Learning to sail is a very difficult challenge for most. Fort Myers offers unique information Offshore Sailing School five days of sailing, that to study and practice of integrating classroom skills. At the end of the course of Florida sailing school, students who pass a certification on the U.S. Vela. A maximum of 4 students per class, but may be less. The Offshore Sailing School was founded by former Olympian and America’s Cup sailor Steve Colgate. Colgate Doris Colgate Florida sailing schools opened classes for women only. Today the school has 11 schools in Florida, including some women only and mixed. The students are certainly in the Pink Shell Beach Resort in San Carlos Bay. Sailing classes with a training ship, which is Colgate, which was designed to sink almost impossible. The compartments of the hull filled with foam to keep the ship afloat. The second day of sailing, which was more used to the jargon and acronyms of professionals.  During the physical practice of sailing, do not be surprised to play on green turtles and dolphins to be seen in his boat. Students turn in the direction and supervision of the boat. Teachers teach students basic concepts and important tips on how to do when the ship and the wind, which, if you read on land, basic navigation and rules of right of way and problems. Students learn to maneuver the boat by instinct and man-overboard exercises go. Classes of sailing with the conclusion of the free shipping. Free candle is graduation. After a written test, students sail the boat without a teacher on board. Find other sailing schools in Florida. Take a look at various locations on websites. Affordable rent vacation home in Florida in an area you decide to go.             Cayos Florida Sailing305-289-9519Sailfloridakeys.com

The sail shade is a relatively new type of garden shade that has only recently become a part of a private garden. Typically this type of shade has been utilised by large organisations for places such as schools, park areas and more recently places that are set to house the Olympic Games. They are extremely striking forms of shade that are erected with the intention of being semi-permanent. This means that they are meant to be used or long periods of time unlike other shade structures like the gazebo which are often put up whilst the sun is out and taken down after the sun has gone in. Sail shades remain erected all year round.
Sail shades are made up of strong cloths which can withstand harsher treatment than the temporary versions of shade that are typically available. Sail shades are typically attached to permanent fixtures such as walls or permanent posts. As a result it is a longer lasting source of shade that should be dealt with as a key part of the design of the outdoor space. Garden designers can often use them to base the design of the outdoor space. Such is the striking nature of this type of shade that the whole theme of the outside space can be amended to work with the sail shade.
Sail shades were first utilised by ancient Roman and Greek sailors that hoisted sails up to protect them from the searing sun when they were on land. This innovative idea was exploited by many different people and the theory has developed into the modern day sail shade. It is said that the coliseum was covered with a sail so that the people that attended the sporting and theatrical events could be kept cool from the searing sun. This theory has been exploited to make the modern sail shade. The primary change has been that the type of cloth used to make the sail has changed. New technology has introduced new fibres that make the modern sail shade both sturdy and extremely effective at blocking out the harmful UV rays from the sun.
The sail shades come in a number of different shapes and sizes. Most sail shades that are used for large outdoor areas are designed by the sail shade manufacturers specifically for the place that they will be used in. The range of options if you decide to have your sail shade designed bespoke to your needs is infinite. There are also a number of sail shades that are sold off the shelf. These come in a number of different sizes and shapes. Each manufacturer and sales company produces different sizes and shapes bust most of these companies will provide something to suit your needs. Most sail shades are available in triangle and square shapes. These are generally called triangle shade sails and square shade sails and are a great way of providing a semi-permanent shade for your garden.
Other types of garden shade that you could utilise in your outdoor space are gazebos, umbrella shade and the larger marquees. Gazebos are another fantastic option as they are quite inexpensive and can be erected anywhere. They are small tent like structures that can be put up anywhere. Unlike tents they do not have walls and they are tall enough to stand under. Also they often provide rain cover as well as shade cover from the sun.

Sailing Theory The sum of all wind pressure on the sail is called wind force. The center of that force, which is above the water, is called the center of effort (CE). The center of the force below the surface of the water is called the center of lateral resistance (CLR). This is the point where all the boat’s resistance to sideways pressure is concentrated.

A boat performs best when the two forces are in balance. This is when they are positioned one over the other in a vertical line through the

boat’s sail and hull. Your job as a sailor is to keep these two forces in proper balance so that your boat will sail correctly. You keep the boat balanced by shifting your weight and adjusting your sail.

Your boat has weather helm when you have to constantly pull the tiller towards you to keep the boat straight on course. Lee helm is when you do the opposite; pushing the tiller towards the

sail. Most boats are designed to have a little weather helm. However, too much of it can make sailing difficult in anything other than light breezes. If your boat has a lot of weather helm, it means the CE and the CLR are not in alignment. There is more sail pressure aft of the CLR than forward of it.

To correct the balance, 1. Shift your weight aft (back towards the stern). 2. Pull up the centerboard. 3. If your boat has a jib, ease (let out) the mainsail. 4. Try any combination of

these.

Weather- The Sea Breeze

As a sailor you should know about local winds. The cause of these winds is difference in temperature; cold air is heavier than warm air. The most popular of these local winds is the sea

breeze. Warm air over the land rises…And is replaced by cooler air sinking over the ocean. At night the opposite happens. The land quickly loses its heat at night and oftenfalls to a lower

temperature than the water. This results in a light offshore evening wind. On a lake or river, the warm air can rise at the edges to be replaced by the cool air over the water. This can result in a nice breeze for sailing.

Forcast for a Typical Sea Breeze Day: Morning Very Light Winds -No Weather Systems Near -Clear Sky -High Temperatures But Cooler Near the Shore

Afternoon: Wind coming from water starting Midday -Cumulus Clouds over land -Clear over water- Winds Speeds 8 – 12 knots Evening: Winds Decreasing as sun slips over horizon.

Sailing Terms

Amidships- the middle of the boat.

Backwind- the wind flowing off the sail.

Close Hauled- one of the points of sail; sailing as close to the wind as possible.

Dead Astern- straight behind

Flaking- Folding the sail.

Glide Zone- the distance it take a boat to stop after turning head to wind.

Heave To- to head the boat into the wind in order to slow it down or stop it.

The syllabus can be readily divided into two parts. The Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is made up of seven stages while Small Boat Sailing Program contains a further two stages.

The Basic Small Boat Sailing Standard requires no previous experience or qualifications. It is the first course in the Small Boat Sailing Program. Students must demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the names and functions of various parts of a boat together with common sailing terms, the sail and its ancillary components, the International Rules for Collision Prevention both at sea and on inland waters and hey should demonstrate a basic knowledge of safety procedures. On the practical side they must show they can tread water for 5 minutes and swim 100 metres, rig, launch and retrieve the boat, set and trim the sails, sail both upwind and downwind, tack and gybe, correctly apply the rules of the road, recover a man overboard, recover from a capsize, accept and pass a towline, tie four specified Knots within a given time. Upon completion he or she will be able to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters.

The first course in the Keelboat Sailing Certification Program is known as Basic Keelboat. No experience or qualifications are necessary. To complete the course students will be required to demonstrate that they can put a name to and describe the workings of various parts of a boat including the hull, keel, deck bow and stern. The components of both the running and standing rigging. The different sails including the names of part of a sail – foot, leech, luff, head, tack and clew. The various spars, mast and boom. They will be familiar with sailing terminology used to describe various manoeuvres such as gybing and coming about. Students will understand the points of sail be it close hauled, reaching or running. They will understand the basics of collision avoidance including rules of the road. They will demonstrate they are familiar with regulations covering registration and identification, proper waste disposal, who to notify in the event of an accident and what safety equipment is requires by law to be carried on a vessel and how it is used. They will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage Participants will know how to anchor a boat and describe the choice of anchors and their attributes and failings. On the practical side they must demonstrate sail handling skills, they will display competence at the helm including mooring, sailing both upwind and downwind together with a successful tack and gybe. They will complete a successful man overboard recovery. They will show they know how to tie 6 different knots and understand their various uses. Upon completion of the course students should be able to sail a boat of some 20 feet in length in moderate winds in familiar waters.

The second stage is called Basic Coastal Cruising and students must hold the Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate prior to undertaking this course. The course looks at safety on board including equipment and procedures. An understanding of fire prevention and fighting is required. Students will be required to demonstrate a knowledge of first aid and the treatment of hypothermia. Basic meteorology is considered and students must demonstrate an understanding of shipping forecasts. An understanding of the relationship between the skipper and crew and the respective duties of each is required. Students must be able to undertake basic chartwork including depths; types of bottom, hazards, bouys, beacons and lights. The practical side of this course looks at boat handling under power and sail, man overboard recovery, the various points of sail, reefing and heaving to, docking and mooring and some knot work. When completed the sailor should be able to cruise safely in regional waters on a sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.

