Basic Skills Level 1

BASIC SKILLS 1

Overview	This course is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to small boat sailing for novices. The course includes an introduction to fundamental boat handling skills and essential knowledge that will allow participants the freedom of sailing small boats with guidance from the Instructor or Coach. It is recommended that this short introduction to sailing be consolidated by the completion of the Yachting Australia Basic Skills 2 Course and they are often run together.
Outcomes	You will receive a Basic Skills 1 certificate and have a basic understanding of sailing
Pre-requisites	This is an introductory course, so there are no pre-requisites
Where can I take the course?	Please contact a Yachting Australia Training Centre or your nearest Sailing Club. Please ask them about our Yachting Australia Logbooks so that you can monitor your progress.
What to do afterwards?	Continue training in Small Boat Sailing to achieve your Better Sailing and Racing Skills awards, or try one of the other schemes.

SYLLABUS:

1. Prepare and Plan

Select clothing and safety equipment suitable to the conditions
Group and individual safety practices demonstrated
Sailing Stretches

2. Rigging

Correct positioning of the boat relative to wind direction
Identify parts of the boat, rigging and sails
Rig boat with assistance

3. Ropework

Figure of eight
Round turn and two half hitches

4. Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

Steering and crewing in light winds under supervision
Sail a reaching course in light winds
Primary boat controls and basic heave-to

5. Rescue Procedures and Drills

Capsize Recovery Drill
Towing

6. Launching and Recovery

Leaving and returning to a beach / launching facility
Demonstrate care of boats when launching

7. Sailing Theory and Background

Observation of basic rules incl:
Avoid Collisions
Power and sail meeting
Exceptions - commercial vessels

8. Winds, tides and currents

Wind direction and relative strength
Environmental wind indicators