RYA Level 2 – Basic Skills – Foundation Techniques – 2/3 Day Course
Rigging
Understand how to rig a cruising yacht according to prevailing weather conditions.
Ropework
Can tie a bowline, clove hitch, reef knot, rolling hitch, sheet bend.
Sailing Techniques
Have a practical understanding of the “4 Essentials”, sail setting, sail trim, balance, course made good. Leaving and returning to a jetty or mooring. Coming alongside a moored boat. Understand the Collision Regulations. Aware of lee shore dangers, sailing in close company with others and man overboard recover under sail.
Able to reef whilst sailing. Can use winches. Can use engine controls in starting, stopping, running procedures and visual engine checks.
Sailing Background
Have a knowledge of:
Points of sailing – close hauled, close reach, beam reach, broad reach, run, no go zone.
How a sail works – basic aerodynamic theory.
Sea sailing – basic advice for inland sailors including taking local advice, tide tables, tidal sequence of springs and neaps, ebb and flow.
Effects of wind conditions and tidal flow on sailing conditions. Speed over the ground. Estuaries and harbour mouths – conditions and hazards.
Inland sailing – basic advice including local bylaws, permits, locks and weirs. Have an understanding of tidal sequences, SOG, the effect of wind direction and tidal flow on sailing conditions. Local information and advice for sea sailors. Dangers of hypothermia and the importance of first aid training, particularly cardio pulmonary resuscitation.
Meteorology
Know sources of weather and shipping forecasts and when to reef. Understand the Beaufort wind scale.
Clothing & Equipment
Knows the importance of personal safety, clothing and buoyancy, boat buoyancy and basic equipment, including anchor and bilge pumps.
Emergency Equipment
Knows the importance of first aid kit and flares including stowage. Visual methods of attracting attention. Action to help those in distress.
RYA Sailing Cruise Course »