Basic Cruising Skipper:
All Light Spirit KeelBoat Skippers will know all of this -
The Basic Cruising Course includes, but is not limited to the following:
General Description: A certified student is able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary sailboat of about 20 to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.
I. Sailing Knowledge :
· Identify all basic parts of a sailboat and their functions.
· Define points of sail and terms used on a standard sailboat.
· List all the Coast Guard equipment requirements and recommended safety equipment for a medium size sailboat.
· Describe the most important reasons for keeping gear and equipment stowed in assigned places on a boat.
· Describe purpose and proper use of the safety equipment onboard, fueling and fire precautions.
· Describe internationally required navigation lights on boats between sunset and sunrise when under sail, under power, and at anchor. Apply Navigation Rules by means of diagram and practice.
· Interpret basic marine weather forecasts and weather changes applicable to the area and apply the information to the sailing plans.
· Describe actions and precautions to be taken during times of reduced visibility.
· Describe the correct sail combinations to carry under various wind and sea conditions, including reefing.
· Read and interpret important information from the nautical chart of the local area, demonstrate basic navigation knowledge.
· Describe anchoring procedures, site selectionand dangers of a lee shore.
· Describe the immediate action to be taken during various emergencies including a COB.
· Identify the main responsibilities of the skipperand crew.
· Describe one commonly accepted use for each ofthe 6 basic knots.
II. Sailing Skills
· Demonstrate on land the correct method of puttingon a personal flotation device in the water and proper usage of safety equipment.
· Carry out a check of the vessel's gear and equipment. Demonstrate the use and care of domestic equipment, including winch techniques.
· Start an auxiliary engine and outboard motor observing commonly accepted safety practices. Stop engine & secure it for the night.
· Handle the boat under power, understand vessel's momentum, maneuver to a position not more than two feet alongside and parallel to a dock with a full stop.
· Hoist the basic sails, set appropriate luff tensions, coil and hang halyards and other lines.
· Lower, fold and stow sails properly.
· Demonstrate a skipper's/crew?s actions/commands while under POWER from the time a member of the crew falls overboard without warning until the crew is safely recovered. A float will be used for this exercise.
· Demonstrate a skipper'screw?s actions/commands while under SAIL from the time a member of the crew falls overboard without warning until the crew is safely recovered. A float will be used for this exercise.
· Sail an ordered compass course for 5 minutes without varying more than 10 degrees from the ordered heading.
· Function as helmsman and crew giving correct commands and proper responses while demonstrating the proper techniques on all points of sail, tacking and jibing.
· Describe proper preparatory commands and commands of execution for reefing and heaving to.
· Select anchorage, securely set anchor, check forholding and weigh anchor/get underway under power.
· Secure a boat to various dock configurations so as to provide limited movement and set out fenders correctly. Take extra precautions and secure a vessel for the night at a dock and at a mooring.
· Tie 6 basic knots within specified time limits.