Frequently Asked Questions About Fairwind Yacht Club

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Last Updated: Nov 19th, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

If I don't know how to sail, will you teach me?
Yes. Members who are American Sailing Association certified instructors contribute their time to train and then to check-out new members as Skippers. The Club emphasizes safety in all boat activities.
What if I'm already an experienced sailor?
All you need to do is learn to operate our daysailers, be checked out, and you're a qualified Skipper. Move-ups to the cruising boats can be accelerated, provided you have been checked out on each Club boat as you progress.
What does it cost?
Base membership is $99 per Quarter, and covers day-sailers for qualified Skippers; $195 per Quarter on medium-level cruise boats (26 to 28 feet), and $270 Quarterly on the large-level boats (over 30 feet). A refundable security bond is required for each level.

	Why is the club so inexpensive?
	Because everyone who joins is expected to volunteer to serve! This is the secret of our more than four decades of successful low-cost operation. The Commodore, Board Members, Boat Chiefs, Cruise Chairman, Sailing Instructors, Editor - ALL VOLUNTEER. If new members have previous sailing club experience, or boating talents, we all will benefit.
	What kind of boats does the club have?
	Fairwind members have use of the following boats: Small Boats Two Fixed Keel Capri 14.2K's G22 Rambley 6 Catalina Capri 22's Soling Seaweed Soling Blue By U Eight Hobie Waves Hobie Dragoon Ten Kayaks Medium Boats Hunter 26.5 Collective Effort Catalina 27 Freedom Too Catalina 270 Zephyr Catalina 28 Island Side F-27 Sea Wing Large Boats Catalina 30 Mk III Mark III Catalina 320 Osprey Catalina 38 Happy Ours Catalina 400 Angelsea See our Fleet Information page for more details.
	Where are the boats kept?
	All boats are in the water, ready to sail. They are located in three areas: dock C-2400 - off Panay Way, Marina del Rey; dock G-2500, Marina del Rey; and in Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.
	Who is in the club?
	Men and women, from age 20 and up, some single, some married, some with children. Some experienced sailors, some new to sailing.

I want to check the club out - where do we meet?
Marina Del Rey usually meets on the first Saturday of every month and Channel Islands Harbor, on the third Sunday of each month. These are the best times to meet members of the Club and you will probably be invited to sail in the afternoon. But these dates sometimes get changed, especially for Holidays e.g. the July 4 weekend.
Once I'm "checked-out", how do I reserve a boat?
Reservations are made on-line through our website. A reservation guarantees you sailing time - even during the warm summer months.

	When can I go cruising to Catalina, etc.?
	As a crewperson, go as soon as you join. The Club has cruises each year to Avalon and the Isthmus; to Long Beach, and brunch and dinner cruises to King Harbor. To cruise as a Skipper, you must learn the boat; be checked-out; and have completed American Sailing Association courses.
	Once I'm "checked-out", Is there a boat for me?
	Yes, boats are there for you to sail almost any time. However, as you improve and progress through the Club, you are expected to volunteer - TO RETURN THE HELP given to you by fellow Club members. You learn, you offer to teach and you serve newer members.
	How are the boats maintained?
	Each boat has a volunteer member assigned as Boat Chief. Major work is contracted, minor work is done by members working with the Boat Chief on Saturday work days or at other times.

What's the catch?
There is none - except that each member is expected to contribute time and help to the Club in what ever way he or she can. Members serve as officers, as newsletter editor, as sailing instructors, as cruise chairperson, or by helping with boat maintenance.
Does the club carry insurance?
Yes, for both hull damage and liability. There is, however, a deductible amount - very similar to one's automobile insurance.
After reading the FAQ, who can I contact?
Email us at info@fairwind.org or write us at Fairwind Yacht Club P.O. Box 12684 Marina Del Rey, CA 90295-3684

Last Updated 4/16/12