NEW ORLEANS SAILING FIELD GUIDE
On the Water: Learning to Fly a Symmetrical Spinnaker off New Orleans
A focused, hands-on workshop that teaches setting, jibing and dousing a symmetrical spinnaker in a relaxed, race-like environment.
On the Water: Learning to Fly a Symmetrical Spinnaker off New Orleans.
Spinnaker Workshop is a short, on-water course that walks new crew through the practical techniques of flying a symmetrical spinnaker — setting the spinnaker pole, launching and trimming the sail, executing a jibe and then dousing the sail — all in a non-racing, hands-on format designed to build confidence at the mast and on deck.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Set, Trim and Douse a Symmetrical Spinnaker
This workshop focuses on the core maneuvers: setting the spinnaker pole, launching the spinnaker, trimming and adjusting the pole, jibing, and dousing — the essentials to get a spinnaker flying and under control.
Hands-On, Race-Like Practice
Sessions are designed to replicate a typical Wednesday-night race environment in a relaxed workshop format so new crew can practice maneuvers without the pressure of competition.
Designed for Learning, Not Full Certification
The workshop offers practical tips and repeated practice of key moves to boost confidence on deck; it is not intended as a complete spinnaker course and is tailored to weather and crew experience.
What the day feels like
What This Workshop Feels Like
Over a compact on-water session, participants cycle through setting the pole, launching and trimming the spinnaker, working through a jibe and then dousing the sail — all delivered in a practical, hands-on sequence that emphasizes repetition and crew coordination in a non-racing setting.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this workshop and who should take care before signing up.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The workshop runs approximately two hours.
Participants should be prepared for a very physical workshop; physical mobility is required aboard the small boat.
Plan to arrive for the 5:30pm check-in to board and brief before heading out on the water.
The workshop is offered by Kilroy Sail Training and is run in a hands-on, non-racing format.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need prior spinnaker experience?
Some sailing experience is encouraged but there is no prerequisite for this course.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop lasts approximately two hours.
When do I need to check in?
Check-in is scheduled for 5:30pm.
Will the workshop cover every spinnaker maneuver?
This is not a complete spinnaker lesson; practicing all maneuvers would take more than two hours, so the workshop focuses on core techniques and may vary with conditions and crew experience.
Is the workshop physically demanding?
Yes. The Impulse 21 is a small boat and physical mobility is required; the workshop is described as very physical.
What will I learn?
Participants learn how to set a symmetrical spinnaker and pole, launch and trim the sail, jibe the spinnaker, and douse it.