Course Overview
Spinnaker School is a short workshop dedicated entirely to that big, colourful parachute-like sail that powers boats sailing downwind. We teach you all the basics from the theory behind spinnakers through to hoisting, flying, gybing and dousing them cleanly and efficiently.
This course is really beneficial to anyone wanting to learn all about using spinnakers, or to improve on certain parts of sailing with spinnakers. While we teach the course with a focus on preparing you for using the spinnaker on a race course, the course is suitable for anyone with some basic sailing experience looking to build their skills with the spinnaker.
All instruction takes place on board to maximize the time spent sailing and developing practical skills. No classroom time, just active learning and fun sailing! Spinnaker School students are welcome to join our workshops more than once to really perfect their skills!
Prerequisites
Must have some basic sailing experience. Competent Crew, Quicker Crew or equivalent experience is ideal. Contact us if you're unsure.
Certification
This unique curriculum gives you plenty of fun and useful experience. This is not a formal certificate course. Mileage gained on the course can be added to your logbook and signed off by your instructor.
Registration
$225
5% GST and 6% booking fee is added at checkout.
Each course is 1 day, 9:30am to 3:30pm.
This course is open to ages 16 and up.
Maximum of 4 spots available per course.
20% off for ages 16-25.
15% off when repeating the Spinnaker School workshop
Course Objectives
Students will understand the basics of spinnaker use, with a focus on a racing environment. We cover:
Theory and terminology
Symmetrical vs asymmetrical spinnakers
Running tapes effectively
Rigging a symmetrical spinnaker with sheets only (for small boat use)
Hoisting
Trimming the spinnaker on different points of sail
Gybing the spinnaker with end-for-end pole
Dousing the spinnaker on the leeward side
What to Bring?
Please bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottle. Please review the required and recommended items listed for day sailing on our FAQ page here.
Location
We start and finish the course at Thunderbird Marina in West Vancouver. The pickup location details will be sent to students via email upon booking and confirmed 5 days before the course start date.
What's Next?
You are invited to join the Sea to Sky Sailing Race Team for drop-in sailing on Wednesday nights, big racing events throughout the year, and discounts on any other programs with Sea to Sky Sailing.
You can also have a change of pace and join us for our in-depth Royal Yachting Association certification courses, giving you the full arsenal of skills to become a great sailor.
