Start Sailing

By the end of this level, sailors will be sailing in light wind conditions with assistance from their instructor.

Previous Experience	Evaluation
No previous experience or knowledge is required.	Assessment is practical and continuous throughout this level. Sailors should be able to make reasonable progress around a triangle course, with encouragement from their instructor.
Types of Boat
This course may be completed in any type of sailing dinghy, small keelboat or catamaran.
Time Commitment
A minimum of 14 hours (2-Days) of instructor-led time is required to complete these skills. The length of the level should be extended where it suits sailors to take a more relaxed approach to the programme or to encourage more instructor-led time developing skills.

Learning LEARNING OUTCOMES CONT.

Clothing & Equipment	I know what clothing to wear/not to wear on the water. I can describe how a wetsuit works. I can identify the following: The difference between a buoyancy-aid and a lifejacket. Which PFD is most appropriate for my sailing activity. When and why I should wear my PFD. What appropriate footwear is. I can fit and adjust my own PFD.
Boat Handling & Manoeuvres	I can paddle/row a boat in a straight line. As both helm and as crew, with assistance from my instructor, I can: Reach across the wind Sail upwind Sail downwind Tack the boat Gybe the boat Stop the boat Get the boat out of irons
Weather	I can identify which direction the wind is coming from. I know the implications of the following to a sailor: Onshore and offshore winds Strong winds No wind
Capsize Recovery	I know why it is important to stay with a capsized or inverted boat. I can get back into my boat from the water.
Rigging	I know I need to position my boat head-to-wind for safe rigging. I can identify the main parts of my boat, rigging & sails. (bow, stern, port, starboard, hull, mast, boom, kicker, sheets, rudder, tiller) I can assist with rigging my boat.
Ropework	I can tie the following knots and know when to use each. Figure-of-8 knot. Round-turn-and-two-half-hitches. I can secure a rope using common types of cleats. I can coil a rope. Keelboat sailors will be able to use a sheet winch.
Launch & Recovery	Dinghy and catamaran sailors will be able to; Secure a boat on a launching trolley and safely move it around while ashore. With assistance from my instructor, launch my boat and sail away from the shore and sail back to shore, recover my boat and secure it to it's trolley. Keelboat sailors will be able to secure their boats alongside (a pontoon, pier, quay wall, harbour) and to a mooring.
Sailing Knowledge	I can describe the different Points of Sailing. I know what action to take when boats on different tacks meet (port vs. starboard) Identify and use common sailing terms (sheet in/out, luff up, bear away)
Coastal Knowledge	I know the tides and currents can affect a sailor. I can describe how often high and low tides occur and the implications these might have on my sailing activity.
Safety	Before I go afloat, I know why and how I should leave details with a responsible person ashore. I know how to summon assistance if I am in trouble on the water. I can recognise common distress signals and know how to raise the alarm if someone is in trouble. I know when sailors are required to wear sailors are required to wear a PFD by law. Keelboat sailors will be able to describe how to safely store and use gas and petrol, if carried.

What Next...

I can describe how to continue sailing, record progress in my logbook and reach my next level: Basic Skills

The information on this page reflects the recommended course content provided by Irish Sailing. Courtown Sailing Club endeavours to deliver the full programme as outlined; however, certain elements may be adjusted or omitted as necessary to suit local conditions, available boats, or facilities.