Have you purchased a sailboat (or are thinking about it) and are not confident when docking? Are not sure how to bleed your fuel system? Change your impeller? Or, whether you or the fast-approaching powerboat has the right-of-way as you motor toward her?
If so, you might be interested in a course offered by the South Sound Sailing Society designed to assist new and newer sailboat owners in safely maintaining, operating, and enjoying the many benefits of having a sailboat.
The course will include one in-person session, three evening Zoom sessions, a visit to your boat by an experienced skipper to identify and inspect the boat’s systems, and a two-hour docking practice.
We plan to structure the course based on the needs of the attendees but will likely include such topics as: Inspecting and identifying issues with your sailboat; understanding the mechanical and other systems in your boat; basic engine maintenance; electrical troubleshooting; basic navigation, including “rules of the road”; docking and maneuvering in marinas; and great destinations in South Sound and further north. There will also be plenty of time for questions and answers.
Subject to availability, we will match the “New boat owners” with an experienced skipper who will assist in the on-water portions of the course.
Except for the Diesel Maintenance and Repair in-person session, there will not be a fee for the course, but participants must be SSSS members. Become a SSSS member or (renew your membership) on the SSSS Club website.
Experienced skippers who participate in the sessions and do the two on-water activities will receive a boatload of thanks and knowledge that they have helped create the skills and knowledge needed to safely enjoy one’s sailboat. In addition, they will receive a $50 gift certificate from Fisheries Supply.
The group sessions and on-water boat inspection and docking practice will include:
- In-person Session: February 27, Olympia Yacht Club, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
- Boat Inspection: Between February 28 and March 5
- Zoom Session: March 6, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Docking Practice: Between March 7 and March 26
- Zoom or In-person Session: March 27, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Zoom Session or In-person: Mid-April, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- In-person Diesel Maintenance and Repair with Meredith Anderson: TBD
The in-person on-water sessions will be scheduled on days that are convenient for the boat owner and the experienced skipper.
If you are interested in participating as a sailboat owner (or prospective sailboat owner) or as an experienced skipper, please send the following information before February 25 to .
– Name:
– Email address:
– Cell phone/telephone number:
– Whether you are a new sailboat owner or an experienced skipper:
If you have questions or need additional information, please email We hope you will join us.
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