Fundamentals of Recreational Sailing

This introductory unit develops foundational knowledge and hands-on skills for safe, confident participation in recreational sailing. Topics include boat parts and rigging, pre-sail preparation, basic sail handling and knots, life jacket and cold-weather safety, wind and weather interpretation, anchoring and docking, and elementary navigation aids to prepare learners for more advanced seamanship and navigation in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the major components, running and standing rigging, and points of sail on small sailboats and accurately describe each part’s function and location during a practical or written assessment.
• Demonstrate pre-sail checks and fundamental boat handling procedures including leaving and returning to a dock or mooring, climbing aboard, raising and lowering sails, reefing/easing sheets, and basic docking maneuvers in simulated or on-water activities.
• Apply safety and emergency seamanship practices by selecting and properly fitting personal flotation devices, tying an overhand knot and other basic knots, performing a dinghy capsize recovery, and preparing crew and gear for heavy weather and cold/wet conditions.
• Evaluate wind, weather, and navigation information by determining wind direction and apparent wind, estimating wind strength, interpreting buoys and aids to navigation, choosing an appropriate anchoring location, and using telltales and common-sense navigation to plan a basic course.