Heavy Weather Clinic – Windy Alert Sail
Managing power, balancing the helm, and reefing proficiency.
The best way to learn how to handle heavy weather is to get out on the water with someone who really knows how to handle it, and can keep it safe while showing you the tricks of the trade. That’s what these clinics are for – building your confidence and competence in strong and windy conditions.
We use the Windy App and have set Windy Alerts for Long Beach. When winds will be from 18 knots to 30 knots, the app sends us an email about the upcoming wind event. If you have signed up for the “Call List,” we’ll send you an email with an invitation to join. We usually have 48 hours notice, sometimes more.
How It Works:
- Sign up to be on the “Call List” whenever there’s a Windy Alert that prompts a Heavy Weather Clinic.
- When there’s a Windy Alert, we’ll email or text you with an invitation to register and join the Clinic.
- We’ll take the first five sailors that register and pay for the clinic.
- Come on down to the boat and we’ll get out into the breeze!
When you come for a Windy Alert Sail, you’ll participate in all aspects of running the boat. You’ll gain proficiency with reefing the main and headsail, managing power in the sail plan, helmsmanship and situational awareness. If conditions allow we’ll practice reefing until you can get it done in one minute, and we may even work on Crew Overboard Rescue maneuvers.
Prerequisites: Competent Crew skill level: able to work at the skipper’s direction to safely handle halyards, sheets, and winches, and steer a steady course; familiarity with sail trim concepts; must be in good physical condition, able to move around the boat while underway.
