Sailing Faster with Andrew Kerr

The South Sound Sailing Society is once again hosting our annual Sailing Faster racing seminar on January 16th beginning at 6:00 pm at the View Point Room at West Bay Marina. In previous years this event has been well attended with much positive feedback. We encourage skippers to reserve a place for yourself and your crew in advance of the date.

Professional sailor Andrew Kerr will be covering topics of interest to all our members who want to expand their knowledge and sharpen their racing skills. If you are a boat owner new to racing and have been thinking about getting your boat out on the race course, are a crew member, or an experienced sailor, we are certain you will find this evening worthwhile.

About Andrew Kerr

Andrew Kerr was born in Plymouth, England and graduated from the London School of Economics with a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics.

He is resident of Olympia, Washington and his wife Stephanie is a former America’s Cup Sailor with the all-women team America 3 in the 1995 America’s Cup.

Andrew has won 29 National and North American Championships in a wide variety of classes ranging from the J24 to the J80, J27, Santana 20 and many more.

A full-time coach for the past 35 years with North U and Kerr Sailing, his goal is to maximize every team’s performance and help them accomplish all of their goals.

Teams he has coached have won numerous major regattas as well as Regional, National, North American and World Championships in classes ranging from the J80, Farr 40, Beneteau 40. 7, J120, J80, ID 35, T10, S27.9, Ensign, J22, J24, Melges 24, J27, J35, J105, J109, Mumm / Farr 30 and countless more.

Topics for the 3-hour seminar can include:

1. Starts

- Approaching the start line: timing and positioning.

- Managing the pre-start sequence.

- Common starting line tactics and avoiding penalties.

2. Windward and leeward mark roundings

- Overview of relevant Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS).

- Understanding overlaps and their implications.

- Evaluating laylines; judging when to tack for the mark.

3. Boat handling and maneuvers

- Key crew positions and responsibilities.

- Efficient tacking and gybing techniques.

During the final hour, there will be opportunities for questions on additional topics as time allows.