How To Get Into The Mate Training Program
The Oasis Sailing Club’s Mate training program is for members that have prior sailing knowledge and experience. To ensure maximum availability of the boats to all members whenever possible, we invite and encourage interested members who are physically capable of completing all check-off items to participate in the Club’s program to expand and enrich the sailing experience by obtaining OSC’s designation as a mate.
The program is designed to build on your experience while increasing your knowledge of our sloops. If this type of challenge and opportunity appeals to you, the Club’s ongoing Mate/Skipper Candidate Program may be just what you are looking for.
Each Mate-Candidate is advised by and guided through the program by one of our Skippers. Look for these knowledgeable sailors aboard our sloops. When you find a Skipper whom you think has the expertise, the time and the willingness to help you, and one whom you feel comfortable working with, ask him (or her) to be your Mentoring Skipper. If you need some help or advice on how to get started, feel free to call the Training Chief. When that Skipper informs the Training Chief that he is acting as your Mentoring Skipper, you will officially become a Mate-Candidate.
You can download a copy of the MATE’S MANUAL from this website. The practical knowledge and factors for qualification as Mate are listed on pages 13 through 17. Carry this booklet with you each time you sail and ask the skippers and mates aboard about the locations and uses of equipment, lines, rigging and operation of the boats. Any Skipper can verify and sign-off that you have demonstrated knowledge and abilities in the specific tasks outlined in your Mate Qualifying Checklist.
When successfully completed, if approved and voted in by the club’s board, you will be awarded OSC’s designation as MATE. Subjective criteria includes, without limitation, the ability under all weather and sea conditions to organize and lead, particularly in times of emergency, and to take charge of and physically participate in recovery activities in the event of a system failure that may effect the safety of the crew and the boat. Also, understanding and adherence to the Skipper’s directions, display of good judgment at all times, good seamanship and compatibility with the Skipper and passengers.
Once in the program, please keep your Mentoring Skipper and the Training Chief informed of your progress and feel free to call us for any help that we may be in your Mate training and development.
