Learning to Sail
Sailing has a long and rich history in Ireland, dating back thousands of years. Ireland’s coastline has been used for fishing, trading, and transportation since prehistoric times, and sailing had always played a critical role. In fact during the early Christian period, Irish monks traveled by sea to spread Christianity throughout Europe. The earliest recorded account of Irish sailing comes from the 6th century, when Saint Brendan set out on a legendary voyage across the Atlantic.
Inspired by stories of Irish sailors crossing the oceans I took a course on small dinghy sailing and then moved up to 30ft. Shields wooden keel boats and finally climbed into the cockpit of motor sailing vessels. I’m providing an outline of what I was able to accomplish within a years time from my local Orange Coast College of Sailing & Seamanship going from land lubber all the way up to America’s Cup skipper. If I can do it then anyone can. My school was only a mile or two from me here in Newport Beach, and just about any coastal town or large body of water will have a similar capable sailing school or coast guard auxiliary providing you sailing skills. Skills that will allow you to rent a sailboat on your own and competently navigate on your own enjoying a special weekend on the water just about anywhere around the globe. And yes in case you’re wondering I was never an America’s Cup skipper.
Dinghy Sailing
The skills you acquired in your Learn to Sail classes will be applied and reinforced as you transition from the Lido 14 or Harbor 20 to the heavier, and more powerful 30’ Shields sloop. You will learn how to rig a Shields sloop, seamanship skills, safety topics, docking, reefing, obligations of the skipper and crew, right-of-way rules and safe handling of a larger boat.
30 Foot Sailboats
For experienced sailors who are ready to take their skills to the next level and are eager for more quality sailing time. Class begins with a brief review of skills learned in Shields 1 before moving on to a more in depth look at sail trim and shape, heel control, wind shifts, helm control, apparent wind, crew over board, anchoring, jury rigging, crew work and safety. Ocean sailing (weather conditions permitting). Shields 2 will help you prepare for the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Class.
Basic Cruising 1
This course is for students with intermediate sailing skills, but little or no experience running a mid-sized auxiliary cruising boat. Basic systems will be examined including water, electrical and engine systems. Practical skills such as docking, maneuvering under power and sail, managing heel, reefing and crew overboard are taught. Bring a lunch.
US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certication Course
Enjoy the live aboard experience and offshore sailing while earning your US SAILING Bareboat Certification.
This course is for students who are seeking adventure and fun in the context of a demanding live aboard sail training adventure. Students will participate in all aspects of an offshore cruise including provisioning, meal preparation, watch standing, steering, sail handling and cleanup. This course gives students the hands-on experience necessary for building off shore confidence.
Students will be directly involved in route planning. The objective of any route is to challenge and instruct without taking unnecessary risks. Routes and destinations may change due to weather/safety and seamanship reasons.
