Sailboat Skipper Rating System
Basic Skipper Ratings - Junior and Novice
The Junior Skipper Rating is the rating achieved by the majority of active CSC sailors. This rating allows a member to sail most of the smaller boats in the daysailing area between Berkeley and Emeryville. Jr. Skippers can bring non-members out sailing as guests, and can also earn credits towards free memberships by teaching lessons (so can Novices, but a Novice can teach only one person at a time in the Novice Area).
First of all, you should read the Dinghy Sailing Manual. It has a lot of information about how to rig and sail a CSC dinghy.
The Jr. Skipper rating can be obtained by members who have contributed (and been signed off for) at least 4 hours of work and who can pass three tests: a written test covering terminology, basic sailing skills, and CSC rules (all covered in the CSC online "handbooks"); a rigging test demonstrating ability to properly rig and launch a CSC boat; and a practical sailing test demonstrating the skills listed below. The sailing test requires at least ten knots of wind, and includes a capsize.
How long will it take to get a Junior Rating?
The answer, of course, is "it depends". But the way to think about it is in terms of hours, not calendar time - hours of lessons and practice. If you're a beginner, it will probably take between 20 and 30 hours of lessons and practice to be ready for the on-the-water test. If you have sailing experience, it will take less time. Even very experienced sailors from other places may need time to adapt to the conditions on the SF Bay in the summer. And different people learn these skills at different rates.
Jr Skipper Sailing Skills Checklist:
More advanced ratings are earned by members who demonstrate an extremely high level of sailing skill and a commitment to the club's programs (teaching, maintenance, public service). See the links below for details on how to acquire each rating.
These ratings are obtained by passing advanced written and sailing tests, and (for the Senior Skipper rating only) contributing a work project of at least 10 hours. Refer to the Club Operating Rules to see specific requirements, sailing areas, and required equipment for advanced ratings.
The Senior Dinghy Skipper rating allows members to sail any CSC dinghy at any time, whether the club is open or not, in a much larger area than the Junior area.
This is a comprehensive guide ocusing on the Senior Dinghy rating.
The Senior Skipper rating allows members to sail any of the CSC sailboat fleet, including the larger keelboats, within an area extending out into the Bay along the Berkeley Pier, and, for keelboats only, within a much greater area ranging from Emeryville to Richmond.
The Cruising Skipper rating allows members to sail the Club keelboats anywhere within the entire San Francisco Bay and Delta system.
The Cruising Dinghy Skipper rating allows members to sail the Club dinghies in a wider area on the San Francisco Bay.
Click here to see who can sign off on tests and ratings.