2026 Adult Learn to Race Clinic

Sailboat Racing 101 Course Outline 

Sponsor: Edward Teach Youth Sailing Association (ETYSA) 
Location: Blackbeard Sailing Club, 1215 Barkentine Dr., New Bern, NC 28560 
Schedule: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
Course Dates: Aug 5 – Aug 20, 2026 
Total Classes: 6 sessions 
Class Size: 6-10 students 
Tuition: $375 per student (must also join ETYSA - $50 for a 1-year membership) 
Boat Type: O’Day Javelins 

Program Overview 

The Sailboat Racing 101 course is designed for adult (18+) sailors who want a hands-on introduction to competitive sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Students will learn aboard O’Day Javelin dinghies and will develop the skills needed to confidently crew and skipper a small sailboat in a race. Students who successfully complete the course will be given a certificate of accomplishment.  

Prerequisites 

Students must already know how to sail. This includes being able to: 

• Safely leave the dock under sail 

• Sail competently and confidently on all points of sail – upwind, reaching and downwind 

• Safely and competently tack and gybe  

• Safely return to the dock under sail 

Course Objectives 

• Identify and understand critical race documents 

• Learn how to prepare for a race or regatta 

• Learn how to properly rig a boat for the expected weather and sea conditions  

• Understand the official race start procedures – flags and sounds 

• Learn starting tactics and methods 

• Learn how to sail the designate (race) course 

• Understand how a course may be changed mid-race 

• Understand key concepts of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS 2025 -2028 edition) 

• Learn how to handle rule infractions and protests 

 

Important note: The objective of this course is NOT to coach sailors who already have racing experience into being better competitors. It is designed and intended for sailors with little to no race experience who need the foundational knowledge to confidently enter and compete in a race or regatta.  

Tentative Class Schedule 

Class 1 — Pre-Race Prep and Starts 

Wednesday, August 5 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Introduction to the program 

• Safety procedures and PFD usage 

• Capsize and recovery procedure 

• Phases of a race: pre-start, start, sailing the course, finishing 

• Review basic right-of-way rules: port / starboard and windward leeward 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Capsize and recovery – students will be in the water for this lesson so dress appropriately! 

• Sailing drills – tacking and gybing 

• Short races (<10 minutes each) with on the water coaching 

Class 2 — Race Starts 

Thursday, August 6 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Class 1 review 

• Pre-race signals 

• Official starting procedure (5 minute sequence) – signals and sounds 

• Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 

• Rules that apply at the start 

• Rules that apply after the start 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Sailing drills – tacking & gibing 

• Practice starts (5 minute sequence) 

• Short races (<10 minutes) 

Class 3 — Race Documents, Courses and Changes to the Course 

Wednesday, August. 12 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Introduction to official race documents – NOR and SIs 

• Understand the course to be sailed (as specified by the race committee) 

• Understand changes to the course – signals and sounds 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Sailing drills – tacking & gibing 

• Practice starts (5 minute sequence) 

• Short races (<10 minutes) 

Class 4 — Preparation, Rigging and Sail Trim 

Thursday, August 13 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Preparing for a race / regatta 

• Rigging for the expected conditions 

• Optimizing sail trim 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Sailing drills – sail trim for upwind, reaching and downwind  

• Practice starts (5 minute sequence) 

• Short races (<10 minutes) 

Class 5 — Protests, Penalties and Hearings 

Wednesday, August 19 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• How to use the RRS to your advantage 

• How to protest another boat  

• What to do when another boat protests you 

• How to handle protest hearings 

• Official starting procedures – 3 minute sequence 

• On-the-Water Skills: 

• Sailing drills – mark roundings 

• Practice starts (3 minute sequence) 

• Short races (<10 minutes) 

 

Class 6 — Fun Regatta 

Thursday, August 20 | 5:00–8:00 PM 

• Classroom Topics: 

• Skipper’s Meeting 

• On-the-Water: 

• Regatta 

• Awards 

Recommended Student Equipment 

• USCG-approved life jacket (if available) 

• Waterproof watch with a configurable countdown timer1 

• Closed-toe, non-marking shoes 

• Sunscreen and hat 

• Sunglasses with retainer strap 

• Reusable water bottle 

• Lightweight rain jacket 

• Comfortable quick-dry clothing 

• Towel  

• Light snack 

• Waterproof cellphone case (if you must have your phone on the water) 

Student Responsibilities 

Students are expected to be ready to begin each class promptly at 5PM so plan accordingly. Instructors and coaches will try to accommodate exceptional circumstances but not to the detriment of the class or the agenda.  

Students should plan to attend ALL classes for the duration. Missing an entire class (or most of one) will be difficult to overcome and will likely require independent instruction outside of the normal class time. The cost for independent instruction is $50 per hour.  

Students are encouraged to ask questions to facilitate the learning process; however, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. No refunds will be given for being dismissed from the class.  

Students will be in the water at least once (for the capsize and recovery drill). As such, students are expected to be comfortable in the water (while wearing a PFD).  

No food will be provided during class, so students are encouraged to either eat before arriving or to have a snack available.  

Registration 

Click here to register and pay for the class: https://etysa.tidyhq.com

More Information 

Please send an email to: etysacamp@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.