RYA Start Sailing Level 2 - Basic Skills Training Course £199


On completion of this 2 day RYA start sailing level 2 course the successful student will be safety conscious, have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing without an instructor on board in light winds.  

It will be assumed that every student starting this course has already mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required for RYA small boat start sailing level 1.  

Tuition will be given by RYA trained cruising instructors, using appropriate supervision ratios of a maximum of 3 students per boat. The students' knowledge and ability will be assessed on a continuous basis, though an oral interview may be used as the basis for theory assessment if required.  Students will be kept informed of their individual progress throughout the course.

RYA Small Boat Basic Skills Level 2 Syllabus

Section A - Practical

Rigging        

Understands how to rig according to weather conditions.  Able to reef

Ropework

Can tie a bowline, clove hitch and rolling hitch.  Able to use winches (if fitted)

Sailing Techniques and Manoeuvres

Has basic practical understanding of the following:

  • The Five Essentials - Course made good, Trim, Balance, Sail setting, and Centreboard/keel* (*n/a Keelboats)
  • Leaving and returning to a beach, jetty or mooring
  • Coming alongside a moored boat
  • Knows basic rules of the road: power/sail, port/starboard, windward boat, overtaking boat
  • Aware of lee shore dangers, sailing in close company with others and man overboard recovery
  • Able to paddle a sailing dinghy and row a boat around a short triangular course, come alongside and make fast

Use of Engine (if fitted)

Has knowledge of engine checks, starting, stopping and running procedures. Able to come alongside and pick up a mooring.

Section B - Onshore teaching

Sailing Theory and Background

  • Has knowledge of: Points of sailing and No Go Zone
  • How a sail works - basic aerodynamic theory
  • Sea Sailing - Basic advice for inland sailors, including taking local advice. Speed over ground with/against tidal flow
  • Inland sailing - basic advice including local bylaws, permits, overhead power lines, locks and weirs
  • The dangers of hypothermia and the importance of first aid training, particularly cardio pulmonary resuscitation

Meteorology

Knows sources of weather and shipping forecasts, when to reef. Understands Beaufort Wind Scale

Clothing and Equipment

Knows importance of personal safety, clothing and buoyancy, boat buoyancy and basic equipment, depending on boat type (may include anchor, paddle, bucket, bilge pump)

Emergency equipment and precautions

Knows importance of first aid kit and flares (if included) including stowage. Visual methods of attracting attention, action to help those in distress