The Start Yacting course covers the first two days of the Competent Crew syllabus. The aim of this course is to introduce the complete beginner to cruising and to teach personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to the level required to be a useful member of the crew of a cruising yacht. No minimum age.
By the end of this two day course, the student is expected to have demonstrated their ability in the following areas.
- The yacht
- Has a basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, rigging and sails
- Ropework
- Is able to tie the following knots:
- Clove hitch
- Figure of eight
- Bowline
- Round turn and two half hitches
- Can secure a rope to a cleat.
- Can use a winch and jamming cleat
- Is able to tie the following knots:
- Underway
- Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail and can steer a yacht under sail and power.
- Rules of the road
- Can keep efficient look out at sea
- Meteorology
- Knows where to obtain a weather forecast
- Man overboard recovery
- Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard
- Clothing and equipment
- Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.
- Emergency equipment and precautions
- Is awarene of hazards on board a yacht and knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency.