NASC: Questions

Our weekend sessions are fun-filled courses packed with some sailing classes, and on the water practice time. Here is an estimate on our White Sail Level 1 course:
Saturday

White sail 2 follows a similar format, with appropriate on-land classes on Saturday morning. If all the level 2 students are finished their on-land classes we arrange a Saturday morning sail.

What do I really need to bring?

It’s critical that you bring a change of clothes that can get wet, a dry change of clothes, a PFD, a hat, sunscreen, and a lunch.

Do I need to buy a manual or study before the course?

The more you’ve read about sailing the better your experience will be. We recommend “Basic Sailing Skills” by Sven Donaldson. One of the best dinghy sailing books out there is “Go Sail with Live-Action DVD Coaching” by Steve Sleight. It gives you an overview from beginner to advance and is focused on dinghy sailing. If you have a lot of time on your hands “Sailing for Dummies” is also a good read.

What do I need to do to pass White sail level 1?

White sail level 1 is easy to complete in one weekend session. It consists of on-land classes and on the water discovery & practice. By the end of the weekend, you should to be able to steer the boat in a straight line and adjust the sails in and out. White sail level 1 is an introduction to sailing, knots, rigging, & clothing.

How long does it take to finish white sail 2 and 3?

We recommend that you plan for at least 2 weekends to complete White sail level 2 and 3 weekends to complete White sail level 3. Although all of the levels are designed so you can advance at your own pace, learning a new skill takes practice. After finishing White sail 1, we suggest you take White Sail Level 2. The closer together you can plan your weekends the higher your skill retention will be.

I took sailing lessons years ago, where should I start?

If you have sailed at some point in the past, even if it was 20 years ago it will do you some good. Slowly, you will remember more and more about sailing. I recommend that you start with White sail level 1. As your skills come back you will be able to naturally advance through the checklists.

How do I register for White Sail Level 2?

We have developed our weekend lessons to encompass both White sail level 1 and 2, mainly because people learn and progress at different rates. If there has been some time between your White sail 1 and 2 courses, it’s likely that you will appreciate an opportunity to warm up. Each person is evaluated individually and at their own pace.

How are we evaluated as students taking White Sail Level 1 or 2?

All students have a checklist for the level they are working on. As a student progresses and demonstrates the items on the checklist, the instructor signs them off. We evaluate our students fluidly – meaning that you can work on skills for White sail level 2 before having finished white sail level 1, depending on your ability. When you register for a weekend lesson you will get the opportunity to work on both levels at the same time. If it is your first weekend you should expect to only finish your White sail level 1 checklist (subject to weather conditions) and some basic theory items on your White sail level 2 checklist. Practice is the only way to improve your sailing skills on the water.

I want to buy a wetsuit, is there one type that is good for sailing?

A wetsuit is a good investment, especially if you are involved with other water sports. The best kind to get for sailing purposes is a “shorty” which has short sleeves and is cutoff just above the knee. This will provide more than enough warmth to any summer sailor. Each May Costco brings in shorties at a great price.

I know I want to get into sailing, what kind of gear should I buy?

Before considering what type of “gear” you’ll need to be a sailor, decide if you want to sail in the colder seasons like spring and fall. If you just want to sail during the summer you likely won’t need as much equipment (clothing). For all sailors I suggest a pair of wetsuit booties (soft-soled shoes), a pair of gloves, a good PFD that doesn’t have a collar or doesn’t extend too far down the torso (sailing or paddling PFD), a set of wet weather gear for rainy days (dosen’t have to be expensive), a favorite sailing hat & a dry bag to bring along snacks (definitely optional).

I don’t want to buy any gear, what should I bring for sailing lessons?

You should bring a set of sailing clothes that can get wet. Depending on the weather I would suggest the following:
Sunny day – shorts, t-shirt or tank top, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, old running shoes (no hard-soled shoes), PFD
Cloudy/Rainy/Windy day – rain jacket and rain pants, hat, soft-soled shoes, PFD, sunscreen (you can get a nasty sunburn on a cloudy day), possibly thin gloves, light toque if it’s windy.
Cold day – LAYERS! A base layer, mid layer and outer layer to repel the weather, wetsuit, wetsuit booties if possible, toque, gloves, PFD, sunscreen

I forgot my lunch… where can I get food around here?

At Wabamun Sailing Club: Lakeside diner (in the town of Wabamun ) for hot food (quickest & easiest), it’s attached to a grocery store as well.
At Edmonton Yacht Club: Near RV Camping ground there is a little diner. It’s great for cold weather food. There is also a grocery store in the Village of Seba Beach.

I know sailing is the sport for me, how do I buy my own boat?

It’s always best to buy a used boat first. There are so many types of boats out there that you want to be able to sell it if it’s not the best fit for you. Ask your instructor to give you some advice on what type of boat would be best for you. There are lots of used boats for sale during the summer time and most of them will sell for between $1000 - $4500 depending on if it comes with a trailer or not. Look for hull damage like stress fractures (spider cracks) by pushing on every square inch of the hull. Run your fingers under the gunwhale to see if the hull is separating. Inspect all the working parts and sails for rips & tears. Some tears can be irreparable so watch for tears by the bolt rope at the head of the sail.

Where do I find boats for sale?

The sailing clubs in the area & province usually have a buy and sell on their webpages. Check the Alberta Sailing Association and local boat dealers like Nautical Reach, Boatcraft or Glenmore Boats. Members of sailing clubs will post boats for sale on a bulletin board at the club, so a drive out might do you good.

Now I have a boat, where can I keep it?

If you aren’t blessed to have lakefront property to enjoy your new hobby, the best way to get good use out of your boat is to buy a membership at a local sailing/yacht club. Your boat will always be near to the water with all your equipment on site. Othewise, you will likely tire of transporting a boat & all its gear to and from public beaches quite quickly. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to step a mast if you’re just heading out for an afternoon sail. Membership offers many perks including the company of other sailors with loads of experience in fixing boats, sailing boats, and racing.