. In other words, knowledge builds confidence! Our intended agenda is as follows:

• parts of a sailboat
• hull design - what makes a sailboat different from a power boat
• how does a sailboat move? - the mechanics of wind and its effect on the sails, lateral resistance, heeling, etc.
• hands-on rigging of a boat.
• being prepared/communication.
• points of sail - close hauled, reaching, running.
• setting sail - coordination of crew in raising sails and achieving proper trim.
• changing direction - tacking and jibing, with appropriate commands.
• brief introduction to docking and essential knots.
• safety - required and recommended equipment, developing an attitude for safety.

On-the-Water Practice
There are numerous opportunities to practice what you've learned out on the water. Races, for example, are perfect for learning to set sails for a particular course, as well as covering all points of sail. Our Wednesday evening sails during the summer offer the availability of other sailors to help you, whether you crew for them or one of us goes out with you on your boat. Attendance of BMSA sailors on any given Wednesday evening is variable.

Qualification / Cost
We offer our learn-to-sail training to members of Blue Marsh Sailing Association at no cost. Non-members must join BMSA prior to the class to be eligible to participate. We strongly encourage that couples/families do this program together. It's important that the crew be well trained, along with the captain.

Disclaimer
It must be understood that this training is conducted by experienced BMSA members, and is done so as a courtesy to those who are interested in learning to sail, a friendly sharing of knowledge. Those instructing may not be officially accredited trainers and we offer no certificate of qualification.

As an organization, Blue Marsh Sailing Association strongly supports boating education, and we encourage you to pursue formalized courses through either the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Both organizations offer excellent courses in basic boating, seamanship, and advanced boating topics.

If you are interested in our Learn to Sail Program, please email our training chairperson.