SF Bay High Wind Endorsement

The prequisites for this class are:  Basic Keelboat 1, Basic Keelboat 2, Basic Coastal Cruising, 118a - Docking Maneuvering, Outboard Motor Operation & Troubleshooting and a minimum of 5 bareboat charters South of the Bay Bridge.

If you are from the San Francisco area you are most likely aware that SF is quite windy. What you may not know is that our WIND is not the norm in most sailing areas around the world. That is why the saying, “If you can sail in SF, you can sail anywhere” is so true. For the Bay sailor, the ability to sail comfortably and safely in a “good blow” is essential. Otherwise, you will live in constant fear of strong wind, which will probably take away some of the joy of sailing.

So, what will you learn in this course?
Skills and tactics are important, but one must also develop what we call the “sailor brain”. The “sailor brain” is in a constant state of development. Meaning, it is always learning and is always aware of what is going on around it. Complacency is a killer.
Skills, experience, planning, the ability to adapt and improvise, and being able to think several steps ahead are key components of the “sailor brain”. But the biggest component is the ability to stay calm and exude calmness to your crew when the weather picks up.