Basic Keelboat - A

Basic Keelboat

Course Overview:

Embark on a sailing adventure with our Basic Keelboat course, designed to provide comprehensive training on keelboat sailing. This course is taught on our diverse fleet, including O’Day 20s, O’Day 22, and Starwind 19 boats, offering a hands-on experience in various conditions.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 courses or equivalent skills (challenge out option available).

Equipment:

• O’Day 20s - Manchester and On-a-run
• O’Day 22 - Whisper
• Starwind 19 - Late Eddy
• International 110 - No Name

Course Description:

The Basic Keelboat Certification encompasses a series of knowledge and skill requirements that are essential for safe and confident sailing in familiar waters with wind ranges of 5 to 15+ knots. Upon completion, sailors will be qualified to skipper a tiller-steered keelboat up to 27 feet in length and charter Regatta Pont’s O’Day 22, Whisper, on Narragansett Bay.

In this class, you'll learn:

• Preparation to Sail: Understand personal preparation, including appropriate clothing and sun protection.
• Crew Operations and Skills: Learn the basic parts of the boat, sails, rigging, and the use of life jackets and flotation devices. Understand sail controls and electrical hazards.
• Sailing Theory: Grasp basic sailboat design, sail theory, boat dynamics, wind reading, points of sail, and the concept of 'sailing by the lee'.
• Leaving the Dock or Mooring: Analyze the effects of wind, tide, and currents, and learn techniques for leaving under sail or power in various wind situations.
• Navigation: Develop basic chart reading skills, understand local Aids to Navigation, and learn Navigation Rules for collision avoidance.
• Heavy Weather Sailing: Get acquainted with weather warning sources.
• Overboard Rescue Methods: Practice Quick-Stop and Figure-8 overboard rescue methods, including all aspects of the rescue process.
• Safety and Emergency Procedures: Learn about handling overheating, hypothermia, seasickness, flare usage, distress signals, and U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements.
• Anchoring Techniques: Understand anchoring procedures for emergency situations.
• Returning to the Dock or Mooring: Master techniques for arriving under sail and/or power in various wind conditions.

This course is perfect for individuals who wish to enhance their sailing skills and gain the confidence to navigate keelboats safely. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, sailors will emerge well-equipped to handle a range of sailing scenarios. Join us to set sail on a journey of discovery and skill development on the bay or sheltered waters!