What Gear Do I Need?
A Type three PFD
(lifejacket) is required. Short in the waist, light and flexible and preferably
in a high visibility color. We can
provide a limited number.
Warm, waterproof or water resistant clothing is a must. This can be in the form of inexpensive
rain gear, all the way to a wet or dry suit.
Freedom of movement is important, as this type of sailing is very
athletic. We recommend a set of
bibs and a dinghy smock or dry top. The
best types are breathable fabric and very comfortable. You will need to layer clothing.
The temperature in March and April varies significantly between 2:30 and
5:30.
Boots of
light and flexible design. Ronstan
or Gill Zip boots are excellent. Wet
suit booties work fine. Your feet
will be wet. School-shoes, sandals
and bare feet are not advised.
The Racing Rules of Sailing 2001-2004 or a book including them is recommended.
The Rules are available through US Sailing at 1 800 USSAIL 1, or at www.ussailing.org.
Cat's Paw Boats, Poulsbo Marine, West Marine and various bookstores also
may stock books including the rules.
Other gear
you may wish to have might include: sailing gloves, a tight fitting hat, sun
glasses, sun block, a towel and a Leatherman style tool.
We sail, rain or shine. Only
excessive winds will keep us off the water.
If you are properly prepared, you will find rainy days to be just another
opportunity to sail and have fun. Really
ugly days will be spent in classroom sessions at the Marine Science Center,
overlooking our docks. These will
be valuable in learning and improving your skills in Team
Racing. We will attempt to be on the water every practice
day.
Recommendations
Join US
Sailing, our sport's governing body.
Join the Sailing
Foundation, the only supportive organization for high school sailing in
the Northwest. They have paid
half of our airfare to Nationals the last two years.
A Family Membership is $25 and tax deductible.