This course will include the planning and execution of a day sail, and, on successful completion, you will have a confident, safe approach to planning and executing a short day sail in a keelboat.
On starting this course you should have already mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required for the previous levels. In addition, sailors wishing to cruise independently should ensure that they understand and can carry out the manoeuvres in the Seamanship Skills part of the RYA Sailing Scheme.
Dates Available:
11th-17th April
23-29th May
6th-12th June
4th-10th July
8-14th August
Course Content
Practical Skills
Rigging
Can prepare and equip boat for cruising. Including Safety and Navigation Equipment, Clothing and Food, and stow gear correctly.
Sailing techniques
Can Plan and undertake a day sail including:
A consdieration of Pilotage/ Navigation
Collison Avoidance
Can use anchor to effect lee-shore landing and departure
Understands how to improve in the vent of gear failure
Sailing Theory
Sailing Background
Has knowledge of boat handling in strong winds
Navigation
Can plan a days cruise in coastal waters:
Publications available, Charts, tide times and tidal stream
Navigational instruments
Use of GPS
Confirming position- Transits
Tidal Heights- Rule of twelfths
Decision making
Magnetic Compass
Interpretation of Charts
Meteorology
Awareness of onshore and offshore winds Sources of weather information Conditions appropriate to sailing ability and location
Keelboat Specifics
Clothing and Equipment
Use and correct fitting of lifejackets Use of safety harnesses (where fitted)
Man Overboard Recovery
Use of mooring lines Emergency equipment and precautions Potential hazards of fuel and gas
Emergency Equipment
Stowage and use of fire extinguishers
We will provide the boat and all the course materials, we only ask you to bring the following:
Deck Shoes or non-slip white soled trainers
Waterproofs
Buoyancy Aid/Lifejacket (some are available to borrow)
Older set of warm clothes (no jeans or tracksuit bottoms)
