Explore the the exhilarating world of competitive sailing with our two-day Racing Fundamentals course. This is a classroom course designed for beginners and seasoned sailors alike. During this course, you will immerse yourself in to the theory and strategies necessary to understand and begin mastering the art of racing.

After you learn to Fundamentals of Racing, you will be read to sign up for one of the Learn to Race Level 1 teams. Then you will go out in the harbor and practice what you have learned.

What you will learn in Racing Fundamentals:

Theory of Racing: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles that govern competitive sailing. From sail trim to tactics, learn the intricacies that set champions apart on the water.

Racing Rules: Navigate the rulebook with confidence. We’ll break down the Racing Rules of Sailing, ensuring you’re equipped to make informed decisions and avoid penalties during races.

Mastering the Start: The start sets the tone for the race. Discover proven techniques for positioning, timing, and maneuvering to gain the competitive edge right from the get-go.

Race Course Navigation: Navigate the race course like a seasoned skipper. Understand how courses are laid out, including windward-leeward, triangle, and more, and learn optimal strategies for each.

Tactical Maneuvers: Learn to anticipate and react to changing conditions on the water. Explore advanced tactics for mark rounding, wind shifts, and fleet management to stay ahead of the competition.

Why Choose Us:

Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced sailors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping you succeed.

Interactive Learning: Engage in hands-on activities, simulations, and discussions to reinforce key concepts and deepen your understanding.

Safe and Supportive Environment: Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned sailor, our course offers a supportive environment where you can ask questions, make mistakes, and grow as a racer.

Practical Application: This important theory course gives you the foundation to understand racing and prepare for on-the-water sessions. After you finish Racing Fundamentals, you will be ready to enroll in Learn to Race – Level 1 which gets you out on a boat and on the race course!

Class Size & Tuition

Each Racing Fundamentals class is limited to 12 students.  A minimum of 8 students is needed for the class to move forward. The tuition is $150 per person.

If you need to change or cancel your reservation more than 2 weeks ahead of time, there is a $75 charge. No changes or cancellations are permitted within the final 2 weeks unless your spot can be filled by a student on the waiting list.

2025 Schedule

This 2-day course is taught over 2 Wednesday evenings. Class is from 6 to 9 pm and held in the Manhattan Sailing School office at 140 Dudley St, Jersey City, NJ.

For dinner during this course, you can bring your own food or participate in our pizza order. You can also bring your own libations for the course.

RF1 – March 5 & 12, 2025
Instructor: Riley Viens
Students:
1. Rachel Pidcock
2. Christina Entcheva
3. Tony Tang
4. Samuel Kass
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RF2 – March 19 & 26, 2025
Instructor: Riley Viens
Students:
1. Apoorv Sharma
2. Nicholas Freymuth
3. David Sobiloff
4. John Howard
5. Brian Weber
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Register Here!