College Sailing's Chalk Talk - Season 8, Episode 3

Watch the latest edition of College Sailing's Chalk Talk on US Sailing YouTube! This week we'll review the four major intersectional regattas last weekend, interview Yale Head Coach Zack Leonard and take a look at the Sail1Design Team Race Rankings.

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Chalk Talk is presented by US Sailing, who offer college sailors a deeply discounted membership option at http://racing.ussailing.org/college.

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One-Design Symposium Presentation Sneak Peeks

Dave Perry, Greg Fisher and Laura Jeffers are just a few of many presenters at US Sailing's 2013 One-Design Symposium, hosted by Cleveland Yachting Club in Rocky River, Ohio on January 11-13.

Greg Fisher & Laura Jeffers - "Attracting Young Adults and Making the College Connection"
There has always been discussion on the disconnect between college sailors and their future in the sport. Learn and discuss new and proven ideas to reach this generation and introduce them to one-design sailing. Learn what the Lightning Class has done to capture this interest through there highly successful Boat Grant Program.

A Helpful Tip from Laura & Greg:
Many college regattas might have space available to setup a boat (check with regatta organizers) and allow it be staffed by an enthusiastic fleet member. Better yet, have it in the water and allow the sailors to take it for rides to create the buzz.

Dave Perry - "The Racing Rules and Their Tactical Uses, including the Changes for 2013"
I intend to focus on several common race course situations, including starting and finishing line situations, close crossings upwind and down, and crowded mark roundings. I'll take a close look at the rules that apply in each, and some successful tactics based on knowing those rules. I also plan on explaining the changes to the racing rules that go into effect January 1, 2013. This includes the changes to the definition of Finish, Mark-Room and Mark, and the changes to Rule 41 about helping people in the water, Rule 42 about pumping, and the new Appendix T about percentage penalties taken ashore.

A Helpful Tip from Dave:
When racing upwind on port tack with another boat close to leeward, Rule 20 allows that boat to hail you for room to tack if she needs to make a major course change to avoid an approaching starboard-tack boat. Rule 20 requires you to respond by either tacking as soon as you can, or hailing back to her "You tack!" In almost all circumstances, it is better for you to hail, "You tack!" Rule 20 then requires the hailing boat to tack as soon as possible, and you now have the option of tacking close to leeward of the hailing boat (leebowing her), or ducking her and the approaching starboard tacker and continuing on port tack. Remember, if your plan is to duck the hailing boat when she tacks, be sure to create enough separation so that when she tacks, you can bear away and duck her without hitting her!

Learn more and register for the Symposium.

Chalk Talk Episode 6: College Sailing and the Storm

This week we review historic Hurrican Sandy's affect on college sailing, from the way she shaped the three district fall championships (and one women's champs, and one freshman champs), to the damaging winds and floodwaters she dumped on so many college sailing venues up and down the east coast.  Finally, we review the upcoming LaserPerformance/ICSA Singlehanded Nationals and explain why even this Long Beach event is not immune from the effects of The Storm.

Sign up to win some great prizes from US Sailing at http://racing.ussailing.org/College.htm.  In college now?  A College Membership from US Sailing gives you all the same benefits of a full adult membership, except it's good for four years and costs a fraction of the full membership.  What are you waiting for?  http://ussailing.org/college

See all the scores from this weekend at http://scores.collegesailing.org

This week:
US Sailing Giveaway 0:37
Weekend Review 1:28
The Weekend Ahead 5:05
Feature Story: Sandy 9:03

Chalk Talk Season 7 Episode 4: Guatemalan Olympian at Navy

This week, Chris and Jane give away a pair of Hobie Polarized sunglasses and announce next week's contest with prizes from Vineyard Vines, all thanks to US Sailing.  Enter at http://racing.ussailing.org/College.htm and show some love by signing up for a college membership while you're at it!

The hosts also look at a weekend of interconference regattas, highlighted by an incredible performance by this week's guest, Juan Maegli.

See the results in full at http://scores.collegesailing.org.
Join the conversation and make your own prediction at http://facebook.com/collegesailingchalktalk

This week:
Weekend Review 0:51
Feature Story 2:46
US Sailing Weekly Giveaway 7:34
The Weekend Ahead 8:24

Daily Lift - College Sailing Basics

College sailing basics:

A. College Sailing is a Community sailing program for the campus community.
B. Institutionally owned or managed fleets. No cost or low cost usage of the fleet
makes sailing affordable
C. College sailors are not paying directly for the coaching
D. Many college programs offer learn to sail programs for both university
students and the local public for adults and youth.
E. Many college programs utilize facilities for open recreational sailing, beyond
the racing team.

by Mitch Brindley

Chalk Talk Nationals Edition - Final Episode

A sad farewell to the 2011-2012 College Sailing season as Chris and Jane publish their final episode of Chalk Talk, recapping the ICSA / Gill Coed Dinghy Championships and this year's All Americans and College Sailor of the Year.

From Chris and Jane: thanks for watching all season long and thanks to US Sailing for making this season possible!