Trailerable Multihull Standard, this course is the second in the Small Boat Sailing Program. It may be taught as part of or following the Basic Coastal Cruising course. Completion of the Basic Keelboat is a prerequisite prior to taking this course. On the theory side students must be able to identify and name the various parts of a multihull that are not found on a monohull including the different wing decks, hulls, cross arms, three point rig, bridle line, safety nets, seagull and dolphin strikers. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of multihulls including, performance, comfort safety and the danger of capsize. On the practical side the sailor will demonstrate: how to cast of and leave the quay with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow and then return and berth alongside, pick up a mooring buoy, manoeuvre in a restricted space, reverse, recover a man overboard, the different points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail a compass course within 10 degrees. They will anchor in the following ways, bow anchor and bridle and single bow with a stern line to the shore. When completed sailors are able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary multihull sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate wind and sea conditions.

Bareboat Chartering is the next stage. Participants are expected to hold the Basic Coastal Cruising Certificate before doing this course. The theory side covers the preparation of both crew and boat for a one week cruise including the preparation of a passage plan. Meteorology is considered including a look at fog and onshore and offshore winds. Seamanship is looked at and students should know what action is required if the engine fails, they should know how to anchor the boat bow or stern to. On the practical side the student will be able to undertake daily and weekly maintenance tasks, manoeuvre the boat under power in a restricted space, pick up a mooring buoy, use the VHF radio. The following navigational skills are required, plotting a course and establishing the compass heading and calculating an estimated time of arrival. Establishing a fix using visual bearing. Use a chart to pilot the boat into an unfamiliar harbour. Students must obtain and interpret a shipping forecast. When completed the individual can act as skipper of a boat up to 50 feet in length sailing by day in coastal waters.

The next stage is known as Coastal Navigation. This is a theory only course and no prior experience or knowledge is required. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of various State and Federal regulations pertaining to sailing. They must understand how the use navigational instruments including both steering and hand bearing compasses, binoculars, depth sounder, log, parallel rule and dividers. Participants must display an understanding of tide tables and their use when dealing with secondary ports. They should be able to convert bearings and compass courses between, compass, magnetic and true, plot a dead reckoning position, understand the effect of current and leeway when estimating a position and plot a position by two or more bearings, a running fix and a bearing and distance. Finally they will need to demonstrate a knowledge of buoyage and lights.

The Cruising Catamaran course deals exclusively with multihull sailing and concentrates on the differences a sailor finds as opposed to monohull sailing. Participants should have completed the Bareboat Chartering stage. On the theory side students must be able to identify and name the various parts of a multihull that are not found on a monohull including the different wing decks, hulls, cross arms, three point rig, bridle line, safety nets, seagull and dolphin strikers. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of multihulls including, performance, comfort safety and the danger of capsize. On the practical side the sailor will demonstrate: how to cast of and leave the quay with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow and then return and berth alongside, pick up a mooring buoy, manoeuvre in a restricted space, reverse, recover a man overboard, the different points of sail, tacking and gybing, sail a compass course within 10 degrees. They will anchor in the following ways, two anchors of the bow or stern, bow anchor and bridle, single bow with a stern line to the shore and bow to fixed mooring. Upon completion the person can skipper a multihull sailboat of up to 50 foot in length by day in coastal waters.

Advanced Coastal Cruising follows and participants should have completed both the Bareboat Chartering and Coastal Navigation stages. Students will be required to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the theory of sailing, an understanding of meteorology including the various cloud formations and the weather that can be expected with each. They will understand the needs of heavy weather sailing, the necessary sail changes and the use of the correct safety equipment and procedures. They will be able to describe: how set a second anchor to reduce swinging, how to recover a fouled anchor, how to use a trip line and an anchor buoy and when and how to set an anchor watch. They will describe how to tow or be towed. They will have a knowledge of distress signals. Students will correctly describe the actions required in the following emergency situations: a dismasting, running aground on a lee shore and engine failure. Students will be able to carry out maintenance and repairs on the engine. On the water students must: sail on all points of the wind and tack and gybe in a wind of at least 15 knots, sail a compass course to within 10 degrees, carry out a man overboard recovery in darkness. They will demonstrate their ability to set, sail with including a gybe, douse and pack a spinnaker. And finally they will stand a navigation watch of 20 miles both at day and night. When completed a person can skipper a sailing vessel of up to 50 feet in length both during day and night in coastal waters regardless of weather and sea conditions.

The next stage is called Celestial Navigation. The course is theory based and requires no experience or prior qualifications. The student must be able to demonstrate the Celestial Navigation required to navigate a sailboat on an offshore passage. The successful student will have demonstrated their ability to: Convert longitude into time and standard time and zone time to GMT. They will be able to calculate: the zone time given longitude, the chronometer error given a previous error and the daily rate, the time of meridian passage of the sun and calculate the boat’s latitude from the observed meridian altitude of the sun, the times of sunrise, sunset and twilight, plot celestial lines of position on a Mercator projection or on a universal plotting sheet and the true bearing of a low altitude celestial body in order to determine the error and deviation of the compass. The student will be able to apply the corrections for index error, dip of the horizon, and total correction to convert sextant altitudes of the sun, stars, planets, and moon to true altitudes, determine the latitude at twilight by means of the Pole Star and the approximate azimuths and altitudes of the navigational stars and planets at twilight. In addition they will be capable of solving the navigational triangle using a navigation table and advance the LOP obtained from a sun sight to another LOP obtained from the sun at a later time and find the boat’s position using a running fix (sun-run-sun).

This celestial theory can be put into practice during the Offshore Passage Making course. Entrants should be certified to the Advanced Coastal Cruising level. The student will plan a passage across either the Pacific or North Atlantic using Great Circle Plotting Charts and Climatic Charts. They must show an understanding of the essential factors to be considered when selecting a vessel for an offshore ocean passage of at least 1000 miles including hull construction and shape, keel, rig, and rudder type, fuel and water capacity. They must provide a list of tools and spares required for such a voyage. They must victual the boat for four people on passage for seven days. They must list the items to be carried in the first aid kit and describe basic treatments for injuries and illnesses that may occur together with identifying a source of mare advanced medical information while on passage. They will prepare a watch keeping system and define the duties of crew members both on and off watch. They will design a maintenance plan to cover: Bilges, electronic equipment, fuel system, hatches, galley equipment, rigging, safety equipment sea cocks, steering and the water system. They will describe the procedures to be undertaken in the following emergency situations: abandon ship, dismasting, fire onboard, lightning strike, man overboard. A comprehensive knowledge of the International Regulation for Preventing Collision at Sea must be demonstrated. When the course is completed is the sailor cans skipper a sailing vessel on offshore passages in any weather.

The great thing about learning to sail, especially in the UK, is that the coast is so close to us. We are never too far from a sailing adventure! Leaving the land behind us and disappearing into the ocean on a yacht is less of a dream than you may think.

People of all ages are learning to sail. There is no age limit and children as young as 5 can help crew a yacht. Most sailing only requires a small amount of physical strength, meaning it can easily become a passion enjoyed by everybody.

Leaning to sail doesn’t have to be expensive. Don’t rush out and buy the most expensive clothing and equipment. For your first few times on the water you can borrow or rent anything you may need. Invest in the sport once you’ve started to sail regularly.

People with disabilities, such as vision impairment, can sail without restriction. Wheelchair users can still participate in the sport but should be more careful in their selection of sailing vessel.

Learning to sail is a wonderful experience and a hobby which will bring you hours of enjoyment. It’s not a hard sport to conquer but the potential hazards you’ll encounter mean safety is key. We’ve put together this guide to help you when learning to sail.

Where To Begin?

Contact your local sailing club and offer your services as a novice crew.

Or teach yourself the basics with books or on the internet, and then contact a sailing club.

Book yourself onto a sailing course – these normally last a weekend, although holiday sailing courses can be up to 2 weeks.

You’ll find sailing centres anywhere on the coast of the UK, but the heart of sailing has to be the Southampton coast. With its many harbours and exciting sailing around the Isle of Wight, it’s an excellent place to learn to sail.

Sailing on the UK coast starts around April and usually finishes in September. Mediterranean sailing lasts a little longer. Look to the Canaries or the Caribbean for winter sailing. You can sail a dinghy in the UK all year round.

Be Safe

Safety on the water is the most important factor to consider when learning to sail.

Avoid crowded harbours and peak hours. Having to keep a safe distance from other vessels will only distract you.

To begin with, go out in low winds. There is no point in sailing for speed straight away. Ensure you can walk before you can run!

Always run through a safety drill before you leave dock.

The chances are you’ll learn to sail in a small boat or one with a light boom. Learning to control the boom is essential for smooth sailing and safety.

Swimming

It may sound like simple advice, but if you’re going on the water you need to be able to swim. Even the most experienced sailor will find themselves in the water at some point. Being a competent swimmer will ensure you stay calm in a potentially harmful situation.

Vital Equipment

You’ll need the following items when learning to sail:

A good set of boat shoes A life jacket or buoyancy aid Signal equipment Brightly coloured clothing suitable for current weather conditions A high factor sun cream

Whatever adventure you’re looking for, sailing can offer it. Now you know where to start, just go ahead and do it! We can assure you, you’ll never look back.

The Canadian Yachting Association’s Learn to Sail standards provide safe, standardized tuition for racing and recreation in sailing dinghies. The introduction comprises White Sail Levels I, II and III. Sailors are introduced to advanced sailing techniques in Bronze Sail Levels IV and V. Silver Sail Level VI and Gold Sail Level VII complete the sylabus, introducing sailors to racing

White Sail Level I – Section 1 covers safety with a look at lifejackets, actions to be followed immediately after a capsize and how to right a capsized boat. And the required items for a sailboat less than 5.5 meters long as outlined in the current Boating Safety Guide. Section 2 is Seamanship, Candidates must be able to tie 4 knots within a certain time and describe their uses. And describe four ways to identify from what direction the wind is blowing. Section three deals with preparation to sail including coiling a line correctly, making a line fast to a cleat and getting in and out of a boat safely at a dock or mooring. Section 4 looks at rigging, attaching sails, rigging sheets and halyards, fitting sail battens and the rudder and tiller, adjusting the centerboard and hoisting sails. Section 5 covers boat handling, firstly identifying the direction of the wind then while underway to keeping the sail just on the point of luffing while on a reach, keeping a boat going in a straight line on a reach for at least two minutes and righting a capsized boat and clearing it of water. The final section deals with securing and derigging, securing by the bow only, by the bow and stern and at a single mooring, in each case using the appropriate size line and knot, and leaving an appropriate length of line. Derigging the boat by lowering and removing the sails, removing and stowing the rudder and tiller, and properly securing the boom and centerboard. Folding and bagging a loose sail. And finally securing all gear in the boat upon completion of sailing. On the completion of White Sail I, the sailor will be able to perform the afore mentioned tasks in wind speeds of 4-9 knots where applicable.

White Sail Level II – Commences with a section on terminology, identifying the various parts of a sailboat pointing out and describing the functions various items in a sailboat, defining certain terms and describe the different points of sail. The second section covers seamanship, candidates must me able to tie a rolling hitch and sheetbend each within 10 seconds and describe two uses of each of these knots. And describe the wave conditions resulting from various speeds of wind. The next section is boat handling, candidates will act as both helmsman and crew while getting underway from, and returning to, a dock, mooring or beach. Act as helmsman and crew, using the proper commands and responses, while beating, reaching, running, tacking, gybing, bearing away and heading up. As a helmsman, stop a boat at a predetermined point by luffing up and as both skipper and crew, right a capsized boat. On the completion of White Sail II, the sailor will be able to perform the aforementioned mentioned tasks in wind speeds of 4-9 knots.

White Sail Level III – A section on safety launches this section with a look at hypothermia and it’s causes, three ways to minimize the dangers and rules on how to treat a mild case of hypothermia after the victim is out of the water. Identification and the meaning of the colours and shapes in the lateral buoyage system. Listing local geographic and navigational hazards and describe the actions required to minimize their effects. Listing three sources of local weather information together with localized weather hazards, how they can be identified, the normal warning signs and the actions to be taken to reduce their effects. Section 2 covers further terminology, various items in a sailboat, the different parts of a sail and the distinguishing features different types of sailboats. Seamanship is section 3 with a look at how to sail away from and back to a beach with an on-shore wind, a dock for various wind directions and a mooring. Section 4 is on the rules of the road for prevention of collision at sea and considers the case of stand on and give way vessels in different situations and looks at some common sense actions you should take when sailing in the vicinity of commercial shipping. There is a look at racing with the sound signals and flags used to start a race and the rules in use while the race is underway. Section 5 is boat handling, students will act as both skipper and crew while sailing a boat away from and back to a dock for various wind directions, away from and back to a mooring and on a windward/leeward course. They will demonstrate how different body crew positions affect the trim and performance of a sailboat and indicate the best positions for three given points of sail. They will get a boat out of irons by backing the jib and main using proper rudder adjustments. Paddle a sailboat a distance of 30 meters (100 feet) without the use of a rudder in a reasonably straight line. They will demonstrate the following towing procedures, proper means to receive, secure and cast off a towline, the correct towing points on a sailboat, the proper securing inboard of a towline to a boat astern and the correct boat trim, steering procedures and crew alertness while on and releasing from the tow. They will demonstrate the actions to be taken if a person falls overboard, with the boat under sail form the time the person falls overboard without warning until the person is rescued. They will helm the boat by the lee for 90 meters without gybing and finally right a capsized boat. On completion of White Sail Level III the beginner will be able to sail confidently and competently in wind speeds of 4-9 knots and perform the aforementioned skills proficiently.

Bronze Sail Level IV – The first section deals with safety and the factors in your local area such as currents, tides and weather which should be considered before going sailing. The three types of flotation commonly found in dinghies and the factors which affect the self-rescuing capabilities of a dinghy And finally a look at chart of unfamiliar waters and identification of hazards and means of recognizing them. Seamanship is the next section and students will demonstrate their ability to whip the end of a line with a plain whipping of appropriate length, make a back splice and an eye splice and heave a 10 metre line to land across a 1 metre diameter target at least 7 metres away, in three tries out of four. The next section is further nautical terminology. Following that is some sailing theory including leeway and its importance on different points of sail. The centre of lateral resistance (CLR) and centre of effort (CE) affect lee and weather helm in theory and practice, weight distribution and centreboard adjustments affect on the CLR, the boat’s underwater shape affects its helm, sail trim, mast rake and position affect the CE and helm, draft (fullness in a sail) is and how it affects the power and the pointing ability of a sail, the use and position of telltales on shrouds and ticklers on a sail. The next section considers sail shape and how the main sail is affected by halyard tension, mainsheet tension, cunningham tension, traveller position, outhaul tension, mast bend, boom vang tension and mast rake. And how the shape of the jib sails affected by halyard tension, sheet tension and fairlead position. The use of outhaul, cunningham, mainsheet, and traveller, while sailing on a beat, a reach, and a run under the following conditions. On the water students will be asked to skipper and crew the boat on various points of sail and tacking and gybing. Carry out a self-rescue after capsizing in a dinghy and carry on sailing with a minimum time delay. Carry out the following tasks without a rudder, sail a course upwind toward a predetermined destination, make at least one controlled tack and settle down to a course to the predetermined destination, bear away or tack and return to the starting position. With sails backed, sail the boat astern to a predetermined destination 90 metres downwind. On completion of this level IV the candidate will be able to understand and apply the basic principles of sail trim and boat tuning for optimal performance in wind speeds of 9-14 knots.

Silver Sail VI is an introduction to racing. Commencing with some sailing theory it looks at how the slot effects the drive of the mainsail under different points of sail, and how the size of the slot should be varied with the wind strength to give maximum drive, how to identify backwinding, and how to adjust the sails to remove or minimize its effect, how the driving forces acting on the sail can be divided into side and forward components, and how these vary for beating, reaching and running and how the resisting forces acting on a boat’s daggerboard/centreboard and rudder act in relation to the sail forces when beating, reaching and running. The apparent wind changes when gusts hit the sails and when waves slow or accelerate a boat and how to steer and trim sails to react to changes in apparent wind and how to correct the effects of the forces which cause a boat to heel. Section 2 looks at the rules of racing as laid down by the CYA and ISAF. Section 3 considers racing signals and courses including the purpose of the Race Committee, the Notice of Race, the Sailing Instructions and the Protest Committee. Section 4 looks at tactics. On the water students will demonstrate as both skipper and crew while beating, reaching, running, roll tacking, roll gybing, bearing away and heading up. Identify signals displayed and sounded by the race committee boat. Demonstrate the ability to be within one boat length or 5 seconds of a starting line at the starting signal in a race situation. Restart, after having been recalled for premature starting, as quickly as possible. Defend a position from another boat while on a beat – by luffing and backwinding a boat attempting to pass until the mast abeam position has been attained and on a reach or run – by avoiding blanketing, by luffing or by assuming starboard tack. Demonstrate how to blanket and backwind a competitor to your advantage while on the same tack on the windward leg of a race course. And finally compile a racing record and log in a dinghy class showing you have completed a minimum of 15 scheduled races, 10 as a skipper in a class consisting of a minimum of five sailboats. On completion of this section the candidate will be able to compete in a race with a sound understanding of the racing rules and perform the afore mentioned tasks in wind strengths of up to 18 knots.

Gold Sail Level VII completes the learn to sail programme and starts with boat tuning for speed and the adjustments that can be made to the mast, sails and rigging. How to control the spinnaker and pole in all wind conditions, on a reach and run. Boat trim and helming techniques which promote maximum efficiency of the rudder and centreboard in singlehanded or doublehanded dinghies. Section 2 covers the rules and candidates will have a thorough knowledge of the racing rules as a competitor, race committee member or protest committee member, The candidate must take charge of a race committee boat and run a club regatta or series of races using all necessary rules and race procedures. Section 3 looks at the preparation for a regatta. Candidates will ensure a wood or fibreglass dinghy is safe, leak proof and strong by testing for and repairing leaks, examining and replacing fittings and rigging, properly covering and storing boat during summer and winter, properly securing boat and equipment for trailer and/or car top transportation. They will ensure the dinghy hull and centreboard rudder are smooth, fair and light by using, fibreglass, epoxy, gelcoat, and other fairing materials, wet sanding or dry sanding and cleaning solvents. The students will maintain a written season plan that includes, a personal racing logbook, performance objectives, regatta schedule and goals, a physical training program, an on-water training program, sport nutrition and mental training, transportation and program administration They will be able to describe the influence on racing strategy of the fleet size, the starting procedures and timing, the course length and location, the finish line placement and time limits, the compass bearing to the windward mark and current/tide. Section 4 covers an assessment of the race course and includes registration and check in procedures, special protest requirements and starting procedures, current, tide and the weather. The next sections considers tactics that apply to starting, mark rounding, upwind, reaching, running and finishing. On the water candidates will demonstrate as skipper a roll tack and gybe, while helming take advantage of appropriate techniques in flat or choppy water, use body weight to maintain proper boat trim and assist steering and adjust equipment and sails. As crew, assist skipper with above tasks and supply compass readings to determine wind shifts and locate marks together with information for tactical decisions. As skipper and crew, prepare and fly spinnaker on a close, beam, broad reach, a run and by-the-lee, apply appropriate tactics on the water in large fleet or small fleet with strong current or tide either with or against the wind, in shifty oscillating winds, persistent shifts, increasing or decreasing winds, either leading or trailing in a race. Candidates must prepare a seasonal plan for competition indicating personal performance objectives, regatta schedule, physical training, on the water training, transportation and administration, nutrition, and mental training. They must have a race record which includes 5 regattas with 2 being outside their local area. On completion of this course a candidate will be able to race a dinghy with moderately good boat speed and control. The candidate will have a well-rounded knowledge of sail theory, racing rules and tactics.

Incoming search terms:

• sailboat sports blogs

Final plans are in place for two milebuilding trips from Tenerife to Madeira and Madeira to Huelva (near Cadiz).

Two of our Club class yachts, Stan (a Prima 38) and Agi (a Hanse 400e), are sailing together up to southern Spain.   The first leg leaves Tenerife on Friday 26th June for Madeira.  After a short sail to get your sea legs, we will make the 300+ mile passage in one go—aiming to arrive in Madeira on the Wednesday.

Madeira is a located in the mid Atlantic ocean.  It is one of the remote islands of Portugal with maderia island and Poto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands.

We will have a day to explore other harbours and anchorages on Madeira, before you leave us on the Friday (why not stay the weekend?) or take your berth for the next leg.

The second leg from Madeira to Huelva is planned to leave on Friday 3rd July and cover the 500+ miles to Huelva in about 5-6 days

Huelva is a maritime town between the rivers Anas and Baetis, it was seated on the estuary of the river Luxia, and on the road from the mouth of the Anas to Augusta Emerita.

Christopher Columbus started his voyages to the new world from Huelva – and we will be racing in late August here to La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, in celebration of these voyages.

Our final destination will be a marina adjacent to the Doñana National Park located in the Spanish province of Andalusia, in the provinces of Huelva and Seville, and covers 543 km², of which 135 km² are a protected area. The park is an area of marsh, shallow streams, and sand dunes and a river delta flowing into the Atlantic ocean. The original area was established in 1963 by the World Wildlife Fund  and the Spanish government.

With a day to explore the area by sea we will ask you to  be ready to leave the yacht on Saturday 11th July.

Both legs include breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the yacht and cost €800 per week.  If you book both legs the cost is €1400.

Contact us at info@clubsail.com for more details

RYA Day skipper with Mustang Sailing

RYA Day Skipper is a sort of ‘foundation course’ in seamanship and navigation. It has two elements, theory and practical. Suitable for those with limited experience it is effectively an ‘entry level’ course, though while you don’t need any theoretical knowledge you do need to know how to sail. The RYA stipulates that Day Skipper candidates should have 100 miles logged. In our experience it doesn’t matter what sort of boat you have sailed, so long as you can sail. Dinghy sailing years ago is just as relevant as last years flotilla holiday in the Med! http://www.mustangsailing.com/

If you are not confident about your sailing ability you may want to consider taking an RYA Competent crew course first. Five days training alongside Day Skipper students or Yachtmaster exam candidates is sure to give you a feel for cruising under sail and hopefully a thirst for more. Alternatively you could take a berth on one of our mile builders, again five days but with an emphasis on going places rather than intensive pilotage and boat handling. The Channel Islands and France are favourite destinations for mile building out of the Solent.

When you have gained the Day Skipper theory and practical tickets you can consider yourself well on the way to being a safe and competent yachtsman. The RYA Day Skipper practical certificate entitles the holder to an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). These certificates and a VHF Radio licence are all you need to charter boats in the finest sailing areas the world has to offer.

More important than the certificates in themselves is the knowledge you will acquire on the way. The Day Skipper theory course covers chartwork, chart symbols, Lat & Long, compass, tidal theory, pilotage, safety, meteorology and so on. The theory element can be taken as a five day ‘stand alone’ course or combined with the practical (on the water) training in one 9 day course. This offers the opportunity to achieve both Day Skipper theory and Day Skipper practical tickets with only five days off work, an important consideration for those with busy lifestyles.

Mustang Sailing have been delivering these courses for long enough to know how to get the theory across in a painless, stress free way. Not everybody is comfortable in class, and for some it has been a while…

On a 9 day combined course we split the theory into two, two day blocks at either end of the course. The first and last two days are spent in class. The first two laying the foundations so to speak, then it’s down to the boat (we’ll take you if you don’t have transport) for five days of sail training.

Sailing from Universal Marina on the Hamble River we criss cross the Solent and venture to Chichester to the East and Poole to the West, depending on the weather. Day Skipper practical involves many short passages, involving lots of passage planning and pilotage as well as boat handling under power and sail. When Friday comes it’s time to leave the yacht and head back to Ringmer to finish off the theory.

Collision regulations and meteorology are the two big subjects for the last weekend; you will have been living and breathing sail cruising all week so the final sessions are pretty easy. Two exam papers are despatched on Sunday morning, a quick debrief and off home with two new certificates, miles in your logbook and memories to last a lifetime.

Mustang Sailing are a small sailing school with a big range of courses which we run all year round. We moved to Ringmer nr Lewes three years ago and have expanded steadily. We take no print advertising, relying on our website and word of mouth recommendation to grow our business. This year we have doubled our classroom capacity, and added a dedicated diesel engine workshop at Ringmer, and bought a 40’ yacht to cope with the demands of our expanding customer base.

Our training centre is housed in converted agricultural buildings close to the South Downs. The central location close to major road and rail links and conveniently located for the London airports makes us the obvious choice for sailors in the South East and London and for international students looking for quality courses at a convenient location. The quiet rural setting makes it easy to get down to studying the subject in hand.

Mustang run all the RYA Cruising and Yachtmaster shorebased courses at Ringmer and all the practical sail cruising courses from Universal Marina on the Hamble. Probably the nicest marina in the Solent, a pleasant rural location with an old-school feel it is a great place to be, relaxed and civilised.