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SEAMANSHIP SAIL COURSE
This course will teach some of the basic sailing techniques for safe operation under various conditions, and will encourage the participant to become a more competent sailor. It covers spars and rigging; sails and theory of sail action; sailboat handling; balance under sail, getting under way; pilot and cruising under sail (day sailers and keelboats). Fire safety and sailboat racing are included as additional information.

Duration: 12 weeks.

Course kit includes Student Notes, Homework Folder, and Collision Regulations


Introduction

The main object of this course is to provide the knowledge required to operate a sailboat safely and to deal with situations as they occur. Building on the knowledge gained in the Seamanship Course, it will acquaint the beginning sailor with day-sailing and cruising in protected waters, and allow experienced sailors to sharpen their skills.

Emphasis is placed on how a sailboat works and the special terminology associated with sailboats and sailing, as well as practical seamanship. While there is no chart work or navigation, the particular problems of piloting under sail, and making progress to windward are discussed. Emphasis is also placed on techniques for the rescue of a person overboard while under sail.

Course Outline

  1. Spars and Rigging
    • Spars - Mast, Boom, Spreaders, Fittings, etc.
    • Rigging
      • Standing Rigging
      • Running Rigging
      • Tuning
  2. Sails
    • Sail Construction
    • Types of Sails
    • Use of Sails
    • Care and Maintenance
  3. Theory of Sail Action
    • Deflection of Wind by a Sail
    • Forces caused by Deflection of Wind
    • Trimming the Sail
    • Use of Wind Force in Driving a Boat
    • Problem of Leeway
  4. Balance Under Sail
    • Geometric Center of Effort and Lateral Resistance
    • Changes to Reduce Weather Helm
  5. Getting Under Way
    • Check Out
    • Bending On Sails
    • Checklist for Hoisting Sail
    • Leaving a Mooring
    • Getting Out of a Slip
    • getting Off a Dock
    • Returning to Port
  6. Under Way
    • Sailing Positions (Points of Sail)
    • Helmsmanship
    • Coming About
    • Wearing Ship (Controlled Gybe)
    • Shortening Sail
    • Heaving-to
    • Man Overboard
  7. Sail Trim
    • True and Apparent Wind
    • Effects of Heeling
    • Sail Trim and Controls
    • Jib Controls
    • Mainsail Controls
    • Spinnaker
  8. Piloting Under Sail
    • Piloting, Celestial Navigation, and Dead Reckoning
    • Speed, Time and Distance
    • Variation and Deviation
    • Bearings and Fixed
    • Navigation by Computation
    • Making Miles to Windward
    • Problems of Maximum Speed
    • Problems of Maximum Progress to Windward
  9. Cruising Under Sail - Day Sailers
    • the Day Sailer
    • Planning
    • Preparation - Gear (Safety and Navigation Equipment)
    • Trailering
  10. Cruising Under Sail - Keel Boats
    • Vessel Considerations
    • Equipment Considerations
    • Rig Selection
    • Other Considerations
      • Engine and Electrical
      • Galley and Accommodation
      • First Aid Kit
      • Spare Parts and Tools
      • Dinghy
    • Notes on Local Cruising

22/03/2010 10:32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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