There has been interest expressed by a number of members in obtaining a qualification rating. Below is a list of the various levels of qualifications. These are basically from the U.S. Naval Sailing requirements. Not only will this encourage safe sailing, it will also enhance members' capabilities in chartering at various Navy sites as well as commercial chartering.

Our goal is to have all members obtain a rating, which will include "Not Rated".

By going through the rating process, it will also help the Rear Commodore focus on future training courses that will benefit the most members.

While we encourage everyone to take advantage of the rating process, it is by no means required for WINSA membership. Those who do not have the time or desire to obtain a rating at this time will receive a "Not Rated" on their membership cards.

For those who would like a rating, the WINSA executive team looks forward to working with you to obtain the appropriate rating for your specific knowledge and sailing skills on the water.

Our objective is to make this as easy as possible while still maintaining a quality rating for each member. First we would like each member to review the rating list below, and to the best of your ability choose the category you believe fits your qualifications. If you are not sure, the qualification committee can assist you with questions. There will be more review regarding documentation required for Senior Skipper vs. Mate.

There will also be an opportunity to go with a qualified instructor or sailor to review both basic and advanced skills on the water as necessary.

Some members have asked what sorts of experiences they should list? Here are a few examples that you might consider.

• How long have you been sailing? How frequently do you sail in the course of a year?
• Has your role been primarily as crew vs. skipper? What conditions are you comfortable sailing in (e.g. fair weather vs. rough seas, day vs. night)?
• What classes such as USPS, ASA, US Sailing Assoc. have you taken? (e.g., navigation, electrical, charting, bareboat chartering, racing) What about any safety classes?
• Do you own a boat? How long? Other boats you might have chartered? How often and where?
• What racing experience do you have?
• Areas you have sailed? Areas you have sailed locally?
• Do you have any Navy experience? Any sailing licenses such as Captain's?
• Do you have a sailing resume? These questions may help you write one.
• Any other skills or experiences you feel should be considered for your rating?

Finally, what rating do you believe you are qualified for and what rating would you like to achieve with additional classroom and on the water experience? The latter will help us set up new curriculum for our members as well as guest speakers.

We look forward to hearing back from you. You can send your assessment back to Gary McIntyre. E-mail mcintyre.g@cablespeed.com or 705 La Cana St., Coupeville, WA 98239.

Qualification Levels and Requirements

The Association will emphasize the teaching of sailing arts and skills in order to encourage members to sail safely, skillfully and pleasurably.

Section 1

• Mate - Class A. Minimum qualifications to crew a small sailing craft. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road, nomenclature, and basic seamanship.

Section 2

• Skipper- Class A. Qualified to handle sailing craft up 20 feet in length, in the local area in daylight conditions. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road, and water safety procedures. (Minimum age 14)
• Skipper- Class B-2. Qualified to handle sailing craft up to 28 feet in length, in the local area under sail or power in daylight conditions. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road, coastal navigation and piloting, and water safety procedures. (Minimum age 18)

Section 3

• Cruising Skipper - Class B-2. Qualified to skipper sailing craft up to 28 feet in length in the local area, under power or sail, during day or night conditions. Must be familiar with Rules of the Road and coastal piloting techniques. (Minimum age of 18)

Section 4

• Racing Skipper- Class C/NFS. A qualified skipper who has a theoretical and practical knowledge of yacht racing rules and tactics, plus mastery of the special skills involved in racing in close quarters during day or night conditions. (Minimum age 18)

Section 5

• Racing Skipper- Class C/FS. A qualified skipper who has a theoretical and practical knowledge of yacht racing rules and tactics, plus mastery of the special skills involved in racing in close quarters and the use of spinnaker sails during day or night conditions. (Minimum age 18)

Section 6

• Senior Crew - Class SC. Qualified to assist a Senior skipper or Watch captain In sailing an auxiliary powered sailboat over 28 feet in length by performing routine tasks involved in sailing the vessel with minimal supervision other than assignment of duties, and having sufficient knowledge that other routine tasks do not require lengthy explanation. (Minimum age 18)

Section 7

• Senior Watch Captain-Class SWC. Qualified to take charge of an auxiliary powered sailboat, over 28 feet in length, under command of a Senior or Offshore Skipper while underway when the Skipper is on deck. Includes the ability to handle all necessary operations under normal conditions such as navigation, sail evolutions, initial action in emergencies, and supervising crew in their duties. (Minimum age 18)

Section 8

• Senior Skipper - Class D. Qualified to command and sail an auxiliary powered sailboat over 28 feet in length in out-of-area inland waters in all weather conditions, day or night. (Minimum age 18)

Section 9

• Off Shore Skipper- Class DO. Qualified to command or serve as Watch Captain on a large sailing yacht off shore under all weather conditions, day or night. (Minimum age 18)