In many sports, coaches are a common part of the landscape. Why are they not more popular in sailing? U.S. Sailing President Gary Jobson explores the issue, excerpts of which we’ve included below.
Thirty years ago, the only places you’d ever see sailing coaches were in junior clubhouses, college boathouses, and sailing schools. I know from
years of experience that coaching is effective, which is why, for the past decade there’s been a tremendous growth in the use of coaching. It’s mostly
happening at opposite ends of the sport’s spectrum: competitive youth sailing and the Olympics. The bulk of amateur sailors – from one-design to
club-racing PHRF teams – have yet to catch on.Competitive sports such as tennis and golf thrive on teaching professionals and coaches. They’re fundamental to their sports. Sailing pros should be
just as integral to ours. Lessons can take place on an individual boat, or with an entire fleet sharing the expense and learning together. Many
sailors spend freely on sails, boats, equipment, and professional crew, but miss the opportunity to really improve by having someone else evaluate
their performance. Self-analysis is always difficult, and a coach that joins a team and watches from off the boat can offer insight you can’t get
any other way. Read More
