Sail Orcas and Orcas Island Yacht Club hosted an advanced racing clinic on West Sound Aug. 17 through 20. Twenty-two sailors from Friday Harbor, Everett and Orcas high schools participated in the  four-day clinic, which focused on boat handling, boat speed and short course collegiate style racing tactics.

Hannah Tuson-Turner, one of the Orcas teams founding members in 2001, returned to the island to head up the coaching. Tuson-Turner, alum of the University of Hawaii sailing team and a U.S. sailing level-three coach, gave excellent hands-on instruction, focusing on getting the sailors to work together in the boat, say organizers.

Sail Orcas is offering for the first time a full fall racing program for students in grades 7-12.

“September and October are great months to be out on the water,” said Tuson-Turner, who will be heading up the coaching. “The warm air temperatures are moderate winds creating a fantastic enjoyment for learning.”

From more information on the fall program, contact Hannah at hannahtt@gmail.com.