Get Into Small Boat Sailing – Adults & Children

This fun course is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to small boat sailing for novices. The course is designed for adults to learn to sail with their children and includes an introduction to fundamental boat handling skills and essential knowledge that will allow participants the freedom of sailing small boats in controlled conditions (light winds, enclosed waters) without guidance.

The Get Into Small Boat Sailing program is intended for both skippers and crews of dinghies with the roles interchanging during the program. 

SYLLABUS:

1. Rigging               Boat rigged independently

2. Rope work             Learn to tie a reef knot and a bowline

3. Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

Handling a boat, Basic sailing skills, Rowing and paddling,

Sailing fundamentals, Sailing a given course

Basic crewing and helming methods for a triangle course, tacking and gybing

4. Rescue Procedures and Drills

Safety, Capsize Recovery Drill, Crew Recovery Drill, Towing

5. Launching and Recovery

Care of equipment on and off the water, Bring a boat alongside a moored or anchored structure with minimal assistance

6. Sailing Background and Theory

Parts of a boat, the sailing pie. knowledge of sea terms, understanding the “Rules of the Road” at Sea,

Observations of right-way-rules including:

Port / Starboard, Windward / Leeward, Overtaking Vessels, Keep to the right in channels

7. Meteorology       Identify building storm clouds

8. Winds, tides and currents

Identify gusts and lulls

Use a tide table

Identify time between tides

Identify local tidal flow

Log Books to record personal experience are issued along with Course Completion Certificates.