When we got started with SailTime in the Channel Islands Harbor, we knew we needed to offer a comprehensive training program for our members. The saying goes, “If you can sail the Santa Barbara Channel you can sail anywhere”. This is because we have a lot going on here. Islands. Wind. Changeable sea state. Shipping Lanes. Fog.

From the beginning, we felt it was good idea to offer clinics and now are in a seasonal groove with our program. We offer sailing skills clinics in the Winter. Beginning in December and ending in April, so we don’t get in the way of regular member sailing which tends to slack off in the non Summer months. One serendipitous moment, I met Captain Dan from Sail Channel Islands and we have worked closely together ever since to create what I think is one of the better sailing lesson opportunities in Southern California. Its the result of a simple passion we both have for sailing and this shared opportunity to let others in on it.

This past weekend we had one of our most popular clinics; The run to Anacapa island.

We held it on our newest yacht in the fleet, Bodacious, a 2007 Hunter 36. I “catered” the trip with a touch of foreign flair but with an eye towards satisfying 7 guys and 1 lady. it was a light wind day but whales were spotted, anchorages were surveyed and the spinnaker even flew for a homeward bound trip.

In aaddition to the Anacapa Clinic, we also offer the Ventura Lunch Run, which shows members the ins and outs of visiting the Ventura Harbor - SAS, Safety at Sea; a refresher course on handling emergencies at sea, including man-overboard, flare and radio signaling, medical emergencies, fire and more. Another popular clinic is our Heavy Weather day, where we secure the jack lines and head out on a less than ideal day. For members who want to use the spinnaker, we also offer a Spinnaker Clinic where the member and his crew can learn to work together to perfect the art of downwind sailing. For night sailing, Dan and I came up with the “Full Moon Friday Frolic”; a free clinic that leaves at dusk, takes a short sail in the full moonlight and then returns for a group dinner. A good time is had by all !

Clinics give SailTime members a chance to get to know other members, grab a ride on a different boat and receive additional training for a very low cost. Pretty hard to beat that kind of deal !

Trackback URI | Comments RSS