Chapter 1 - Introduction

Welcome to the Washington Yacht Club. The WYC has the largest sailing instruction program in the Pacific Northwest and sponsors one of the most successful intercollegiate racing teams in the nation. The club has a long tradition of providing a wide variety of safe sailing experiences for all members of the University community. Other than dues and initiation fees, members pay no fees except for a small keelboat rental charge. Club officers, chiefs and instructors are volunteers, and it is up to the members to keep club boats in operating order.

To help provide for the safety of Club members while sailing, we have a series of ratings, allowing members to sail in progressively more difficult (and thrilling) boats and conditions as they improve in sailing ability. A rated member may use WYC facilities on a self-service basis, whereas unrated members must sail under supervision. The WYC offers free classes and provides opportunities for supervised individual sailing practice.

In addition to self-service sailing, subject to ratings, and basic sailing classes, the club offers advanced classes, quarterly weekend cruises (Snooze 'n Cruise), parties, formal and informal racing, and other activities that keep the Club running, such as meetings and work parties. Members are welcome at all Club activities. Attendance at work parties is particularly encouraged, not only out of the necessity of repairing boats, but also because part of learning to sail is becoming able to inspect boats for damage and repair damage. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the HUB office or any of the many Club members holding officer or appointed positions.

This book is a guide to members and includes the Club's sailing textbook. A good understanding of the material through the first Appendix is sufficient to pass the Club's Novice Skipper and Sailboard written tests. But more importantly, it will provide members with a fundamental theoretical knowledge of sailing which will accelerate learning sailing on the water.

Again, welcome to your Club and happy, safe sailing!

Washington Yacht Club - sailing@u.washington.edu
Updated by Ken Plochinski on Thu Dec 17 1998