Physical Education: Learn to Sail

PEAC Fee: $330.00; Class takes place at Community Sailing Center; Students must provide own transportation; Meets Aug 26 - Sept 25; Then meets remotely bi-weekly on Wednesdays 1:10-2:10pm Open to degree and PACE students

This course will provide an introduction to sailing and water safety pertinent to the sport. In this class students will learn about sailing safety, rigging, capsize recovery, points of sail, steering, sail trim, basic maneuvers, leaving and returning to the dock, and basic sailing theory. In addition to basic sailing skills, students will also learn how to observe weather changes, assess radar conditions on the computer, and handle storm situations. Learning Objectives 1. Rig and de-rig a small sailboat. 2. Discuss basic sailing theory and identify the points of sail 3. Start, stop, maneuver, and dock a small sailboat 4. Assess local geography, wind, and weather conditions as well as one’s own skill level, to determine whether it is safe to go out. 5. Demonstrate self-sufficiency in rigging, launching, sailing, and returning a double-handed sailboat in a variety of wind and wave conditions.

For the first month of instruction, students will receive classroom instruction prior to sailing each day. There will also be on-land and on-water demonstrations at each class. Students will learn sailing theory as well as instruction on the basic principles of weather and reading weather patterns on a large lake. After classroom instruction each day students will head out on the water to apply their knowledge to the sport of sailing. The instructor will run the on-water portion of the class from a safety boat. For the remainder of the semester the class will meet biweekly for remote 1 hour lectures with an in person final on the last day of class.

Since PEAC classes are based on physical activity and skill development, participation is crucial to the learning process. Participation includes active presence, effort and improvement, rather than physical facility. Students must show up to class and be ready to partake in all class exercises. Students will be assigned homework throughout the course and students must turn in each assignment to pass the course. Students must be present on the last day of class to take the final exam. In addition to attendance and written work students are required to complete a series of practical sailing skills and knowledge from knot tying to executing a specific sailing maneuver on the water. Grading is based on attendance, written and practical tests and demonstration of a high level of proficiency in the course through both general attitude and regular contribution to class activities.