Aim of this course is to introduce the complete beginner to cruising under sail, thereby enabling them to be an active crew member. This will be achieved having completed 5 days, 100 miles at sea in tidal waters and 4 night hours.
 

Course Syllabus:

Knowledge of Sea terms / Parts of a Boat
Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning sailing and day to day running of the boat.

Sail Handling
Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails. Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches.

Rope Work
Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats, rings and bollards. Ability to tie the following knots and to know their correct use; Figure of eight, clove hitch,rolling hitch, bowline, round-turn and two half hitches, single sheet bend and reef knot.

Fire Precautions
An Awareness of the hazards of fire, the methods of prevention and the action to be taken in the event of fire. Personal safety equipment.

Man Overboard
An understanding of actions to be taken to recover a man overboard.

Emergency Equipment
How to operate distress signals and when and where distress flares should be used. Use of liferaft.

Manners and Customs
Understands the ordinary practice of seamen and yachtsmen with regard to; use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed alongside. Aware of responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment.

Rule of the Road
Is able to keep an efficient lookout at sea.

Dinghies
Understands and complies with the loading rules. Is able to handle a dinghy under oars.

Meteorology
Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort scale.

Seasickness
Working efficiently unaffected/partially affected/severely affected by seasickness.

Helmsmanship and sailing
Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing. Can steer a compass course, under power and sail.