Course overview
An introduction to yacht terminology and the deck skills required to work as a yacht steward / stewardess. This course covers the fundamentals of sailing a moderate size cruising yacht and by the end of the course you should have the confidence and ability to keep a lookout, handle sails, steer, row a dinghy and assist in all other day-to-day activities. During the course you will cover approximately 100 miles, plus 4 night hours on watch.
Pre-requisite experience: none
Duration: 5 Days
Qualifications
RYA Competent Crew Certificate
Syllabus
Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
- Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing and day-to-day running of the boatç
Sail handling
- Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails
- Use of sheets and halyards and their associated bollards
Ropework
- Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and single and double bollards
- Handling warps
- Ability to tie the following knots and to understand their correct use; figure of eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot
Fenders
- Learn the various ways of tying them on
- Different knots including quick release
- The use of a 'wandering fender'
Fire precautions and fighting
- Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire
- Knowledge of the action to be taken in the event of a fire
Personal safety equipment
- Understand and comply with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids
Man overboard
- Understand the action to be taken to recover a man overboard
Emergency equipment
- Operate distress flares and know when they should be used
- Understand how to launch and board a liferaft
Manners and customs
- Understand accepted practice with regard to; the use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other berthed craft
- Awareness of the responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment
Rules of the road
- Ability to keep a lookout at sea
Dinghies
- Understand and comply with loading rules
- Ability to handle a dinghy under oars
Meteorology
- Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort scale
Seasickness
- What is it?
- Tell-tale signs
- How to avoid it
- How to overcome it when you are suffering
- How to care for others effectively
Helmsmanship
- Understand the basic principles of sailing and steer and trim sails on all points of sail
- Steer a compass course, under sail and power
General Duties
- Carry out general duties satisfactorily on and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel