Tralee Bay Sailing School

Aim
The aim of this course is to provide a brief introduction to sailing for novices. By the end of the course, participants will have had a short introduction to the sport of sailing, including basic boat handling techniques and essential background knowledge. It is recommended that all participants consolidate this short introduction with the Basic Skills course (Level 2).

Experience
No previous knowledge or experience is assumed for the Start Sailing course.

Duration
The level 1 course should ordinarily consist of a minimum of 2 full day's tuition. However, this may be broken into sections to facilitate those wishing to attend courses run over several meetings. The length of the course may be extended from the 2-day minimum where it suits participants to take a more relaxed approach to the programme.

Type of Boats
You may complete this course in sailing dinghies, catamarans or keelboats. The appropriate sections in the syllabus reflect any differing requirements between boat types.

When sailed in dinghies or catamarans you may complete this course in single handed sailing boats.

Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the course, however the instructor may at their discretion require the use of either a short written paper or oral interview in assessing your level of background knowledge

• Be able to position a boat head to wind for rigging.
• Be able to identify the main parts of the sails and their controls.
• Be able to identify the spars & rigging.
• Be able to identify the Rudder and Centreboard/Daggerboard.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to describe what the following knots are used for & demonstrate that they can tie them.

• Figure of eight knot.

• Round turn and two half hitches

• Securing a rope to a cleat.

Keelboat sailors will have used a winch

Dinghy and Catamaran sailors will:

Be able to demonstrate how to secure a boat to a trolley.

Be able to manoeuvre a fully rigged boat on a trolley while taking the following into account.

• Other Boats.

• Overhead wires

• Effects of wind on boat.

Have launched a boat and sailed away from shore.

Have returned ashore and recovered the boat.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to identify the wind direction using typical indicators.

Have reached or sailed accross the wind.

Have stopped the boat (lying to)

Have tacked the boat (turning the front of the boat through the wind)

Be able to get the boat out of "Irons".

Have sailed upwind

Have sailed down wind.

Have Gybed the boat (turned the back of the boat through the wind).

Catamaran sailors will have used a trapeze (if fitted).

Dinghy and Catamaran Sailors will;

Be able to explain the importance of staying with the boat in the event of a capsize.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to demonstrate an awareness of other water users.

Be able to describe and apply the following basic "Rules of the Road".

• A boat on starboard tack having priority over one on port tack.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to demonstrate an awareness of both onshore and off-shore winds and their implications.

Be able to state where to obtain relevant weather information.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to select what clothing and footwear to wear when sailing.

Be able to identify why correct personal buoyancy should always be worn when afloat.

Keelboat sailors will;

Be able to demonstrate the correct use of safety harness if carried.

Keelboat sailors will;

As crew, have carried out those actions to be taken when recovering a man overboard.

Keelboat sailors will;

Be able to explain the potential hazards of fuel & gas if carried.

Be able to describe how to stow and use a fire extinguisher.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to identify the differnet classes of boats sailed locally.

Know how to make contact with their local sailing clubs.