Level 3 Advanced Race Crew Training
GET OFF THE RAIL AND INTO THE ACTION! – OUR ADVANCED RACE CREW TRAINING COURSE IS AIMED AT GIVING YOU THE SKILLS TO BE A KEY PART OF A RACING SAILING TEAM.
What To Expect
RNZYS Level 3 Advanced Race Crew Training Course is a Yachting New Zealand endorsed sailing course.
The course format is either over 5 weeknights (Wednesday 5pm – 8:30pm) during the summer or three full days (Saturdays 10am – 4pm) from May to September.
The course is a mixture of practical and theory-based content. During this course you will learn all crewing positions on an MRX, racing in RNZYS sailing events. During this course you’ll learn advanced use of Spinnakers, rules and tactics.
What the course covers
The course format is:
Learn – The first session or first part of the day will be training.
Race – You’ll crew and race the Farr MRX’s in the RNZYS race in the afternoon [winter] or in the second session [summer]
Network – Race debrief and socialising with other sailors at the bar, and attend the prize giving.
Over the course of the sessions you’ll learn how to rig and trim Spinnaker, how to Leeward and Windward hoist, Leeward and Windward drop, Gybe, Gybe Set, more advanced race tactics, strategies and Racing Rules of Sailing.
What you will get
Lunch or Dinner is provided and at the beginning of your course you’ll receive one month membership at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. You’ll be able to use the facilities and get a full taste of what being an active sailing member of the RNZYS is like!
On graduation you receive a RNZYS Level 3 Advanced Race Crew Training certificate.
The Sailing Office will provide help with the next stage of your journey: crew placement, Level 2 Cruising course – Kawau, Level 3 Cruising course – Great Barrier or even volunteering in race management.
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Common Questions
Do I need to complete the Level 1 and Level 2 first ?
Not necessarily; If you have no sailing experience you will need to complete the Level 1 and level 2 Race Crew Training courses. But if you have previous sailing experience you may be able to go straight into this course.
What will I be taught on the course?
The course follows a RNZYS syllabus, focused on boat handling skills and racing tactics. At the end of the course you will know how to properly use Spinnakers and understand crewing on a race boat.
I already race. will this course be too basic for me?
No. We have incredibility talented coaches at the RNZYS and we guarantee you will learn something new to become a better crew member.
Will I get to try different crew positions?
Yes, the crew will rotate through all the positions on the boat: Bow, jib trimmer, main trimmer and pitman.
Will we do actual racing?
Yes, you will compete in the RNZYS Club racing series.
Will there be a coach on-board?
Yes, there will be a coach who will steer the boat.
Will I get a chance to steer the boat?
Not during the racing, this course is about learning to be an effective crew member.
How do I continue to race after the course?
RNZYS will support you getting onto a members keelboat for club racing.