Chalk Talk Nationals Edition - Women's Preview

Chris and Jane look at the Sperry Top-Sider / ICSA Women's Semifinals and Finals taking place May 30-June 2 at Austin Yacht Club in Austin, TX. There are 27 teams total: 18 compete today and tomorrow morning to see who will move on top Finals. The top nine from Semifinals will face the nine teams who won automatic Finals berths this spring at their district qualifiers. Also up for discussion: Quantum Female College Sailor of the Year.

It's not too late to win Sperry Top-Siders for your college team! You have until June 6 to get the most US Sailing College memberships: http://ussailing.org/college

Sailing After College… What now?

By Caitlin Niemic

A year ago, I was a stressed out college senior who didn’t know what the future held for me after graduation.  I knew I had to enter the “real world” but wasn’t sure how.  Not to mention, this would be the first time in seven years that I wasn’t going to teach sailing.  After applying for what seemed like hundreds of jobs in my field, Communications, I thought wouldn’t it be great if I could just teach sailing year-round?  That’s when I began my search for a career in the field of… Sailing.

Chalk Talk Episode 9

The regular college sailing season is winding to a close, with the last few districts finalizing their Nationals spots.  This weekend we begin the post season with the ICSA Semifinals in Annapolis.  Chris and Jane give an in-depth look at this regatta and point out the teams to watch this weekend for the 18 spots to ICSA / Gill Dinghy Nationals in June.

College sailors, the team that brings in the most college memberships will be outfitted by our partner Sperry Top-Sider.  Tuffts University currently leads this contest, but there is plenty of time to bring your team into the lead.  Find more info about our special $95 four year College Membership.

Chalk Talk Episode 8

The season is already winding down with the final inter conference last weekend and the last of the Nationals qualifiers this weekend. Find out whose season is ending and whose is just beginning--even if you think you know, we've got a few surprises for you. Plus, the last Sailing World national rankings and the last Better Know A District. Don't be the last to know: watch Chalk Talk right now.

College sailors! Win Sperry Top-Siders! Sign up for your US Sailing membership at http://ussailing.org/college

Chalk Talk Episode 7

This week the team recaps a wild weekend of women's qualifiers. We've got nasty weather, districts snatching Nationals berths, and a handful of stupid-fast sailors who trounced their competition this weekend. With only a month before Nationals, you'll also want to know who's left to qualify and make your predictions for this weekend. All that, plus Better Know A District, College Sailor of the Week and some funky tunes to guide you through it all.

Stop procrastinating! http://ussailing.org/college to sign up for membership now!

Results flash by too fast? See them in detail at http://scores.collegesailing.org

Want to see the latest team race rankings? http://sail1design.com

Chalk Talk Episode 2

Chalk Talk Episode 2 is out with some exciting news from our friends Sperry Top-Sider.  College sailors, the team that brings in the most US Sailing memberships by the 2012 Nationals will be outfitted with footwear from Sperry Top-Sider.  Sign up for our special 4 year $95 college membership here.

Chalk Talk is coming, are you ready?

Chris Love brings back Chalk Talk with new host Jane Macky.  The first episode of chalk talk will air on Thursday March 15th.

Going Varsity

An interview with former George Washington University sailor Will Ricketson
by Jake Fish

It is important to take a look back at how far the sport of college sailing has come for so many programs around the county. One program in particular welcomed in the new year with outstanding news. After years of self evaluation, perseverance and dedication, on and off the water, the George Washington University sailing team has achieved varsity status.

Will Ricketson, a 2011 George Washington graduate and four-year member of the sailing team, led the charge throughout this extensive process of transitioning this program from club to varsity. The move is part of a strategic plan by the university to bolster its athletic programs.

Ricketson served as a coordinator for the first-ever US Sailing Road Show last summer and is now Olympic Coordinator for the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. US Sailing caught up with Ricketson to discuss the development of George Washington sailing as a varsity program and what it took to make this a reality.

College Sailors, Tell US Sailing why you Deserve a New Drysuit from Gill!

Attention College Sailors!
Create a two minute video, while wearing your team gear, on why YOU deserve a new drysuit.

Here is how it works...

1 - Upload your video to YouTube AND embed it onto the US Sailing Facebook Wall. 

2 - The video with the most "Likes" and "Comments" will win a new Gill's new Drysuit. Which is available in Men's, Women's and Youth sizes.

3 - This contest opens Monday, January 30 and concludes Friday March 2.

4 - The winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 6.


What is the US Sailing College Membership?
US Sailing offers a four year college membership for $95. This is a savings of 60% off the basic individual membership price. This special membership is good for four years from the date of purchase regardless of when you graduate. Remember... Certified Instructors (levels 1 and 2) are required to have an adult membership for insurance purposes, and a US Sailing college membership fulfills this requisite.

Disclaimer
By entering into this contest, you give US Sailing permission to promote your video through their communication and social media channels. This prize is non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or a cash value. The contest is open to current college sailors. In the event of a tie, US Sailing will decide the winner.

Daily Lift

Junior Program Recruiting Tip - Since many instructors are college students, it is crucial to pay attention to the college sailing season. Don’t start your program until the college sailing season wraps up and end it early enough to let them get ready to return for the fall season. - Chip Johns