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.  

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)
• Hat (either sun or woolly)
• Sun Tan Lotion
• Bottle of Water
• Any medication you may require

For more information or to book a course please contact Sam

Contact Details

Sam Sale-Parkes

07811551367

sailingbysam@btinternet.com