Learn to Crew on a Cruising Boat

November 26, 2006

By KAREN EARNSHAW

Know how to tack? (And we don't mean sewing.) How about running the sheets? (And we don't mean playing games in the bedroom.) No? Okay, try this one: Know how to drop the drifter, raise the jib, and help jibe around the top mark ... as a 25-knot squall blows in?

The answers to these questions (and many, many more) were given during this Sunday's (November 26) Mieco Beach Yacht Club 'Learn to Crew' day, which kicked off at 10am at the RRE Boknake in the grounds of RRE Hotel.

The inaugural 'Learn to Crew' day was held last year and was a huge success with over 40 wannabe sailors attending. The day was divided into two sections: A classroom style presentation on the basics of sailing and safety afloat in the morning; a chance to crew on a yacht in the afternoon (there will be a break for lunch ... bring your own or buy at a nearby eatery).

The 'Learn to Crew' day is the forerunner to the yacht club's race season, which starts on Sunday, December 10, with a skippers' meeting being held the Friday night before at the Marshall Islands Resort. Crew for boats will be chosen at the skippers' meeting, with preference being given to club members.

Membership to the club costs $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.