Points of Sail - Building on the Basics of Refined Sailing
Elective Class | Available
If you ever tried to learn the concepts of points of sail or sail theory from a textbook and got confused, you’re not alone. It is a lot to take in. The classroom theory will complement on the water experience, even if you’ve been sailing for years. It will also establish a way for partners to communicate with each other. This is a foundational course, but most experienced sailors also learn new ways to think about sail trim, communication, and wind over sail!
Topics Include: Points of sail, Bernoulli’s principle, steering with the sails aka rudderless sailing, actual and apparent wind, leeway, heave to, sailing backward, wind aloft, setting and striking, reefing.
Teresa Carey
Teresa Carey is a US Coast Guard licensed captain, writer, and educator. Teresa is the co-owner of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a coastal and offshore sail-training program in the Atlantic. She has worked aboard a variety of sail and power boats like schooners, motor yachts, sailing yachts, even a lobster boat — as the captain, an educator, delivery crew, and charter-boat captain. She taught for sea programs such as Outward Bound, and has also been a Marine Science educator. Teresa lived aboard a 27ft boat and sailed the northern Atlantic solo for a few years. She has given inspiring talks, such as her 2011 TED talk or 2012 National Women’s Sailing Association Keynote Speaker Address. She is also a science journalist at Freethink, and writes for NPR, Buzzfeed, The Smithsonian, and more.
Ben Carey
Ben Eriksen Carey is a 200 Ton US Coast Guard Master’s License, 500 ton Mate. He is co-owner of Morse Alpha Expeditions, a coastal and offshore sail-training program. He has worked aboard schooners, tugboats, sailing and motor yachts — as captain, mate, and even dishwasher. Ben has a long list of maritime certifications including safety, firefighting, medical, etc. He began his sea life as a clammer in Stonybrook Harbor, NY. Ben pursued a degree in Human Ecology from Connecticut College with a focus in marine biology. In 1992 Ben attended the Sea Education Association (SEA) program, which sparked his love for sailing. Ben is a successful independent web designer. He worked and lived aboard Elizabeth, his 28ft cutter, while chasing his girlfriend Teresa’s 27ft sloop, Daphne for several years. It worked because now they are married. He is excited to be racing to Bermuda this year with Morse Alpha Expeditions.