Much of the work afloat will be done without an instructor aboard. The emphasis is on increasing the self reliance and decision making of the sailor. Students will be informed of their individual progress throughout the course.

Sailing Background

Sailing theory and background

• Understands the following terminology:Windward, leeward, abeam, forward, aft, ahead, astern, to weather, downwind, amidships, quarter, pinching, sailing by the lee, luff, bear away, planning, sternway, broaching
• Knows and can apply the following International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS):Meeting other sailing vessels, meeting power driven vessels, following or crossing narrow channels, action by stand-on vessel

Capsize recovery

Knows how to recover from total inversion (practical session if possible)

Meteorology

• Knows sources of information on weather patterns for the day
• Can interpret forecasts and understands local effects
• Aware of Beaufort Scale and changing weather conditions, including fog

Practical

Ropework

• Can tie a fisherman's bend and sheet bend
• Can do heat sealing and whipping

Launching and recovery

Can leave and return to beach, jetty of mooring, including windward and leeward shore

Sailing techniques and manoeuvres

• Is able to:
• Heave to
• Reef afloat
• Recover man overboard
• Be towed by a power vessel
• Anchor, including principles and techniques for different circumstances
• Sail backwards
• Sail in adverse circumstances (no rudder, no centreboard)
• Knows how to prepare road trailer and secure trailer ashore

Coastal (optional)

Sailing techniques

• Capable of practical application of Practical section on coastal waters
• Can use local tide tables
• Understands rate of rise and fall - Twelfths Rule
• Is aware of tidal streams
• Has a basic understanding of charts and important symbols

For keel boat sailors

Desirable but not essential items

Understands the importance of:

• Inspection of slipway and overhead clearance
• Use of rope between trailer and vehicle
• Recovery; use of guide poles
• Use of crane/derrick including slings and weight distribution

Experienced sailors direct assessment

The candidate must present logged evidence of at least two seasons sailing experience. He/she will satisfactorily complete all of the Practical section and while afloat, satisfactorily answer questions on the Sailing background section. Candidates seeking assessment on coastal waters will demonstrate a proper knowledge of the Coastal section.

Dates

2 Days