Sail

Course Objectives

This course teaches the basic techniques for safe sailing and cruising, from dinghies to large keel boats. Topics covered include spars and rigging, theory of sail and hull aerodynamics, balance, centers of effort and lateral resistance, heel and trim, piloting and cruising under sail, weather, wind/wave effects. There is also some discussion of the rules and tactics of sailboat racing, and off-shore considerations.

The main object of this course is to provide the knowledge required to operate a sailboat safely and to deal with situations as they occur. Building on the knowledge gained in the Seamanship Course, it will acquaint the beginning sailor with day-sailing and cruising in protected waters, and allow experienced sailors to sharpen their skills.

Emphasis is placed on how a sailboat works and the special terminology associated with sailboats and sailing, as well as practical seamanship. While there is no chartwork or navigation, the particular problems of piloting under sail, and making progress to windward are discussed. Emphasis is also placed on techniques for the rescue of a person overboard while under sail.