Discover Sailing And American Sailing Association Team Up To Offer Hands-On Sailing Clinics At The Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show

Oakland, Calif. (April 4, 2012) – Discover Sailing and the American Sailing Association (ASA) have teamed up to create a variety of hands-on learning clinics set to take place on-the-water at the 2012 Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show, the West Coast’s largest all-sail boat show. The show will take over Jack London Square with all that is hot in the world of sailing from Thursday, April 12 through Sunday, April 15. This year’s expanded lineup of hands-on workshops and clinics includes something for everyone – from absolute beginners to seasoned sailors. Participants will learn basic and intermediate skills through hands-on, on-the-water exercises taught by ASA Certified Instructors. This year’s lineup of hands-on workshops includes:

Introduction to Sailing - Learn how easy and fun sailing is by participating in an ASA basic skills building workshop (ASA 101 – Sailing Made Easy) aboard a Discover Sailing training vessel. Learn how to raise and lower the sails, trim the sails correctly, tack, jibe, helmsmanship fundamentals, points of sail and more.

Coastal Cruising – More experienced sailors are invited to improve their existing skills and learn several essential skills including how to heave to, reef the sails, steer with the sails, and crew overboard recovery methods, based on ASA curriculum for Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) and Bareboat Charter (ASA 104).

Docking Under Power & Close Quarters Boat Control – Participants will learn close-quarters maneuvering skills taught as part of the ASA Docking “Endorsement,” including: 360 degree turns in tight spaces (back and fill); backing down a narrow channel in a straight line; weather vane turns in windy conditions; coming alongside a pier (fuel dock); and using spring lines in docking maneuvers.

(Space is limited for these classes, advance registration is highly recommended. Each hands-on workshop will last 90 minutes, limited to four persons per boat and is $35 per person per class. To reserve your space and for more information, visit the advance registration website by following this link: Click Here).

For the more advanced sailor, ASA has brought together some of its most experienced blue water instructors to help beginner and intermediate sailors improve their ability to handle the offshore environment. New advanced on-the-water clinics for 2012 include:

Advanced Cruising Skills – Participants will learn advanced sail shaping and sail management, essential heavy weather tactics and advanced boat control for docking and maneuvering in close quarters. All elements are taught through hands-on exercises aboard 30’ to 40’ sailboats. Participation in this hands-on learning workshop is $145 per person, which includes boat show admission for the day. Registration is limited to five persons per boat. To get details about content and to reserve your space, follow this link: Click Here.

Introduction to Cruising Catamarans Aboard a 43’ Belize – During this 3 ½ hour Strictly Sail Pacific exclusive, ASA instructors will cover Cruising Catamaran fundamentals including techniques for tacking and jibing in light air, correct sail trim, steering a compass course, line handling and winch safety, crew overboard recovery, maneuvering in tight spaces under power and much more. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and capable of performing as an active crew member while underway. Cost for this exclusive seminar is $145 per person, which includes boat show admission for the day. Find out more details and register online at the following link: Click Here.

For those looking to get on the water for a short cruise, stop by the Discover Sailing Center for a complimentary sail on the Bay. Experience the sheer joy and excitement of sailing with a FREE Discover Sailing sailboat ride! Participants are invited to sign up at the Discover Sailing Center for a complimentary 45-minute sail on the Bay with a licensed captain (included in the price of admission).

This four-day sailing spectacular will feature hundreds of new sailboats, gear, accessories, hardware, seminars, interactive workshops, free sailboat rides and more. From newbies to serious sailors, the Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show is the place for people to immerse themselves in the sailing lifestyle, talk to experts, participate in hands-on seminars and learn new sailing techniques. The show will take place at Jack London Square, 70 Washington Street, in Oakland, California 94607. Show hours are: Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 one-day adult, $25 two-day adult, and $45 four-day adult. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. To purchase advance tickets visit www.strictlysailpacific.com.

The American Sailing Association (ASA) is the worldwide leader in sailing education. Within our network of over 300 sailing schools across the United States and abroad, each school maintains the ASA standard of excellence. All ASA courses are taught by certified sailing instructors who have undergone our rigorous instructor certification process. ASA instructors provide students the knowledge, practice and skills to sail safely and with confidence, whether chartering in an exotic destination or in your home port. This commitment to excellence and leadership in sailing education has defined ASA since its inception, almost 30 years ago. Our primary focus is growing sailing participation by making it safe, fun, and accessible. We pride ourselves on being an organization dedicated to every kind of sailor. Learning to sail with ASA is just the beginning of your sailing adventures!

Discover Sailing is a national program run by Sail America that introduces new people to sailing and provides reliable, unbiased information about how to get started in sailing. Visit www.DiscoverSailing.com to learn more and order the award-winning Discover Sailing: The Ultimate Adventure DVD.

The Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show is produced by Sail America, the trade association for the U.S. sailing industry dedicated to promoting the health and growth of sailing. Established in 1990, Sail America now has more than 500 members representing all segments of the sailing market. For more information, visit www.sailamerica.com.

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