Blogs on Sailing Skills and Theory
Over the past several years, club members have contributed blogs to the CSC on different aspects of sailing theory or technique. These blogs are an incredible resource for those learning to sail and also for experienced sailors. These blogs are discussions about particular subjects, and they assume some sailing knowledge (refer to CSC Dinghy Sailing Manual).
These are the blogs. You can contribute by writing one on a subject of interest.
Clothing for Sailing
What to wear when you're sailing hard, along with some fashion tips. Read Blog
Getting Ready for a Keelboat Launch
A check list of getting a keelboat, yourself, and your crew and guests ready for a safe sail on a club keelboat. Read Blog
Stepping Off a Dinghy with Style
Going forward quickly and stepping off onto the dock. Essential for single-handing. Read Blog
Gybeing and Downwind Sailing
How to sail in the downwind "zone of death" and not capsize.Read Blog
Finess your gybe by separating it from the turn.
A nice teaching/learning technique to nail your gybes. Read Blog
Some practical advice on getting the boat upright the first time in the wind and the waves. Read Blog
Some different ways to do COB with advantages and disadvantages of each. Read Blog
Slow Sailing Theory and Practice
Including how to recover when your course is off. Read Blog
Learning and Teaching Small Circles
Step-by-step approach to learning and teaching the most difficult Junior skill. Read Blog
Basic upwind sailing and how to teach it
How to trim sails for upwind sailing, with diagrams.Read Blog
The Two-Handed Drill for dealing with Puffs and Lulls
Frank Bethwaite's technique that works well in teaching basic students. Read Blog.
How to Skipper with Crew on the Trap
Your skills as a skipper have a large effect on your trapezing crew's comfort level and safety. See how to make your crew happy. Read Blog
Single-Handing on the Trap
A real test of your sailing skills (and fashion sense). Read Blog
Using your Weight in High Winds
The forces on the boat, why and how to best use your weight in high winds. Some practical techniques to depower the wind's heeling force. Read Blog
Single Handing in High Winds
More tips to overcover your weight deficit when you're by yourself. Read Blog
You've read the theory, but how do you actually do it? Practical advice on key maneuvers rudderless. Read Blog
Sailing by Feel
Sailing blindfolded? Way! Learn to use your other senses in handling the boat. It will pay off even when you can see everything. Read Blog
Low Tide Docking
How to dock in low tide, when the usual approach doesn't work. Read Blog
And a small but important point. Read Blog
A three-part discussion of apparent wind, a difficult but important concept.
Most sailors know how to use the jib tell-tales, what what about the main tell-tales? Read Blog
Bahia Reefing Line
How to rig a Bahia reefing line properly. it's actually quite simple. Read Blog