Grand Rapids, Mi
Rules & Tactics
Powered By North U





As someone with limited racing experience this seminar was well organized and easy to follow. Having the instructor take time to answer questions was very helpful.
GJ





The instructors grasp of the material and informal manner put the class at ease and allowed for great interaction. Tremendous knowledge and entertaining too!
J. Franklin
Why Attend A Seminar?
In-person seminars offer personal interaction with instructors. You can ask questions, seek clarifications, and get feedback tailored to your needs and skill level. Seminars also provide an opportunity to engage with the sailing community and make connections with other local sailors.What Will I Learn?
This Rules and Tactics seminar will teach how the rules create rights, obligations, and opportunities all the way around the course. We'll cover starts, upwind legs, downwind legs, and mark roundings and for each, we'll break down the rules and tactics that will help get you to the podium.Who Should Take This Seminar?
This seminar is geared toward sailors of all levels. If you're new to racing this course will introduce you to the rules, and the tactics, to help you be competitive. For those more experienced racers, there are plenty of in-depth discussions of rules, and different scenarios, plus lots of tips & tricks that you can use to improve your results.Powered by North U
North U has been the leader in performance sailing courses since 1980. Their programs offer the latest in sailing techniques in an engaging interactive format that makes the course fun and effective. North U seminars feature great instructors – expert sailors with years of teaching experience.Rules as Tactical Tools

Rules & Tactics at the Starts
- Regular Rules at Starts
- Special Rules at Starts
- Transitions, Rights, Obligations
- Changes at the gun
- Avoiding Common Starting Pitfalls

Rules & Tactics on the Upwind Legs
- Port Starboard (and Starboard Port)
- Two Boat Scenarios
- Three Boat Scenarios
- Positioning Relative to Groups of Boats
- Control
- Freedom
- How to Attack! Defend!
- Quality Tactical Communication

Rules & Tactics on the Downwind Legs
- Port Starboard (and Starboard Port)
- Windward / Leeward
- Overtaking and Rule 17
- Attacking at arm's length

Rules & Tactics at the Marks
- Windward Mark approach, rounding, exit tactics
- Leeward Mark approach, rounding, exit tactics
- Tactics at Leeward Gates
- Finishing Tactics Upwind and Downwind

TEXTBOOKS
The North U Performance Tactics seventh edition covers tactics, rules, weather, and strategy in 180 information-packed pages. The fast moving, easy to follow format is accessible to all readers. Rules are covered the way you use them – (ie upwind rules as part of upwind tactics). The content offers complete information for neophytes and insights which grab the attention of the saltiest dog. Quizzes and skill building sections show how to develop a race winning approach.
The North U Performance Trim and North U Performance Racing Tactics books are NOT included in the registration fee, and will not be available to buy in person at the seminar. We strongly recommend you order any books in advance from the American Sailing Online Store.

YOUR HOST
Grand Rapids Yacht ClubFounded in 1931, the Grand Rapids Yacht Club (GRYC) has been a cornerstone of sailing tradition and community on Reeds Lake for over 90 years. From its humble beginnings on the lawn of Commodore R. Wallace Hook to its present site on the west end of the lake, GRYC has fostered a rich maritime legacy. The club has overcome challenges, such as rebuilding its clubhouse after a fire in 1956, and grown through significant renovations, including expanded facilities and improved landscapes. GRYC’s collaboration with the City of East Grand Rapids has been vital, resulting in mutual contributions like the creation of Collins Park and on-water safety assistance for Reeds Lake boaters.
GRYC remains a vibrant hub for sailors of all ages, offering public sailing classes and supporting youth sailing programs like the Grand Rapids Junior Sailing Association and local high school teams. Over the decades, the club has hosted and raced a variety of iconic sailboat fleets, from Snipes and Rebels to Lasers and the modern Melges 17. With a dedication to one-design sailboat racing, sailing education, and fostering family fun, GRYC continues to provide a welcoming space for generations of sailing enthusiasts. Learn more at grandrapidsyachtclub.org.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Saturday, March 29th, 2025
9:00AM - 4:00PM EST
Grand Rapids Yacht Club
740 Lakeside Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49506