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Racing
In the Local Community: How to Get Underway
John Burnham
is
chief editor of Sailing World, the magazine for racers
in North America owned by World Publications, which connects
readers to their passions in all sorts of special interest
areas. 24 years at Sailing World (formerly called Yacht
Racing & Cruising) with both distance race and inshore
experience in large boats and small.
Q: How can I learn about
local racing activities in the area?
A: No matter where you live, the quickest
way to find out about racing activities is to find a sailor.
Most any sailor can refer you to another sailor who races
and will be able to fill you in on racing in the area.
You can also learn a lot on the internet through US SAILING
(ussailing.org)
and whichever regional sailing association is closest
to you. There are more than 35 regional sailing associations,
with names like Gulfcoast Sailing Association or Narragansett
Bay Yacht Racing Association, and they are organizations
of yacht and sailing clubs in an area. Through their websites
you can read racing schedules, see which clubs race the
most, and learn about the types of boats that are raced.
You’ll also find all sorts of contact info so you
can follow up further.
Q: How can
a new sailor get involved in racing – what are the
options?
A:You may be interested, ultimately,
in sailing in long-distance races or in high-speed skiff
sailing, but the place to start to learn about racing
is in low-key races, often held in the evening when the
winds are light and everyone is relaxed. To get connected,
besides doing some research on the internet and following
up with the various associations and clubs, I recommend
contacting public-access sailing groups, sailing schools,
or simply finding out where the racers are and showing
up on the dock to see if you can help out as a crew. Boat
owners are always looking for enthusiastic crewmembers.
You can also search on the web for “sailing crew
lists” in your area; these are electronic bulletin
boards where you can post your name and state your abilities
and interests. One other important point is that if you’re
interested in racing in a particular type of boat, contact
the class association (again, it will have a website)
to find out where it’s raced in your vicinity.
Q: What
are the benefits of becoming involved in local racing
and sailing activities?
A: Sailing is a lifetime sport, with
racers often competing into their 80s. There are a variety
of boat types so you can choose from boats that demand
a high degree of fitness to those that are very relaxing.
The competition, in either case, is stimulating and draws
you outdoors to enjoy and appreciate a natural environment
in the company of friends and friendly competitiors. You
become part of a worldwide community of enthusiasts sharing
a love for a sport that’s fresh and new every time
you race and yet you’re part of a tradition that
dates back nearly 200 years.
Q: What
are the costs associated with local racing activities?
A: As a crewmember on someone else’s
boat, your expenses can be quite modest. Public sailing
associations are cheap to join and often have boats to
use or rent, and most private yacht clubs are far less
expensive than, for example, golf clubs. If you do buy
your own boat, it can cost anywhere from $1000 to whatever
you have the means to spend. Almost anyone can find a
racing level that fits their budget.
Q: What
special equipment or gear is needed?
A: Depending on the climate where you
live, you may need to buy good foul weather gear and boots,
plus special mid-layers of clothing to keep you warm and
dry. In milder seasons, the demands on this personal gear
become less, but at a minimum you’ll probably need
to purchase sailing gloves, sailing sneakers, a hat, sunglasses,
and sun block.
Q: How do
I take the first step?
A: As mentioned above, do some research
on the internet, and then don’t be afraid to pick
up the phone. You’ll soon be talking to a sailor.
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