Sailing Sessions Summary

Below is an outline of our Sessions 1-4 for our Moss Bay Sailing lessons. Click on any one of the Session links to see more details about what we will cover during the session.

Session 1 will cover:

1. Make sure the boat's standing rigging, steering, sheets, and sails function well.
2. Enter the boat and push off the dock prepared to set sail, or set sails into the wind.
3. Sail into the wind at an approximately 45' angle to the eye of the wind.
4. When sailing with others, use recognized signals & terms for tacking & jibing.
5. Once a turn is commenced, keep the tiller moving so the hull maintains speed.
6. After completing each turn, carefully recheck sheets for tangles.
7. When performing a downwind jibe, hand retract the boom to avoid problems.
8. Demonstrate close haul, beam reach, and running positions of the boom.
9. Slow and dock the dinghy by using 360' turns, and upwind turns.

Session 2 will cover:

1. Use dead reckoning to set or change upwind and downwind courses.
2. Push off the dock and quickly set sails in winds greater than 10 knots.
3. Adjust the standing rigging, set the centerboard, and insert the batten.
4. Be able to tie and know when to use 3 knots: figure 8, bowline, and cleat tie.
5. Complete a "man overboard" rescue drill with a PFD in 30 seconds or less.
6. When beating, be able to set the tell tails by adjusting the jib or tiller.
7. When performing a downwind jibe, hand retract the boom to avoid problems.
8. Demonstrate close haul, beam reach, and running positions of the boom.
9. Secure the boat after sailing by folding the sails, securing halyards, & cleating.

Session 3 will cover:

1. Use reckoning dead abeam to reset a tight course when tacking port/starboard.
2. Tip the boat, right it, secure it, and set sail in winds greater than 5 knots.
3. Be able to define and describe the function of all parts of the dinghy boat.
4. Explain right of way rules re: crafts, location, course, and upwind position.
5. Be able to make a smooth jibe in winds greater than 10 knots.
6. Demonstrate safe upwind and downwind landings at a dock.
7. Show at least 2 effective approaches for getting out of irons.
8. When playing "chase" with another sailboat, be able to stay close to them.
9. Explain how to read a chart for depth, current, and right of way.

Session 4 will cover:

1. Backwind the main sail for anchoring, or backing out of a tight spot.
2. Calculate a sailing course and ETA based on wind, current, and hull speed.
3. Understand how to use furling, and reef points to sail safely in heavy winds.
4. Explain on-board safety requirements for sailing at night, in fog, or in a squall.
5. Be able to de-mast, trailer, and rig a dinghy sail boat.
6. Understand the basic concept of jury rigging should something go wrong on the water.
7. Be able to use buoys and set a spring line for docking in turbulent conditions.
8. Scull with the tiller at least 100 yards on a windless day.
9. Be able to uses tie ropes, sails and no motor to safely exit a harbor in wind.