Getting begginers into club racing

At Burghfield we run a very popular personal handicap pursuit series on Wednesday evenings in the Summer (as well as running other introduction to racing days).  The handicaps on the experienced can be swinging but it really really encourages the 'new to racing' to work at it - they then win or finish near the front and are seen grinning from ear to ear - It's fun for them, they work at it for the whole race to keep ahead -  and this is what will get them into more serious racing in time.  Each week a formula is applied to update the handicap based on results.   The more serious also get to try and work through the large mixed fleet - excellent practice for them as well.  As others have said already the secret is not to take it too seriously or have a go at the novice wobbling around in front of you. This series is also very social and good catering is provided resulting in a very crowded club house and bar.  Last week - first of the year with very iffy weather - 62 boats out and more expected this evening.

It's not magic - just make it fun and social.

Blaze 720

at Hawley we allow beginers to do one lap and average it out this makes it less intimidating as being lapped several times is a horrible prospect

also we've just introduced a start club racing thing (similar to the RYA  start racing program) for the junior sailors who have completed at least a stage 1 course where they have to be sufficently good at a skill to get it ticked off on their certificate but it's all done in a fun way with games and prizes so they hardly even notice they're racing. i think the eventual aim is to have a hawley junior topper squad