A Basic Skills and Knowledge Course Sponsored by Fishing Bay Yacht Club

This course consists of three classroom sessions and two to three optional practice sessions on the water on board racing sailboats. It is offered by Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC) to give sailors and non-sailors alike the basic information, understanding of terminology and confidence to crew on a racing sailboat. Since the course was first offered in 1989, it has introduced over 450 people to the sport, many of whom are still actively racing as crew and as skippers.

Participants in the three week-night classroom sessions in Richmond will also have the opportunity to participate in on-the-water training sessions at FBYC Sunday March 30, Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 13. The classroom curriculum includes just what you need to know for your first confident venture on a racing sailboat: the basics of what make sailboats go, sailing terminology, sail controls, deck and race course layouts, crew positions, crew etiquette, appropriate dress, racing rules, and safety. Following the last classroom session, there will be a social gathering for participants, instructors and FBYC’s racing skippers. All participants will receive written materials that complement the classroom sessions and include FBYC’s 2008 racing schedule. The on-water sessions will place interested participants with FBYC racing skippers and crews on their boats for a practice session to tune up for the racing season, followed by a chance to ask questions and get further information in an informal “debriefing” session.

Classroom instruction will be provided by experienced FBYC racing skippers and crew and supplemented by demonstrations and hands-on practice. The object of the course is to teach the basics, prepare newcomers to the sport for what they will encounter on board a racing sailboat, and give participants a solid introduction to a sport that will give a lifetime of enjoyment.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday nights, March 26, April 2 & April 9, 2008
WHERE: RETREAT HOSPITAL Board Room, Robinson St at Grove, Richmond, Virginia
HOW MUCH: $50.00 (Includes printed Course materials, refreshments and last night social)
WHO to contact for registration and other information: Jim Snowa snowaville@verizon.net , or (Office Phone) 643-6196, (Home Phone) 323-1510.

Or – go to www.fbyc.net – look on the left side and click on “Crew Training Registration”.