Tralee Bay Sailing School

• Be able to rig their boat according to the weather conditions.
• Be able to reef the boat while ashore

Keelboat sailors will;

• Be able to reef the boat while afloat. 

All  Sailors will;

• Be able to tie a bowline and describe what it is used for.

Keelboat sailors will;

• Be able to use a sheet winch.

Dinghy and Catamaran sailors will:

• Be able to safely launch and recover a boat using a trolley.

• Be able to store their boat ashore.

• Be able to paddle or row around a short triangular course, come alongside and make fast.

Keelboat sailors will;

• Be able to describe the principals of launching a keelboat from a trailer and where appropriate have assisted with a launch.

All  Sailors will;

• Be able to describe and apply the five essentials (sail setting, balance, trim, centre board & course made good).

• Be able to leave and return to a beach, jetty or mooring & make fast.

• Be able to come alongside a moored boat.

• Be able to sail in close company with other sailing boats.

• Be able to explain the dangers associated with lee shores.

• Be able to recover a man overboard.

• Be able to describe and apply the basic "rules of the road".

Catamaran sailors will;

• Use a trapeze to best effect if carried. 

Keelboat  sailors will;

• Be able to come alongside a stationery boat or jetty.

• Be able to change a headsail. . 

Dinghy and Catamaran Sailors will;

Be able to right a capsized boat.

All  Sailors will;

Be able to describe and apply;

• The points of sailing.

• The No Go Zone.

• How a sail works (Basic theory).

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

• A boat to winward has priority over one to leeward.

• Overtaking boats keep clear.

• When powered vessels should give way to those uner sail.

When sailing on large lakes & the sea,

• Be able to describe when and why you might use an anchor.

• Be able to identify the importance of telling someone ashore where you are going & what time you will return.

• Be able to describe effects of the wind working with and against the tide/current.

• Be able to identify the effects of sailing with & against currents (relative speeds).

• Be able to identify those factors to consider when sailing in estuaries and harbour mouths.

When sailing on the sea;

• Be able to demonstrate the ability to identify, interpret & use local tide tables, tidal sequence (Springs, neaps, ebb & flow), local advice.

When sailing on inland waters;

• Be able to demonstrate the ability to identify and describe the implications of local bye laws, permits, overhead power-lines, locks & weirs.

Describe the dangers of hypothermia and identify the importance of first aid training. 

All  Sailors will;

• Be able to obtain weather information and weather & shipping forecasts.

• Be able to apply this information to local sailing conditions.

• Be able to match the sail area set with local conditions.

All  Sailors will;

• Be able to take appropriate decisions on personal safety including;

  • Clothing & Personal buoyancy

  • Boat Buoyancy.

• Be able to equip a boat for use including anchor, paddle (& bilge pump if fitted).

All  sailors will;

• Be able to explain;

  • The importance of carrying a first aid kit.

  • Stowage & use of flares (Keelboat sailors only).

• Be able to demonstrate appropriate visual methods of attracting attention.

• Be able to describe the appropriate action to help those in distress. 

All  Sailors will;

• Have applied all of section A (practical skills) in costal waters.

• Be able to apply meteorology from section B (Background knowledge) in costal waters.

• Be able to demonstrate the basic use of an anchor*.

• Be able to sail using transits.

i. Presenting logged evidence of at least one full seasons sailing experience as helm.

ii. While afloat & ashore demonstrate a proper knowledge of all sections of this syllabus.

iii. If seeking assessment on costal waters, by demonstrating a proper knowledge of the costal section of this syllabus.