Sailing with Kites and Trapezes

Welcome to the circus! In this course, sailors will explore the exciting world of trapezes and spinnakers through the RS Quest. This is the first step into the world of higher performance sailing where trapezing is a must and flying spinnaker adds exhilarating downwind flair to one's sail.

Sailors will learn the basics of proper trapezing technique, spinnaker trim and boat handling, special gear care considerations, and effective skipper-crew communication. The RS Quest will provide a very friendly, stable learning platform before sailors step onto the skiffs and catamarans in future courses.

Prerequisites:

• be a UBCSC and JSCA club member for the current season
  
• passed Intermediate Sailing with UBC Sailing
  
• wetsuit: during lessons you will spend a lot more time in the water than you would in a regular relaxed sail

Passing criteria (as per the A1 checklist):

• sound judgement with regards to equipment care, crew experience and gear, weather and sea conditions

• rigging/derigging, safe handling on the boat yard and on the water, well-controlled launch and landing
• balance and speed control at all times with and without trapezing, with and without spinnaker, basic maneuvers including heave-to
• emergency maneuvers such as man overboard, capsize recovery, spinnaker issues
• time and conditions permitting, rudderless and backwards sailing