R. Y. A. KEELBOAT SYLLABUS

 

Introductions

 

START SAILING LEVEL 1

 

This course provides a short introduction to sailing for novices.  By the end of the course , participants will have a basic understanding of boat handling techniques and background knowledge.  It is recommended that all participants consolidate this short introduction with the Basic Skills Level 2 course.  Tuition is provided by trained instructors, using appropriate supervision ratios.  Students will be kept informed of their individual progress throughout the course

 

BASIC SKILLS LEVEL 2

 

On completion of this course, the successful sailor will be safety conscious, have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing without an instructor on board in light winds.  It will be assumed that every student starting this course has already mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required for Start Sailing Level 1.  Both courses can be combined.  Tuition will be given by trained instructors, using appropriate supervision ratios. The students' knowledge and ability will be assessed on a continuous basis, though an oral interview may be used as the basis for theory assessment if required.  Students will be kept informed of their individual progress throughout the course.

 

BETTER SAILNG LEVEL 3

 

On completion of this course, the successful sailor will have a fuller understanding of the principles covered in Levels 1 & 2.  They should have gained in confidence and  will have improved their sailing technique.  The course aims to  provide a bridge to the advanced modules and to make progress easier for those sailors wishing to progress further through the scheme and undertake Seamanship Skills or other advanced techniques.  Tuition is provided by trained instructors, using appropriate supervision ratios. The students' knowledge and ability will be assessed on a continuous basis, though an oral interview may be used as the basis for theory assessment if required. Students will be kept informed of their individual progress throughout the course.

 

SEAMANSHIP SKILLS

 

On completion of this course, the successful sailor will be capable of manoeuvring a keelboat in a seamanlike manner and making seamanship decisions in moderate conditions.  It will be assumed that every student starting this course has already mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required for Basic Skills Level 2 and Better Sailing Level 3.  Tuition will be given by trained instructors, using appropriate supervision ratios with regard to the location and competence of the students.  Some 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.

 

 

START SAILING LEVEL 1 (Keelboat Sections only)

 

Section A - Practical

 

Rigging        

Knowledge of spars and rigging, parts of the sail and sail controls

 

Ropework

Can tie a figure of eight knot, round turn half hitches and secure a rope to a cleat

 

Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

 

·           Has wind awareness

·           Has a practical understanding of the following manoeuvres:

·           Reaching - sailing across the wind

·           Stopping - lying-to

·           Controlling speed

·           Tacking - turning the front of the boat through the wind

·           Getting out of irons

·           Sailing upwind

·           Sailing downwind

·           Gybing - turning the back of the boat through the wind

 

Launching and Recovery/Departure and Arrival

Understands the principles of: Leaving the shore/mooring, Returning to shore/mooring, Wind awareness ashore

 

Section B - Onshore teaching

 

Sailing Theory and Background

Has awareness of other water users

 

Has basic knowledge of rules of road - power versus sail, port versus starboard, overtaking boat, windward boat

 

Meteorology

Has awareness of onshore and offshore winds.  Knows sources of weather information

 

Man Overboard Recovery

Understands action to be taken to recover a man overboard

 

Emergency Equipment and Precautions

Awareness of potential hazards of fuel and gas, Has knowledge of stowage and use of fire extinguishers

 

Experienced sailor's assessment: The candidate will satisfactorily complete all of Section A and answer questions on Section B.

 

 

BASIC SKILLS LEVEL 2 (Keelboat Sections only)

 

Section A - Practical

 

Rigging        

Understands how to rig according to weather conditions.  Able to reef

 

Ropework

Can tie a bowline, clove hitch and rolling hitch.  Able to use winches (if fitted)

 

Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

Has basic practical understanding of the following:

·           The Five Essentials - Course made good, Trim, Balance, Sail setting, and Centreboard/keel* (*n/a Keelboats)

·           Leaving and returning to a beach, jetty or mooring

·           Coming alongside a moored boat

·           Knows basic rules of the road: power/sail, port/starboard, windward boat, overtaking boat

·           Aware of lee shore dangers, sailing in close company with others and man overboard recovery

·           Able to paddle a sailing dinghy and row a boat around a short triangular course, come alongside and make fast

 

Use of Engine (if fitted)

Has knowledge of engine checks, starting, stopping and running procedures. Able to come alongside and pick up a mooring.

 

Section B - Onshore teaching

 

Sailing Theory and Background

 

·           Has knowledge of: Points of sailing and No Go Zone

·           How a sail works - basic aerodynamic theory

·           Sea Sailing - Basic advice for inland sailors, including taking local advice. Speed over ground with/against tidal flow

·           Inland sailing - basic advice including local bylaws, permits, overhead power lines, locks and weirs

·           The dangers of hypothermia and the importance of first aid training, particularly cardio pulmonary resuscitation

 

Meteorology

Knows sources of weather and shipping forecasts, when to reef. Understands Beaufort Wind Scale

 

Clothing and Equipment

Knows importance of personal safety, clothing and buoyancy, boat buoyancy and basic equipment, depending on boat type (may include anchor, paddle, bucket, bilge pump)

 

Emergency equipment and precautions

Knows importance of first aid kit and flares (if included) including stowage. Visual methods of attracting attention, action to help those in distress

 

Experienced sailor's direct assessment : The candidate must present evidence of at least one full season's sailing experience. Will satisfactorily complete all of Section A and while afloat and ashore, satisfactorily answer questions on Section B.

 

 

BETTER SAILING LEVEL 3 (Keelboat Sections only)

 

Section A - Practical

 

Rigging        

Is able to rig the boat, taking due account of weather conditions, Able to reef

 

Ropework

Knows when and how to tie all the knots in Levels 1 & 2.  Able to moor a boat securely.

 

Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

Has a good practical understanding of the following:

·           The Five Essentials - Course made good, Trim, Balance, Sail setting, and Centreboard/keel* (*n/a Keelboats)

·           Leaving and returning to a mooring - windward & lee shore

·           Coming alongside a moored boat

·           Good familiarity with and application of the rules of the road when sailing

·           Understands and can demonstrate a standard Man Overboard procedure

 

Section B - Onshore teaching

 

Sailing Theory and Background

·           Understands and is able to apply: Points of sailing and No Go Zone

·           Knows how a sail works, and the importance of correct sail trim

·           Familiar with different methods of calling for assistance

 

Navigation

Introduction to use of Tide Tables. Understands the effect of tide/current and wind direction on sailing conditions

 

Meteorology

Understands Beaufort Wind Scale.  Knows sources of information on weather for the day.   Has an awareness of changing weather conditions.

 

Experienced sailor's direct assessment : The candidate must present evidence of at least one full season's sailing experience. Will satisfactorily complete all of Section A and while afloat and ashore, satisfactorily answer questions on Section B.

 

 

SEAMANSHIP SKILLS (Keelboat Sections only)

 

Section A - Practical

 

Ropework

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

 

Departure and Arrival

Can leave and return to jetty or 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) - Optional

 

Section B - Onshore teaching

 

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, planing, 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

 

Meteorology

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

 

Launching and Recovery

Knows how to prepare road trailer and secure trailer ashore (if appropriate)

Understands the importance of local hazards.

 

Experienced sailor's direct assessment : The candidate must show evidence of at least two season's sailing experience. Will satisfactorily complete all of Section A and shall, afloat and ashore, satisfactorily answer questions on Section B.