Daily Lift

A tip for Jr. sailing programs - Prior to the start of the program, organizers should call a parent orientation session to explain the details of the program. Items covered should include, review of how parents can be involved, attendance, student drop-off and pick-up arrangements, disciplinary code, items to bring to class, and rules and expectations.

Daily Lift

Dave Perry reminds us that... Clear Air = Fast. You need clear air as soon as possible. Usually the majority of the fleet stays on starboard tack for the first few minutes after the gun, so normally your best road to clear air is on port tack heading to the right.

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.

Daily Lift

Michael Spark gives his perspective on leisure versus racing programs - while clubs need to focus on non-competitive sailing to bring in fresh faces, don’t underestimate the competitive side of the sport.

A Fresh Perspective on Evaluating Your Programs

by Stu Gilfillen, Sailing Program Administrator at US Sailing

When I was a program director, one of the major questions that I always had was, “Where does my program compare to other programs nationwide?” While the question sounds like it was geared towards gauging what my achievements were, in reality it was more about seeing if I was on the right track in comparison to other programs that I viewed as the national standard for excellence.

Daily Lift

Tips on how to grow club membership from Gary Jobson: Create and inexpensive membership for 21 to 30 year old sailors. Have a fleet of boats that are available for members to use in two hour blocks. Create a "young members" committee, and host family oriented events like a father/daughter luncheon.

Daily Lift

Did you know that the sport of Sailing made its debut at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris?

Daily Lift

A tip on teaching beginners - the first teaching goal when working with beginners should be to familiarize the student with the hull and its dynamics. Incorporate teaching parts of the boats, rig, and then start by towing without sails. Finally, slowly introduce how to control the boat with sails.

Daily Lift

A helpful hint on posting event results from Carol Cronin - When posting regatta results, be sure that your website is easy to find, easy to update, hosted locally, and archived by year with most current on top. Don’t make the reader download files in order to see results.

Chalk Talk Season Premiere

Chalk Talk, Brought to You by US Sailing, returns with a look at the women's and team racing spring seasons so far. Chris Love and new host Jane Macky break down all the action for you and make predictions about the upcoming weekend.

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