Much of the work afloat will be done without an instructor aboard so the student to instructor ratio may be increased according to the conditions. Students will be informed of their individual progress throughout the course.

Theory and Background

General background

• Insurance and measurement certificates
• Choosing the right boat for you

Race organisation

Handicap and One Design racing, Portsmouth Yardsticks

The course and starting sequence

• Simple sailing instructions for racing and typical courses
• Starting systems 5-4-1-go, 10-5-go, 6-3-go
• Flags, individual recall, general recall, shortened course

Boat preparation

• How to rig a racing dinghy
• The availability of class tuning guides

Boat tuning

How to alter sail controls around the course and in different conditions

Boat handling

Understanding the following techniques:

• How to make best use of the Five Essentials when racing, as helm or crew2
• How to round marks
• Pre-start boat handling at slow speed including starting and stopping
• How to right the boat after a capsize
• Multihulls only - how to apply the principles of crew weight, airflow, technique (C.A.T.)

Starting

Understanding the following techniques:

• Use of transits - where am I?
• Choosing the right end of the line - reaching along line or head to wind
• Clear wind with speed on the line at gun with gap to leeward
• Involving the crew to best effect

Race strategy

Sailing upwind

• Clear air, gusts and lulls
• Headers and lifts, use of telltales
• The effect of geography around the course
• The effect of tidal flow

Sailing downwind

Reaching and running, choosing the fastest course

Finishing

How to pick the right end of the line

Tactics

When boats meet - boat on boat tactics

Racing rules

Introduction to the Racing Rules of Sailing, including the Fundamental Rules (Part 1)

Awareness of the definitions of keeping clear, proper course and room, with the aim of getting around the course and avoiding collision while sailing fairly

When boats meet:

• Port and starboard
• Windward boat
• Two boat lengths at marks, including gybe
• Overlaps
• Penalties

Practical exercises

Training exercises should form a large part of the course. These should include:

• Starting practice
• Windward leeward courses
• Triangle courses
• Mark rounding
• Piggy in the middle
• Bungee on the tiller
• Holding position (before the start)
• Tacking on the whistle
• Sailors should be encouraged to practice informally following the course.

Dates

2 Days