Basic Crewing/Sailing Course - Tacoma, Training Sail #1 - Peace, Tyee Marina

This is the first of two sails included in the Tacoma Branch's Basic Crewing/Sailing Course.  Students of the course should only sign up for one Training Sail #1 activity.

 An outline of topics that will be covered during this training sail is shown below.  Please review the related material in your course text book before the sail and make sure you ask any questions necessary for you to understand the concept being covered.

 Sail activities will take place rain or shine.  The activity may, however, be canceled due to high wind.  Text you skipper 1 hour before the start of the activity to make sure it is still a go.  Please show up on time.

Have students assist preparing your boat to leave the dock Stow gear

1. Remove sail/winch covers
2. Disconnect electrical cord
3. Review location and use of marine head
4. Untie spring lines
5. Secure halyards

After leaving the dock while still under power have students Untie and stow fenders/dock lines

1. Practice knots - bowline, round turn and 2 half hitches, clove hitch, and figure 8
2. Review/demonstrate how to safely use a winch
3. Name parts of the boat, including standing and running rigging
4. Identify aids to navigation encountered.
5. Identify boats with right-of-way or not under power and under sail
6. Identify wind direction. Discuss onboard, water and land signs for identifying wind direction.
7. Discuss the difference between true and apparent wind.
8. Practice naming points of sail
9. Look out for tankers and ferries. Discuss how fast these vessels move as compared to a sailboat
10. Demonstrate steering the boat - note how boat turns around keel
11. Observe masthead fly through 360 degree turn

12. Review all steps of hoisting/setting sails

13. Prepare and hoist main mainsail using steps: "Prepare to hoist main”: main sheet off and free to run, vang off, head to wind. “Hoist"

14. Hoist/unfurl head sail.

During the training sails each student should perform the following under the direction of the skipper (Students should rotate between being at the helm, manning winches and trimming sails). Identity part of the sail: head, clew, tack, foot, luff, leach.

1. Discuss true wind vs apparent wind.
2. Discuss rough trim for points of sail. 'When in doubt, let it out’
3. Practice tacking, sail to an upwind “mark”
4. Identify port tack and starboard tack.
5. Sail to all points of sail on both tacks and trim sails as heading changes; Use telltales as appropriate.
6. Discuss need and process to make adjustments to halyard tension, cunningham, outhaul.
7. Discuss steps to lower & stow sails sails, prepare to lower sails
8. Assist with lowering and stowing/covering/folding sails

When returning to the dock, have students tie on fenders, set up dock lines, assist with docking and tying up the boat.

Students should help “put the boat away” when the boat is back at the dock.

Please contact Emily on the day of to confirm and with any questions: 831-521-2471. 

Meet at the main gate for Tyee Marina. Please be on time. 

Classroom 1: Friday, April 18 at 2 pm

We will open the gate for you to park at dock entrance 2, next to the Corinthian Yacht Club of Tacoma clubhouse. We will open the second gate for you to walk to the boat.