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