Already Know How to Sail?

Consider teaching a class! You can be an Assistant Instructor at first to get more comfortable before jumping into being the main teacher. You'll receive free membership for the quarters you teach!

If you are not interested in taking lessons, your next step will be to receive a "rating" so you can go out sailing on your own (what is a rating? Read the How Sailing In Our Club Works page). 

Unfortunately, but similar to other clubs, we cannot accept sailing certifications from independent sources. You will still be required to pass our tests.
  • You can take the Written portion of the rating during our Office Hours, Supervised Sailing Hours, with any Chief (contact info), or Officer (contact info).
  • You can take the Practical (on-the-water) portion of the test during Supervised Sailing Hours, with any Chief (contact info), or Officer (contact info). The Practical test will require demonstrating knowledge of how to check out a club boat, sailing maneuvers, and rigging our boats (more info below). We would recommend coming to Supervised Sailing Hours to get a briefing on how this is done so that you'll be prepared during the test.
What Ratings are required for each boat?
Here is a brief table for a good overview:
Wind speed is calculated in "knots", 1 knot (kts)  = 1.15 mph

 Rating Boats you can Sail
 Where/When you can sail
 Single-Handed Novice
 Laser, Bravo
 Union Bay in up to 7 kts of wind
 Single-Handed Intermediate
 Laser, Bravo. With rig rating:Finn
  Union Bay in up to 15 kts of wind
Single-Handed Skipper
 Laser, Bravo
 Interconnecting waters East of the Aurora Bridge in any winds
Double-Handed Novice
 FJ, Laser II, Flying Scot
  Union Bay in up to 7 kts of wind
Double-Handed Intermediate
 FJ, Laser II, Flying Scot, 470, Lightning, Pearson Ensigns (Auklet & Puffin), Cal 20
  Union Bay in up to 15 kts of wind
  Double-Handed Skipper
 FJ, Laser II, Flying Scot, 470, Lightning, Pearson Ensigns (Auklet & Puffin), Catalina 21? With Rig Rating: 505, I14
 Interconnecting waters East of the Aurora Bridge in 15+ kts winds
 Catamaran Novice
 Hobie 16, Dart 16
  Union Bay in up to 7 kts of wind
 Catamaran Intermediate
 Hobie 16. With other ratings: Hobie 20, Hobie 21, Hobie SX18
  Union Bay in up to 15 kts of wind
 Catamaran Skipper
 Hobie 16, Hobie 21
 Interconnecting waters East of the Aurora Bridge in 15+ kts winds
 Keelboat Novice
 Any club keelboat
 
 Keelboat Skipper
 Any club keelboat
 

Specific Rating Requirements
Here are the specific requirements to earn the more popular ratings at WYC. 

Note that most ratings above novice are awarded when the wind conditions are of appropriate strength. Novice: 1-6 knots, Intermediate: 7-15 knots, Skipper 16+ knots.

Novice Single-Handed (Dinghy):
  • To get a novice single-handed rating you must complete the novice written test based on our New Member Guide.
  • You must also pass a practical test on the water. During the practical test you will be asked to
    • demonstrate proper boat checkout procedures
    • rig the boat correctly from memory - you will be rigging a laser, so don't forget the cunningham
    • demonstrate good boat handling - usually 3 tacks and 3 jibes
    • demonstrate a man-overboard drill - this involves recovering a PFD using the proper technique (approach the man-overboard on your windward side sailing upwind and stop when you get there)
    • demonstrate proper docking
    • demonstrate a wet capsize - yes you will get wet! You must capsize the boat and get in the water and then right in the proper manner. This can often be done near the dock.
    • correctly de-rig the boat
Intermediate Single-handed (Dinghy):
  • This practical is the same as the novice but must be done in about 10 knots of steady wind. In this wind you must demonstrate excellent boat handling skills. This will usually involve sailing around a small course, demonstrating skilled tacks and jibes and demonstrating good sail trim and hiking. In addition the wet capsize will not be performed near the dock so be prepared and dress accordingly! You will probably be sailing wet for at least 10 minutes.
Skipper Single-handed (Dinghy):
  • To obtain a skipper rating you must first pass the skipper written test. It's best to take this test at the office, but it may be taken at the WAC during Supervised Sailing Hours or with a chief.
  • The skipper practical test contains all the requirements of the novice practical test with a few additions. The skipper test must be performed in over 15 knots of steady wind. In this wind you must demonstrate excellent boat handling skills. You will likely be asked to sail around a course, do fast and skilled tacks and jibes, stop the boat, do a man overboard and other skill demonstrations. In addition you will need to completely turtle the boat and then recover. The skipper test is usually done at Webster Point or on Lake Washington. This means you will probably be sailing for at least a half an hour wet. Please be prepared physically and mentally and dress appropriately.
Double-handed Ratings (Dinghy):
  • Double handed ratings have the same requirements as single-handed but are performed on a FJ or Laser II with crew. The crew need not be a member or getting a rating, but must have sufficient sailing skill. You the skipper will drive the boat and perform maneuvers. The most important part of double-handed sailing is good communication, so you will be asked to say commands loud enough for the examiner to hear them. A wet capsize will be required and the skipper will right the boat while the crew rolls into the cockpit. Be sure to tell your crew they will be getting wet and need a change of clothes!
Keelboat Novice
  • Read the By-Laws.
  • Pass the Novice and Skipper Dinghy Written Examinations.
  • Be able to tie the following knots: Bowline, Cleating, Figure Eight, Sheet Bend, Rolling Hitch and Reef Knot.
  • Know the rental and check-out procedures appropriate to Rental Keelboats.
  • Attend a demonstration of rigging and equipment of the Rental Keelboats given by a designated Chief.
  • Take a Keelboat sailing test to demonstrate sailing proficiency equivalent to an Intermediate (Single-handed or Double-handed) Rating and ability to recover a man overboard.
  • Display consideration for both the safety of lives while sailing and protection of club equipment.
Keelboat Skipper
  • Read the By-Laws.
  • Pass the Novice and Skipper Dinghy Written Examinations.
  • Pass the Rental Keelboat Skipper written test as administered by designated Chiefs only.
  • Be able to tie the following knots: Bowline, Cleating, Figure Eight, Sheet Bend, Rolling Hitch and Reef Knot.
  • Know the rental and check-out procedures appropriate to Rental Keelboats.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the many aspects of Keelboat sailing in tidal water including; basic navigation, anchoring, reefing, and changing sails, Inland and International Rules of the Road as part of a practical exam which may be given only by 'Keelboat Chiefs.'
  • Demonstrate the use of such secondary equipment as head, engine, stove, seacocks, and compass.
  • Demonstrate man overboard recovery.
  • Display consideration for both the safety of lives while sailing and protection of club equipment.