Category Archives: Ensign Racing

February 5th Newsletter: Winter Sailing in the Ensigns!

Posted on by
John K heading out on Intrepid

As the days get longer, we are seeing more really lovely opportunities to go sailing, and members are starting to go out.  Certainly this winter has been far warmer than the last two winters. Winter sailing in the Ensigns is often wonderful but preparation is key.  In the winter the Ensigns are inside on the first pier as you drive in.  Park across from Cove Mini-Golf.  

Bear in mind the winds have more force in colder temps.  For example – in 30 degree temps the wind has 5% more force then when it’s 60 degrees out.  By no means should you go out when the winds are over 15 knots or the gusts are over 18 knots. Look at the marine forecast, the weather discussion (especially the aviation section for the max gusts) and also check the buoy reports if questionable. I normally check the New Haven and King’s Point reports.   

Continue Reading →

October 17th Newsletter: Annapolis Show Update, Brokerage Yachts, Jonmeri meeting this Friday delayed 2 weeks.

Posted on by

Although the first fall rapidly intensifying low is passing over us, with winds gusts to 55 knots, we have been blessed with amazing weather, including another lovely weekend coming up!     Glad to see several of the Mystic boats going out.  Block Island is just as lovely now as in the summer, with no shortage of low priced slips!!

We were hoping to preview the Jonmeri 40 this friday to members, but decided it was prudent to wait till she was launched in about 2 weeks.  Just getting on board up the ladder is not for everyone.   Big changes with the Jonmeri, the cockpit modifications are close to done and she now has a single 14′ long cockpit with a walk thru transom.  The new Yanmar diesel has arrived, new sails and B&G electronics ordered, teak decks are off, etc.   For sure we will be taking her south just after Thanksgiving, with an earliest departure date on November 29th, eta to Bermuda on Dec 5-6th, eta to St Thomas Dec 12-14th.  We plan on leaving the Jonmeri in the Caribbean for the foreseeable future, so members will be able to use her down there from Dec through June. Our new date for the preview / dinner is November 1st from 6-8pm.  

Continue Reading →

June 27th Newsletter: Racing Tonight, Summer Sailing, Weather or Not?

Posted on by

Racing starts today!

Our Thursday Evening racing series starts this evening at 6 pm!   See below for more information.  We urge members and everyone to check it out. Racing is one of the best ways to improve your sailing skills. You will quickly realize that over-trimming your sails really does make you slow, plus it’s lots of fun!

Weather or not to head out?!!

The first thing we teach our students about what to consider before heading out is the Weather. Nothing else has as great an impact on the safety of you and your crew.

Getting Ready to Head Out!
Continue Reading →

June 19th Newsletter: Father’s Day Open House at Sound Sailing!

Posted on by

Fathers Day Open House, come on down, see the fleet and go for a sail – 1-4 pm.  Our grill will be fired up with burgers and hot dogs from 1-1:30 pm. Thereafter we will be offering free mini-lessons and sailboat rides with instructors and members.  Please call to reserve a sailboat ride in advance.

Why Take Lessons at Sound Sailing Center?

After over 25 years, Sound Sailing Center has a proven record of offering the highest quality instruction.  Our program is unique in that we are almost 100% on the water practicing the skills you need.  We also believe in lots of repetition until primary skills, like reefing or MOB’s are automatic.  Each student will have practiced reefing 6-8 times in Basic Keelboat, for example. They also will have observed their 2 classmates doing the same.  

Speaking of classmates, your time is valuable, so we never have more than 3 Students per class.  In a 5 hour lesson, you get almost 50%  more time on the helm with 3 instead of 4 students (1.5 hours vs 1.1 hour).   

Continue Reading →