Learning
Learning within our club
Learning to Race
If you have ever thought about racing your boat but were not sure about rules/the start/being in someone's way we encourage you come to a racing orientation before a club race(TBA). We will cover the basic rules at the start, the marks and the finish and strategies for enjoying the race.
If you would like to crew on a racing sailboat, CLSA members are available and interested in sharing their experiences and expertise. On any given race day you are likely to find an opportunity to crew with someone.
Bring your boat down and try out a race, or try out a race course and watch a race.
Wednesday night One Design Racing
If you are interested in "one design" racing and would like to experience a Flying Scot, come out on a Wednesday evening and volunteer to crew. Enthusiastic people, experienced or newbie, who want to race or learn to race are welcome. <click here to add your email address to be notified of Wednesday night racing>.
or if that does not work contact fleet captain Eric Bussell at eric@ericbussell.com
"Rental Boats"
We have a small fleet of boats available to club members. Access to these boats requires club certification that you have certain minimal skills required for safety.
Learning outside the club
Private Lessons
CLSA member Bill Vokac is often found teaching and encouraging sailing on Wednesday evenings. He also offers private lessons to put you on the fast track. Interested? Start here at SailNow.
Power Squadron
Certifications and training through power squadron (Gerry Christman)
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Auxiliary has an active presence at Clinton Lake - boating safety courses, seminars on sailing, courses, which allow you to build credentials. Contact Jeff Poundstone, or click here to access some on-line lessons.
Safety:
Take a CPR course:
http://www.redcrossillinois.org/
Water Safety:
http://www.chicagoredcross.org/class_view.asp?nroClass=151&SN=246&OP=1257&IDCapitulo=VF223FBDFD
Sailing instruction:
American Sailing Association http://www.american-sailing.com/find_a_sailing_school.html
US Sailing: www.ussailing.org
Schools and information specifically for women:
http://www.seasenseboating.com/
Books and DVDs:
US Sailing resources: http://store.ussailing.org/catGateway.asp?Cat=970&CatDesc=Education
ASA extensive sailing links: http://www.american-sailing.com/sailing_resources_gen.html#weather
ASA textbook links: http://www.american-sailing.com/sme_textbook_links.html
Getting Started in Sailboat Racing by Adam Cort
The Rules in Practice by Bryan Willils - This book is excellent for learning the rules of racing
Winning in One-Designs by Dave Perry
Sailboat Racing with Greg Fisher by Tom Hubbell - This is the best book I've seen for learning one design dinghy racing esp Flying Scots
Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing throught 2012 by Dave Perry
Positioning, The Logic of Sailboat Racing by Stuart H. Walker - This is an advanced text and suitable for the experienced racer
