RYA Start Yachting Weekend - Course Itinerary

FRIDAY

• 18:00 - Arrive at Hamble - Check in at School reception. Introduction to yacht. Try on safety equipment.
• Explanation to where everything is kept. General safety brief and discussion on the weekend ahead.
• 20:00 Ashore for a drink, bite to eat and get to know the Skipper and other course members.
• Sleep aboard the yacht..

SATURDAY

• 07:30 Wake up and have breakfast. - Preparations to depart, to include if not done previous evening, a deck briefing on all the workings of the various ropes and sails. 
• 09:30 Depart towards one of the many harbours in the Solent - Practising: Tacking; Gybing; Reefing & Sail Handling, 
• 13:00 Lunch either at anchor or on a mooring buoy.
• Having planned a passage, set sail for evening destination.
• 18:00 Arrive at this time or after dark if conditions are suitable.
• 20:00 Cook and eat Supper.
• Sleep aboard the yacht  

SUNDAY

• 07:30 Wake up and have breakfast.
• 08:30 Prepare for sea
• 09:30 Move off to a planned destination for lunch practising such drills as Man-over-board.
• Return to Hamble Point Marina and prepare yacht for handover.
• 15:30 - 16:00 Debrief, Sign logbooks and Depart 

RYA Start Yachting Practical Course Syllabus

The aim of this course is to provide a short introduction to sail cruising for complete beginners. Participants will experience steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and will be aware of safety on board.

1. The Yacht

•           Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails

2. Rope Work

•           Ability to tie four different knots, as well as securing a rope to a cleat and can use a winch and jamming cleat
•           Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches 

3. Underway

•           Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail and can steer a yacht under sail and power

4. Rules of the Road

•           Can keep efficient look out at sea

5. Meteorology

• Knows where to obtain a weather forecast

6. Man overboard Recovery

• Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard

7. Clothing and Equipment

• Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids

 8. Emergency Equipment and Precautions

• Awareness of hazards on board a yacht and knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency