RYA Cruising Level 1 – Start Sailing Syllabus
The RYA Start Sailing Level 1 Course is taught on board a sail cruising yacht of 7 – 15 metres in length. This course will give the novice a short introduction to sailing. It is aimed to give you a basic understanding of yacht handling under sail.
You require no pre-course experience.
The course is 16 hours and is taken as a 2 day non – residential course here at Endeavour Sailing.
Minimum age is 12.
Practical Course Syllabus
1. Rigging
Knowledge of
- Spars and rigging; parts of the sail and sail controls
- Wind awareness ashore
Understands
- Use of halyards and their associated winches
2. Sailing Technique and Manoeuvres
Knowledge of
- The Four Essentials (sail setting; balance; boat trim; and course made good)
Understands
- Wind awareness afloat
- Sailing upwind
- Controlling speed
- Sailing downwind
- Tacking – turning the front of the boat through the wind
- Gybing – turning the back of the boat through the wind, from a training run
- The importance of good communication when manoeuvring
Can
- Reach – sailing across the wind
- Stop – heave-to
3. Slipping and Coming Alongside
Knowledge of
- The action to be taken as a crew member when departing or arriving at the yacht’s mooring
4. Ropework
Knowledge of
- Round turn and two half hitches; clove hitch; bowline
Can
- Tie a figure of eight know; secure a rope to a cleat; secure a fender to the yacht
5. Clothing and Equipment
Can
- Use and correctly fit life jackets
- Use a safety harness if fitted
6. Emergency Equipment and Precautions
Knowledge of
- How cold-water shock can affect a casualty in the water
Understands
- The potential hazards of fuel and gas
- Where safety equipment is stowed and how it is used
Can
- Perform actions to be taken as a crew member to recover a man overboard (MOB)
Sailing Theory Syllabus
1. Clothing and equipment
Knowledge of
- The importance of personal safety, clothing and buoyancy
2. Sailing Background
Knowledge of
- How to be aware of other water users
- Basic rules of the road – collision avoidance; power/sail; port/starboard; overtaking boat; windward boat
Can
- Use visual methods to attract attention
3. Meteorology
Knowledge of
- Where to obtain a weather forecast
