Skipper Course

Module 4 Rigging and Sails- Excerpt:

The following illustration shows the parts of the sail and associated control lines. Of note is the bolt rope which is one of very few actual ropes on a boat (another is the bell rope).

• The bolt rope provides strength to the luff of the sail and is used also to slide into the track if there is one. On a head sail the bolt rope provides strength to the luff of the sail when "hanks" are used.
• Hanks are basically sliding clamps that slide up the forestay and are clamped onto the bolt rope at the leading edge (luff).
• The main halyard is attached to the head of the sail and is used to pull the sail up the mast.
• The gooseneck is a swivel connection from the boom to the mast.
• The reefing points are points where the sail can be pulled down in order to reef the sail if a roller furling system is not used.
• The topping lift holds the back of the boom up.
• The boom vang holds the boom down when beating to wind. On down wind legs the boom vang can be loosened to provide more shape to the sail.
• The cunningham pulls the sail down tight and is used also when reefing.
• The outhaul line is attached to the clew to pull the sail out along the boom.

Module 5 Rules and Safety- Excerpt:

The following is a guide to understanding the Aids to Navigation in the USA. Notice that this is opposite in other parts of the world (who could have guessed?).

You absolutely must learn these. But don't worry they are easy. All you have to do is remember this "Red, Right, Returning". That's it! IE when you are returning from sea into the channel (or going upstream) keep the red markers on your right. In the case of the preferred channel take notice of what ever color is on top, that is, if red is on top then keep the marker on your right for the preferred channel. Red Right Returning! Right?

Module 6 Slip Departures and Returns - Excerpt:

(3) Wind pushing into the dock and current from behind.

This is a little more tricky. If you try to go out forwards the wind could potentially push you into other boats. Additionally as you turn the wheel to head out, the rear of the boat will swing around towards the dock and other boats. therefore it is recommended that you reverse out using a spring line.

(A) Once you are confident of your plan,

• Appoint a crew member to use a fender at the front of the boat to prevent the boat from touching the dock.
• Release and stow the dock lines but leave one spring line from the dock near the center of the boat attached to the front of the boat.
• The spring line should be arranged so that it is attached to the forward cleat, runs freely around the dock cleat and returns back to the appointed crew member. In this manner the crew member can release the line and retrieve it by letting it slip around the dock cleat. ENSURE that there are no knots in the line to get caught on the dock cleat as it runs through.
• Turn the wheel towards the dock and engage forward gear.
• This will have the effect of pushing the rear of the boat away from the dock.

(B) Once the boat has turned out from the dock, engage reverse and have your forward crew member release and retrieve the spring line.

(C) Continue backing out to be completely clear before engaging forward gear. Remember the rear of the boat will swing back towards the dock once you engage forward and turn the wheel to windward, so ensure there is plenty of room.

Module 7 Sailing - Excerpt:

Conversely, when you ask the wind to bend too much, the wind will spawn off creating turbulent air flow. This reduces the effect of the sails and slows the boat. The higher the velocity of the wind the less the wind tends to bend. This is one of the reasons why in high wind conditions you need to reduce the size of the sail. Since the sail is smaller when reefed, the wind is required to bend less over the distance from the front (luff) of the sail to the back (leech) of the sail and therefore the wind will not break away from the sail as much. Once the wind breaks away from the low pressure side, as in the diagram below, you're reducing efficiency. In the same way, an aero plane will stall. When the flow of air breaks away from the top side of the wing, lift is lost and the plane quickly aims it self at the ground. In sailing, the resultant is less dramatic. Simply let the sail out and the wind will reattach to the leeward side of the sail.

Module 9 Anchoring and Mooring- Excerpt:

Care must be given to swing. As the wind changes during the night your boat will move with the wind and can put you into a precarious situation by being to close to the shore. Many times you'll find an anchorage area with moorings. Remember that boats tied to moorings swing less than anchored boats. In this circumstance you may swing into other boats. Golden rule is "watch your swing".

In addition, consideration must be given to the tide. As the tide "ebbs" out, you not only get closer to the bottom but your swing circle grows and the shore becomes closer. This diagram shows your swing path with deep water and correct scope.

THE TESTS

Each Module has associated with it approximately 20 test questions. Here is an example?

Q Who has Ultimate right of way in this scenario?

The answer to this question is posted at the bottom of our Faculty page.

Upon passing all the tests associated with each module, your NauticEd Sailing Certificate is automatically updated. This is not a USCG Captain's license. It is an acknowledgement that you have passed the NauticEd Skipper Course which is becoming more and more recognized by charter companies.