Course Overview
Quicker Crew is a short entry level course to get you out on the water and learning the fundamentals of being a good racing crew member. We introduce you to the very basics of racing on a keelboat, helping you learn to work as a team around the race course. You will get to rotate through positions, learning a bit about what it takes to trim the jib, trim the main, helm the boat, run the pit and think about tactics. We also cover basic racing rules, tactics and other general knowledge that is essential to racing safely and quickly.
To top it all off, you get to take part in an actual race! Our Quicker Crew program wraps up with a Wednesday Night Race, giving you the thrill of maneuvering in a fleet on a real start line and working with your crew mates to edge out the competition. After racing, you have the option of attending the post-race dinner and prize giving at the local yacht club, a great opportunity to meet other sailors in the community.
All instruction takes place on board to maximize the time spent sailing and developing practical skills. No classroom time, just active learning and fun sailing!
Once you've completed the Quicker Crew course, you can carry on your training by attending our Spinnaker School 1-day workshops.
Registration
$475 + GST
Course times: 1:00pm to 7:00pm daily
20% discount available for ages 16-25.
Contact us to access this pricing.
No experience necessary.
Open to ages 16 & up.
Maximum of 4 students.
Pricing does not include 5% GST and 6% booking fee.
Course Objectives
Students will understand the basics of keelboat racing and demonstrate knowledge of race crew work:
Fundamental rules of racing, basics of race organization and high level introduction to tactics.
Sail trim for the jib and main.
Basic helming skills (yes, you will get to drive the boat!).
Situational awareness and emergency preparedness.
Crew teamwork and communication.
Note that this course does not cover use of the spinnaker - an essential sail for most racing. To learn to use the spinnaker, join us for Spinnaker School once you've completed Quicker Crew or have equivalent experience.
Certification
This unique curriculum gives you plenty of fun and useful experience. This is not a formal certificate course. Mileage gained on the course can be added to your logbook and signed off by your instructor.
If you are a beginner looking to learn how to sail more generally or to start getting sailing certification, you may want to consider our Competent Crew course which follows the Royal Yachting Association standards, providing much more detail on all the essential sailing skills.
What to Bring?
Please bring your own snacks, water, etc. Please review the required and recommended items listed for day sailing on our FAQ page here.
Location
We start and finish the each day at Thunderbird Marina in West Vancouver. The precise pickup location will be sent to students via email upon booking and confirmed 5 days before the course start date.
What's Next?
Join us for Spinnaker School to advance to the next stage of becoming a race crew member. You can also have a change of pace and join us for our in-depth Royal Yachting Association certification courses, giving you the full arsenal of skills to become a great sailor.
