START YACHTING SYLLABUS

This course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course, participants will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.

 Holders of a Start Yachting certificate can obtain a Competent Crew certificate by completing a further three days or two weekends of the Competent Crew course.

 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
• Securing a rope to a cleat
• Use of winches and jamming cleats

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 lookout 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 even of an emergency