A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.
By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
Holders of the Start Yachting certificate can go on to complete the Competence Crew course in a reduced time of three days or two weekends.
| Pre-course experience | None |
| Assumed knowledge | None |
| Minimum duration | 2 days. |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Course content | The yacht, ropework, underway, rules of the road, man overboard recovery, clothing and equipment, emergency equipment and precautions, meteorology |
| Ability after the course | Basic knowledge of yachting. |
| Whats included | All food except the evening of joining, wet weather gear and accommodation onboard, mooring fees, boat fuel. |
Maximum student:instructor ratio is 5:1
Practical courses are held in the Felixstowe, Suffolk area.
Full SyllabusThis course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course, students will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
1. The Yacht
Basic Knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
2. Ropework
Ability to tie the following knots: figure of eight, round turn and two half hitches, bowline
3. Underway
Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail
Can steer a yacht under sail or power
4. Rules of the road
Can keep an efficient look out at sea
5. Meteorology
Knows where to obtain a weather forecast
6. Man overboard recovery
Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard
7. Clothing and equipment
Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses’, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids
8. Emergency equipment and precautions
Is aware of hazards on board a yacht
Knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency