Basic Sail Course Description
Summary
The course is normally given three times a year, in the Spring, Summer (and on occasion, late Summer/ Fall)
The Summer course starts off with an Orientation session followed by six On-The-Water (OTW) classes where students learn to sail the club American 14.6 dinghies. (This is different than the Spring Intensive which offers 3 consecutive weekend classes that have a morning and afternoon component which are mandatory).
The OTW classes assigns 2-3 students with an instructor to a boat, although this can change with circumstances. Students will learn how to rig and de-rig the boat, as well as how to sail it, with special attention being paid to safety.
In order to pass the course and qualify for TASCA membership, students must complete the following tests:
- Rigging and De-rigging
- Written (open Book multiple choice)
- Demonstrate ability to tie specific knots
- On the Water Proficiency
We have taught over 4,000 students since 1967, and the success rate is very high. Our volunteer instructors make sure that every student has the opportunity to learn whether they have previously been on a sailing boat or are on one for the first time. Students have ranged in age from sixteen to over seventy, and are from many different backgrounds. Our classes are very 'hands on' in that each student will be sailing and controlling the boat during the On the Water classes, and will have plenty of opportunities to practice the techniques being taught. The knowledge gained during the course will be also be applicable to larger boats, and upon becoming TASCA members, students will be able to advanced courses including those involving the club keel boat that is kept at the World's Fair Marina near Citi Field.
Detailed Description
On The Water Classes (Lectures will be interspersed along with on the water training)
Class 1: Boarding, Balance, Rigging, Getting Underway, Wind Direction, Steering with the Tiller, Heading Up, Falling Off, Coming About, De-rigging
Class 2: Review of previous lesson, Points of Sail (upwind), Getting out of Irons, Sail Trim, Safety Position, Awareness of Traffic, Approach to Mooring
Class 3: Review of previous lessons, Using the Centerboard, Point of Sail (downwind), Jibing, Hazards of Sailing by the Lee, Unintentional Jibe, Rules of the Road
Class 4: Review of previous lessons, Safety/First aid, Overboard Recovery, Approach to the Dock
Class 5: Review of previous lessons, Practice Skills, Sailing Drills, Sailing with the Jib
Class 6: Review of previous lessons, Practice Skills, Sailing Drills, Sailing with the Jib, On the Water Test
Knots
- Figure of Eight Stopper Knot
- Two Half Hitches
- Clove Hitch
- Bowline
- Sheet Bend
- Cleat Hitch
- Square Knot
- Rolling Hitch