Introduction to Small Boat Racing

This is a five-day course.

There’s joy in mastering the fundamentals of sailing, and joy in commanding a capable cruising vessel—but nothing quite matches the joy of being faster than a fellow sailor. Of course, this is easier said than done– still, the foundations of good racing are timeless, and this course aims to demystify the rules, techniques, and on-the-water customs that make sailboat racing both challenging and deeply rewarding. 

Over the week, you’ll learn the essentials of the Racing Rules of Sailing, strategy, and boat-on-boat tactics while sailing in our fleet of Herreshoff 12 ½s and Haven 12½s. Though the setting is a classic one-design class native to New England waters, the skills you’ll develop translate to any racing endeavor—whether you wish to one-design race at your local club or simply want to sail your own boat more thoughtfully and efficiently. 

This is a hands-on course built around time in the boat. The week will be dominated by time on the water, bookended by morning rule and strategy discussions and end of day post-sail debriefs to make the high-stakes and sometimes stressful world of sailboat racing a fun and relaxing experience. The week culminates in a friendly, class-wide regatta—an opportunity to put your new skills to the test, enjoy a bit of competition, and celebrate the progress made by everyone in the fleet. 

Come ready to learn, to experiment, and to discover the particular delight of doing things just a little bit better than the boat beside you.