Program

This is and entirely practical course and you will be sailing right on your first day. The program includes the following topics:

Preparation for sea
Prepare the sailboat according to the weather conditions.
Mooring and leaving a pontoon.

Sails and sailing
The use of sails including folding and reefing. Rope work and winch handling;
Able to reef
Able to do a small triangular course
Tacking without loosing progress.
Master the gybing maneuver
Sailing using transit lines
How sails and the sailing boat work

Knots
Know how to do the following knots: figure of eight, bowline, sheet bend, reef knot, making fast to a cleat and clove hitch;
Rope work on board including mooring preparation

Engine
Basic knowledge on how to use the auxiliar engine (control, start, turn off, care)

Safety on board
Understanding the rules and know how to use the inflatable lifejackets as well as other kinds of buoyancy;
The importance of the first aid box and pyrotechnics
Awareness of having shore on the leeside
Awareness regarding to other sailors
Anchoring

Man overboard
Understanding and take part in a man overboard maneuver while sailing with or without the help of the engine;

Participation in General Tasks
Takes part in all tasks of routine aboard including washing and material tidiness.

Theoretical Concepts
Able to keep a good look-out while sailing and identify potentially dangerous situations.
Knowledge of the main rules to avoid collisions at sea;
Importance of personal safety and the use of the equipment
Know how to request help in case of need
Identification of places where it’s not possible to sail
Points of sail (no-go zone)
Interpreting weather forecasts
Reading synoptic charts (basic knowledge)
Beaufort scale

:: After this course you should...
Master the nautical terminology, sailing boat balance and the main sailing maneuvers. At the end of this course you must also know the main safety features at sea and the fundamental sailing techniques including reefing.

:: Recommended books...
The Competent Crew book it’s a recommended reading for this course. If you have already done the Level 1 you must have with you this book, so it is recommended its reading again. If this is your first course with the West Coast the book is included.

You still have at your disposal our pdf beginners sailing book with lots of tips and specific information for those who sail on this boats.

As additional reading (available at our store ate the marina, we recommend):

	(Offer with your first subscription with West Coast)