Yacht Training

Preparation for Sea

Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below

Deck work
Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions
Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to a buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or an alongside berth.

Navigation
Is proficient in chartwork and routine navigational duties on passage including:
• Taking and plotting visual fixes
• Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
• Use of waypoints
• Working up DR and EP
• Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
• Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
• Knowledge of IALA buoyage
• Maintenance of navigational records
• Use of echo sounder and lead line

Pilotage
Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour.
Understands the use of leading and clearing lines.
Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage.

Meteorology
Knows sources of forecast information
Can interpret shipping forecasts
Use a barometer as a forecasting aid

Rules of the Road
Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing     Collisions at Sea

Maintenance and Repair Work
Understands and is able to carry out maintenance tasks
Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes

Engines
Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and to bleed the fuel system

Victualling
Understands how to victual a yacht

Emergency Situations
Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard.
Fully understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft.
Can operate a radio telephone in an emergency and send a distress message.
Understands how to secure a tow.
Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue.

Yacht handling under Power
Can bring a boat safely to and from and alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide.

Yacht handling under Sail
Can bring a yacht safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing

Passage Making
Can plan and make a coastal inshore passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew.