Breakwater To Host Intro to Sailboat Racing Talk

Have you ever wondered how sailboat racing works, what all the fuss is about, and why people love it so much? Maybe you’ve taken a few sailing lessons and are curious about racing, but it seems too complicated? With a grasp of basic boat handling skills and a few simple rules, you can give it a try.

On May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Breakwater Sailing Center at 51 Bay Street in Sag Harbor, Sara Nightingale will lead a discussion and Q&A, which will cover the minimum skills and knowledge needed to get out on the water to race. The session — which is free for Breakwater members, $10 for the general public — will review how a race is run, offer tips from experienced sailors and provide resources for further learning. Sara Nightingale is an experienced racer based in Sag Harbor and founder of the “Women’s Open, One Design,” or WOOD regatta, hosted annually by Breakwater Yacht Club & Sailing Center.

The one-hour long session is ideal for sailors new to racing or wanting to brush up on the basics. It will also offer insight for parents wanting to understand what’s going on when they watch their children compete.

Breakwater is a designated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit founded in 1988 to promote the sport of sailing and sailboat racing in Sag Harbor. Breakwater hosts weekly racing of PHRF, J70s, Lasers, Rockets and Sunfish. It offers lessons and charters to members, as well as summer camp and racing for junior sailors. Its Women’s Sailing Initiative (WSI) organizes sailing courses for women.

Visit breakwateryc.org to register and for additional information about Breakwater’s sailing and racing programs.