sailing instruction and or cruising

Join in North Haven's classic fleet of Herreshoff 12 ½ sailboats.  These boats are actively raced during the summer, as organized by the North Haven Casino (yacht club).  Designed as an entry level boat for people to learn how to sail. 

The sailboats are actually about 16’ long and usually raced by a crew of two.  However, they are fairly roomy such that three people, or even four can be accommodated (if one is a child), but weight balancing is required after each tack.    

Basic operation and expectations are covered before leaving the mooring.  The rate is mooring to mooring, but suspended if becalmed.  Most beginners will want to focus on determining wind direction and learning the points of sail, such as upwind and downwind, and making progress toward an upwind mark.  Picking up moorings is good practice in boat handling.  The next possible learning step is sailing a triangular course, in either direction, and gybing.  Setting the spinnaker involves two separate halyards, sheets, and trim.  

Racing can be simulated by practicing timed “starts”, mark rounding, to weather and leeward, taking advantage of lifts and headers, and knowing the 2022 US racing rules.  One reason to race, or practice, is that skills will increase much more quickly.  Your patient instructor has successfully competed in many races.

Scenic sails out to the Sugar Loaves are always delightful.  A raincoat is most often desired for the occasional splash.