RYA Cruising Level 2 – Basic Skills
On completion of the RYA Cruising Level 2 – Basic Skills course you will have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing a yacht in light winds as crew and helm with a skipper on board.
The course is 16 hours and is taken as a 2 day non - residential course here at Endeavour Sailing. Minimum age is 12. Level 1 and 2 combined will count towards two days of a RYA Competent Crew Sailing Course
Practical Course Syllabus
1. Rigging
Can
- Understand how to rig according to weather and conditions Reef alongside
Understands
- Use of halyards and their associated winches
2. Sailing Technique and Manoeuvres
Knowledge of
- Leaving and returning to a jetty or mooring Coming alongside a moored boat Sailing in close proximity to other vessels Performing a man-overboard recovery Lee shore dangers
Understands
- Sailing using transits
Can
- Use the Four Essentials (sail setting; balance; boat trim; course made good)
- Tack while sailing upwind, sailing efficiently, losing minimal ground
- Gybe in a controlled manner while sailing downwind
- Show good communication when manoeuvring
- Understand and show awareness of other water users
- Sail around a short course using all points of sail and crewing skills
- Anchor
3. Ropework
Can
- Tie a bowline, clove hitch and reef knot
4. Racing
Knowledge of
- The course starting procedure (covered as onshore session)
5. Rigging
Can
- Reef afloat
6. Ropework
Can
- Use winches and cleats
7. Use of Engines
Knowledge of
- Engine checks; starting, stopping and running procedures
- Picking up a mooring
Understands
- Coming alongside
8. Emergency Equipment and Precautions
Knowledge of
- A VHF Radio and how it could be used for distress signalling
Understands
- How to launch and board a life raft
- How cold-water shock can affect a casualty in the water
- The importance of first aid kits and flares, including stowage
Sailing Theory Syllabus
1. Clothing and equipment
Understands
- The importance of personal safety
Can
- Comply with rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, life jackets and buoyancy aids
2. Slipping and Coming Alongside
Can
- Take the action to be taken as a crew member when departing or arriving at a yacht’s mooring
3. Sailing Background
Knowledge of
- How a sail works
- How a sailing boat moves (basic theory)
Understands
- Basic rules of the road; collision avoidance; power/sail; port/starboard; windward boat; overtaking boat
- The points of sailing and the ‘no go zone’
4. Meteorology
Knowledge of
- The Beaufort Wind scale
- Inshore forecasts and their interpretation
- A simple synoptic chart
Understands
- Sources of relevant weather forecasts
- When to reef
5. Coastal Waters (Tidal and Non-tidal)
Knowledge of
- Tide tables
Understands
- How to apply weather forecasts in coastal waters
- The tidal sequence of springs and neaps , and ebb and flow
- Speed over ground with/against tidal flow
- The effect of wind direction and tidal flow on sailing conditions
- How to access local information and advice for sea sailing
- The importance of informing someone ashore of your sailing plan