RYA SYLLABUS - START SAILING LEVEL 1 (Keelboat Sections only)

RYA 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 or short written paper may be used as the basis for theory assessment if required. Students will be kept informed of their individual progress throughout the course.

RYA SYLLABUS - 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

RYA SYLLABUS - 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 - sail setting, balance, trim, course made good 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 purnp)

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. He will satisfactorily complete all of Section A and while afloat and ashore, satisfactorily answer questions on Section B.

RYA SYLLABUS - SEAMANSHIP SKILLS (Keelboat Sections only)

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. 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.

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)

Desirable but not essential items

Understands the importance of:

Inspection of slipway and overhead clearance
Use of rope between trailer and vehicle
Recovery: use of guide poles
Use of crane/derrick including slings and weight distribution

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

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