START YACHTING
Introduction to sailing for complete beginners.
​​
By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, on all points of sail, handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
Holders of the Start Yachting certificate can go on to complete the Competence Crew course in a reduced time of three days or two weekends. ​​​
​
​
​
Requirements & Outcomes​
Pre-course experience: None
Assumed knowledge: None
Minimum duration: 2 days
Minimum age: None
Course content: The yacht, Ropework, Underway, Rules of the road, Man overboard Recovery, Clothing and equipment, Emergency equipment and precautions, Meteorology.
Ability after the course Basic knowledge of yachting.
​
​
​
Day 1
​
0900 Meet the Instructor and board yacht
Stow personal kit
Instructor's safety briefing and yacht familiarization talk
Get weather forecast
Introduction to deck gear, ropes and rigging and yacht familiarization
Engine start controls and rigging/slipping of mooring lines and fenders
Slip mooring and sail into Gibraltar Bay giving everyone a chance to steer the yacht
Practice coming alongside and departing pontoons
Short sail to an anchorage giving everyone the chance to raise sails
1300 Lunch at anchorage
​Discuss the use of life rafts
Practice the basic points of sail with each person having the opportunity to helm
Practice putting in and shaking out reefs
Practice head sail changes or furling
Sail back to port practising what a crew member should do in the event of a Man Overboard situation
​1500 Arrive port
Debrief the day's events
​
​
​
Day 2
​
0900 Breakfast and get weather forecast
Prepare the yacht for sea an undertake a passage to and anchorage for lunch. On route each crew member will experience helming the yacht on different points of sail.
Learn how to tie the basic three knots used by sailors and when they are used
Prepare to enter anchorage. learn how to prepare the anchor and foredeck in anticipation of arrival
1300 Lunch at anchor
Set sail for port learning the basic collision regulations on route
1600 Arrive back at Alcaidesa Marina
Return wet weather gear followed by debrief and issue of certificates
Depart
​