Note: The Challenger Fleet is currently inactive and beginning sailors are encouraged to join the C14 or Portsmouth fleet at Tempe Town Lake or the Non-Spin Fleet at Lake Pleasant.
By Paula Lippert
Where to begin? How does a casual sailor ease into racing?
From my experience, the Challenger Fleet is an excellent place
to start.
Ten years ago sailing became an interest of mine. I was on a trip
up the Coastal Highway in California and met a man from Santa Fe
who had built his own 40-foot sailboat and circumnavigated the globe.
His boat was for sale. While his 40-footer was a bit out of my immediate
league, his experience made an impression on me and I began to plan
to buy a sailboat and learn the sport.
Fast forward to 2000: I purchased a Balboa 26 and a number of
books on sailing. I had the boat and a lot of great material, but
needed experience - and in 2002 I found a way to get it by joining
the Challenger Fleet.
Racing is a great way to learn to deal with changing wind conditions
and working with a crew. Challenger offers a way for a beginner
to come up to racing speed without banging into the highly-competitive
regular AYC racing fleets. Challenger offers the company of sailors
interested in improving sailing skills, supporting each other, and
having fun.
Here's how it works. You sign up for racing and circle
"Challenger" on the entry. We'll make our best effort
to provide you with an experienced, on-board coach during Saturday
afternoon races. On Sundays you'll race on your own. After a series
or two in Challenger, you may feel ready to compete in one of the
other fleets.
If you're beginning your sailing journey or just now getting back
into sailing after a period of time, consider joining us in the
Challenger Fleet!
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