Sail 1 Checkout Procedures

Sail 1 Checkout

 

Every Sail 1 Member receives an onboard orientation on each different boat model.

Below is a list of all the required knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete a Sail 1 Checkout.
Each Checkout can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the boat model.
We recommend including your normal crew, who will be routinely helping you. Bringing additional passengers or young children is not recommended for checkouts.

 

 

Preparation

  • Be able to demonstrate ability to recognize and forecast prevailing weather conditions.
  • Determine wind direction. Explain clues to finding wind direction (i.e. moored boats, flags, wind on water).
  • Show proper boat boarding technique.
  • Be able to perform a preparatory check of the boats equipment based on the Checkout Sheet.
  • Display the ability to tie up a boat with bow, stern and spring lines.
  • Demonstrate cleat hitch, double half hitch, stopper knot, bowline, and coiling line.
  • Show proper way to put on a PFD.
  • Identify weather information sources. (Windalert, NOAA)
  • Check location of recommended and required safety equipment and documents.
  • Be able to explain pre-start procedures and motor operation.
  • Exhibit familiarity with nomenclature and parts of the boat and engine.
  • Explain the proper rigging of the sails, halyards, sheets, blocks, and winches.
  • Illustrate how to depower the sail plan using sail controls; outhaul, backstay, and cunningham.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

  • Be able to explain the proper procedure for using safety gear including fire extinguisher, flares, and horn.

Leaving the Dock

  • Display proper seamanship using the engine, lines, and crew coordination for a departure appropriate for wind and weather conditions.

Boat control in Confined Waters

  • Demonstrate starting, stopping and backing.
  • Exhibit appropriate shifting technique.
  • Use minimal control speed.

Navigation

  • Point out landmarks in the harbor and local waters and respond accordingly (water tower, radio towers, entrance to Back Creek, etc.).
  • Be familiar with aids to navigation (ATONs), such as buoys, day marks, regulatory marks, and others.

Rules of the Road

  • Illustrate the use and understanding of the rules of the road.
  • Be able to demonstrate and understand the use of constant bearing to avoid collisions.

Boat Control in Open Waters

  • Display proper sail trim with accurate sheet adjustment of the main and headsails. Make use of telltales and identify points of sail.
  • When appropriate, demonstrate sailing “by the lee” and explain the inherent dangers involved.
  • Be able to describe how to anchor using the proper amount of scope.
  • Show how to reef and depower the sail plan.

Returning to the Dock

  • Using proper seamanship and boat handling return to the dock demonstrating steering, stopping, securing boat, and deploying fenders in its proper slip.

Securing the Boat

  • Stow equipment, clean, install covers, and secure hatches and locks.
  • Complete post sail checkout form.

 

Ready to go ?    Schedule your Sail 1 checkout.

Not comfortable with all the topics?      No problem, we can get you there!