Keelboat Sailing Level 1

Skipper a Sloop-Rigged Keelboat

Able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. Auxiliary power operation is not required.

COURSE DETAILS

By the end of this course, the successful keelboat sailor will feel confident to undertake shorter passages in familiar waters. The Keelboat Sailing Level 1 course is designed to teach you essential practical skippering and sailing techniques. 

In this course, you will navigate and take control of a keelboat on a short passage under the guidance of a highly qualified instructor to ensure that your first, perhaps hesitant, steps as a skipper are taken in safety.

As a skipper, you must be completely responsible for the management of a keelboat. Thus, the syllabus of this course also includes chartwork, electronic navigation, meteorology, basic engine checks, passage planning, preparing the keelboat for sea, and rules of the road. 

 

Course Duration

Approximately 2 days, 16 hours or equivalent number of sessions

Start and Finish Times

Start at 9:00 am on the first day, and finish by 4:30 pm on the last day of the course.

Minimum Age

None

Course Format

On the water, on a keelboat.

Prerequisites

None

Location

Mooloolaba Marina, Parkyn Parade 33-45, 4557 Mooloolaba, AU

DIRECTIONS >>

COURSE SYLLABUS

Whilst at sea, your instructor will cover subjects such as watch keeping, deck work, sail trim and how to cope in emergency situations. You will also be given opportunities to practice your boat handling in a variety of mooring situations.

  • Identify parts of the sailboat
  • Identify and describe the functions of the sail, parts or sails, and controls
  • Explain and identify maneuvers, points of sail, and other terms
  • Explain and utilize helm commands and crew responses
  • Navigation Rules
  • Aids in Navigation
  • Rules of the Road
  • Safety gear and procedures
  • Safety equipment
  • Rig/hoist/set sails safely and correctly to obtain proper sail trim 
  • Without coaching or assistance, verbalize appropriate commands and demonstrate competence, safety and good seamanship in the role of Skipper / Helmsman
  • Describe and demonstrate correct actions for Crew Overboard
  • Return to dock or mooring
  • Secure vessel, using appropriate mooring/dock lines, fenders, etc.
  • Describe the purpose of, and construct without assistance in a timely manner, each of the following knots and hitches:
  • plus much more

Day 1: Keelboat Training

The morning will be filled with learning all about the boat you will be sailing, the safety equipment, and the basics of wind awareness. In the afternoon, we will be on the water introducing new and fun sailing skills.

Day 2: Keelboat Practical Skills

This is the time to really start to practice and learn new skills. In the morning, you will be rigging the boat and preparing to sail. We will then head out, and refresh the day before skills while introducing new skills. The afternoon will be the time for you to start to operate the boat with some coaching. It will be a fun experience to see your skills come to life.

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