Practical Seamanship and Boat Handling

This unit advances foundational sailing skills into practical seamanship and intermediate boat handling, focusing on anchoring, launching, docking, sail trim, knots, basic navigation, and onboard care. Students practice decision-making for tides, currents, weather, and emergency scenarios to prepare for longer trips and more advanced instruction.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze wind, tide, current, and local geographic information to select safe anchorages, approach routes, and appropriate sail and trim settings for recreational outings
• Apply boat-handling techniques (launching, docking, towing, anchoring, recovering fouled props) and crew coordination to conduct routine maneuvers safely under varied conditions
• Demonstrate correct line handling and knot techniques (including square knot and cleat hitch), cleat use, and sail trim adjustments to control heel, fore-and-aft trim, and boat speed
• Evaluate voyage-preparation and emergency procedures — including storm survival, dehydration prevention, communications/calling for help, provisioning, and basic hull care — to plan and execute a safe short cruise