PRIVATE LESSONS

LEARN to sail safely and confidently

Private Sailing Lessons

 

cruising boat

To purchase your private lesson click on one of the buttons below

Two hour minimum for
Cruising Boats and IC-24’s
.

One hour minimum for
Hobie Waves.

*If you are interested in becoming an
STYC Annual Member please call
340-690-3681.

Call 340-690-3681 or email  info@stthomassailingcenter.com
to check instructor availability for your dates prior to purchasing.

Our private sailing lessons will give you the opportunity to review basic daysailing skills or work with a racing coach on an IC-24, practice maneuvering under power, docking, anchoring, reefing, and other sailing skills on a 38’ cruising. boat, or become more comfortable sailing a Hobie beach cat.

Private lessons provide the opportunity to learn what you want when you want.

Skills you can learn

Docking or anchoring skills
  • Understanding of wind, tide, and current, and their effect on the boat’s movement.
  • Knowledge of appropriate anchoring techniques, such as setting and securing the anchor.
  • Familiarity with anchoring gear, such as anchor rode and chain.
  • Knowledge of how to communicate with crew and other boats to coordinate docking or anchoring.
  • Ability to approach a dock or anchorage safely, including understanding of boat control and maneuvering.
  • Familiarity with lines and fenders, and how to use them to protect the boat while docking or anchoring.
  • Knowledge of how to secure the boat to a dock or anchor, including use of cleats and knots.
  • Understanding of emergency procedures, such as retrieving the anchor in case of wind shift or engine failure.
    Note: Docking and anchoring a sailboat can be challenging and it’s important to seek proper training and education to ensure safe and confident boat handling.
Basic day sailing skills
  • Understanding of wind direction and its effect on the boat.
  • Optimizing sail trim to maximize speed, efficiency, and comfort.
  • Knowledge of knots and hitches and their use in sailing.
  • Basic navigation, including chart reading, position finding and the ability to plot a compass course.
  • Understanding safety equipment and procedures.
  • Gaining confidence in your boat handling, including steering, tacking, jibing, and landing at a mooring.
  • Familiarity with the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea, regulating all vessels.
  • Basic maintenance and repair of the boat and equipment.

 

Note: Basic day sailing skills can vary depending on the type and size of boat, as well as local regulations and conditions. It’s always best to seek proper training and education to ensure safe and enjoyable sailing.

Cruising boat sailing skills
  • Setting up the boat for the prevailing conditions, including sailing in the full range of wind velocities and sea states.
  • Maneuvering under power, including docking, backing and filling.
  • Higher level navigation, including running fixes, following depth contours, as well as electronic navigation.
  • Basic repair and maintenance of a cruising vessel.
  • Understanding of wind, tide, current, and leeway, and their effect on the boat’s movement.
  • Knowledge of appropriate anchoring techniques, such as deciding where to anchor, techniques for setting an anchor and making sure it is secure.
  • Techniques for freeing a stuck anchor.
  • Familiarity with lines and fenders, and how to use them to protect the boat while docking.
  • Knowledge of how to secure the boat to a dock,including cleating lines and tying appropriate knots.
  • Note: All of these skills are challenging. It isimportant to seek proper training and education to ensure safe and confident boat handling.
Benefits of working with a racing coach

Working with a racing coach has several benefits, including:

  • Improving sailing techniques: A coach can help you improve your sailing techniques, such as boat handling, sail trim, crew coordination, and boat speed.
  • Understanding of racing strategies: A coach can teach you about racing strategies, such as identifying the fastest way to get to the next mark, making tactical decisions, and optimizing speed.
  • Improving performance: A coach can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and provide tailored training to improve your performance.
  • Developing mental skills: A coach can help you develop mental skills such as focus, determination, and confidence, which are important in sailing and racing.
  • Building teamwork: A coach can help you and your crew work together effectively and improve communication and collaboration.
  • Networking opportunities: Working with a coach can provide opportunities to network with other sailors and connect with the racing community.
  • Staying up-to-date with rules and regulations: A coach can help you understand the Racing Rules of Sailing and incorporate them into your strategies.
  • Achieving personal goals: Whether your goal is to win races, qualify for a championship, or simply improve your sailing skills, a coach can help you achieve your personal goals.

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