Competent Crew Course

A Beginners Course For Anyone Wishing To Learn How To Sail

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.

Knowledge of Sea Terms & Parts of a Boat

• Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing & day-to-day running of the boat

Sail Handling

• Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails
• Use of sheets & halyards & their associated winches

Ropework

• Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats & single & double bollards
• Handling warps
• Ability to tie the following knots and to know their correct use: figures-of-eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn & two half hitches, single & double sheet bend, reef knot

Fire Precautions & Fighting

• Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire
• Knowledge of the action to be taken in event of fire

Personal Safety Equipment

• Understands & complies with rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids

Man Overboard

• Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard

Emergency Equipment

• Can operate distress flares & knows when they should be used
• Understands how to launch & board a liferaft

Manners & Customs

• Understands accepted practice with regard to: use of burgees & ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed
• Aware of the responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment

Rules of the Road

• Is able to keep an efficient lookout at sea

Dinghies

• Understands & complies with the loading rules
• Is able to handle a dinghy under oars

 

Universal Yachting