US Sailing’s training programs benefit local area yacht clubs

by Rick Roberts on 12 Mar 2016 US Sailing is the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the U.S. Working closely with yacht clubs and sailing organizations they establish rules for racing, and provide extensive training and support for the individuals who run these races and regattas so they can do so in the safest possible way.

Having just attended the 2016 US Sailing Leadership Conference in San Diego, Calif. in February, I was impressed that within each and every seminar and presentation, regardless of the topic, safety was discussed. Many of the seminars were specifically about on-the-water safety.

Nowhere is there more of a concern for safety on the water than in youth sailing programs.

One of those skilled US Sailing trainers is Long Beach Yacht Club’s Sailing Director, Jess Gerry, who has 10 years of youth program director management experience between Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club and Long Beach Yacht Club.

He recently completed his US Sailing Instructor Trainer Certification and took time out of his day to talk to this reporter about the instructor training program.

What exactly is an Instructor Trainer?

“In essence, a qualified instructor trainer is certified by US Sailing to run a 40 hour US Sailing Level one Small Boat Instructor Course for those seeking to teach and instruct our sport using the US Sailing standards. Most, if not all, yacht clubs require this certification to obtain any coaching position.”

What motivated you to take this challenging course?

“Our ongoing focus on safety and sailing education here at LBYC was a major factor. LBYC shows great support to their staff to pursue further education within the sport. Being up to date with the latest material from US Sailing only strengthens our sailing community and LBYC.”

How did you get an invitation to attend this course?

“I discussed the opportunity with a US Sailing representative. Through the application process, eight were accepted to attend. I was the only one from California.”

How difficult was course?

“It was hosted at San Diego Yacht Club and it was a rigorous four days of mostly classroom testing and presentation skills. We were there from 8:30 in the morning to 7:30 at night. I was cramming the course material very early each morning to prepare for each curveball the Master Instructor Trainers were going to send my way.

“There are currently 71 active Instructor Trainers in the U.S. and I am one of only four in California.

“We had one day for on-the-water powerboat maneuvering and rescue procedures, two days of topic presentation (randomly assigned by US Sailing Master Instructor Trainers) and one day where we were teaching the ‘class’ (our peer Instructor Trainer candidates) of what we were told to present.

“We only sailed Saturday morning and, due to weather conditions, didn’t get back on the water until Tuesday.

“The entire class was built around peer evaluation, adding another tier of stress as we were working with, and evaluating each other. “

For those seeking US Sailing educational and certification seminars, please visit their website or contact US Sailing by email at info@ussailing.org or call their offices at 1-800-877-2451.