Start Yachting

Introduction to sailing for complete beginners.

You will be living on board a sailing yacht during the course.

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. 

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Requirements & Outcomes

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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.

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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

 

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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

 

 

Course price: €450 per person