Instructors Manual for 2012 Skippers This Manual belongs to i
Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Wind... 2 Parts of a sailboat... 3 Rigging and de- rigging... 4 Sail controls and sail trim... 5 Reefing... 6 Leaving the dock... 7 Landing at the dock... 8 Sailing in the buoy field... 9 Points of sail... 10 Points of sail (diagram)... 11 Tacking (Coming about)... 12 Jibing... 13 Slowing down, stopping, and heaving to... 14 Person overboard... 15 Capsizing... 16 Rules of the road... 17 ii
Introduction: knowing and teaching This manual is written by TCSC instructors for all our instructors, sharing one another s intuitions, experience, knowledge, and techniques in the art of sailing and teaching sailing. As in any teaching activity, knowledge is necessary but not sufficient. This is particularly true in teaching sailing, where much of what we do ourselves has become physically and mentally intuitive and even partly unconscious. Thus we all need to make a continuous effort to remember how we learned and what we learned as beginners, and put ourselves in the place of each student and figure out what they know, what they want and need to know, and how we can best help them learn. Learning To be successful instructors, we all need to keep reading, learning, studying the effective teaching of sailing, discussing and practicing with other skippers, and participating in skippers meetings We focus on how we and others learn and put into practice what we ourselves are still learning It is important that we all use the vocabulary and techniques outlined in our TCSC Sailing Handbook as the basis for our teaching, while imparting our own experience, insights, and skills Safety and confidence New sailors may initially feel somewhat insecure and apprehensive about sailing. As skippers, we can help alleviate these concerns by teaching safe and confident methods of sailing We need to discuss wind and weather, explain all aspects of safety equipment, talk about sails and rigging, emphasize safe and effective boat handling, and become familiar with capsize drill practice On the water: basic teaching procedure (these four points are repeated in every topic) 1. The instructor explains then demonstrates each maneuver, providing commentary along the way. 2. The student repeats the explanation, performs the task, and evaluates it. 3. The student receives critical comments from the crew and detailed feedback from the instructor. 4. The student repeats the task as necessary. Practice, practice, practice!!! On the first day(s), instructor and crew spend time becoming confident in the use of tiller and sails, with emphasis on safe and effective boat handling on reaches and runs, so that everyone becomes aware of how the boat responds to the wind at every point of sail Then we move on to tacking, in and out of irons, heaving to, stopping at buoys, POB (person overboard), jibing, docking, setting sail, negotiating the buoy field, etc. (See Table of Contents) Successful teaching includes: Knowledge (we need to know the ropes and be clear in our explanations) Confidence (in ourselves and in our students) Empathy (we understand and sympathize with the needs and desires of our students) Humility (nobody ever masters wind and water or all aspects of sailing!) Enthusiasm (we share our passion for sailing) Ambition (we set high standards and motivating goals for all our students) Repetition of drills (and, when necessary, we keep going back to the basics) Humor (we all make mistakes; sailing can be a comedy of errors!) 1
Wind Definitions True wind is the wind as felt by a stationary person Apparent wind is the true wind as modified by the boat s speed. Sailing upwind, the apparent wind is stronger than the true wind and its direction is forward of the true wind Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know about the wind On the dock, check the speed and direction of the true wind Consult with the dock captain or other experienced sailors about the weather Check for white caps, indicating about 12 knots or more of wind (I knot=1.15 m.p.h) Out on the water, keep checking and estimating the force of the apparent wind When running, note that the boat speed minimizes the apparent wind speed Effect of the wind: the different pressure of the wind on each side of the sails generates force and lift, as in the case of the wing of an aircraft (See Sail controls and sail trim in this manual) Underestimating the force of the wind Misunderstanding apparent wind Not seeing changes in wind speed/direction Misreading wind speed in the lee of the dock Check and reef if necessary Learn about true and apparent wind Pay attention to the wind constantly Check electronically Vocab: Lull=decrease; puff=increase; headed=wind shifts to ahead; lifted=wind shifts favorably Be prepared to reef if necessary (see Reefing in this manual) When sailing, teach the crew to check the direction of the apparent wind by facing it (or turning way from it) and feeling the wind equally on both ears Practice checking the sails of your boat and other boats, the heading of boats close by, the heading of boats on buoys and on the dock, flags, smoke, trees, telltales Pay attention to nearby wind speed and direction indicators. The wind on shore, at the dock, or on the windward side of the lake may be very different from the wind in the middle of the lake Emphasize the need to keep an eye on the water for the direction of the waves Point out cats paws, gusts of wind that ruffle and darken the water Explain the functions of telltales (on the shrouds and on the sails): if the windward jib telltale flutters, sheet in or bear away; if the leeward jib telltale flutters, let sail out, or head up. Also watch the telltales on the stays Alert crew to be ready to hike out, sheet out, or head up when gusts are coming The wind is rarely constant: Watch for wind shifts and make use of them Note: See also Points of sail; Sail controls and trim; Reefing; Tacking; Jibing. 2
Parts of a sailboat 3
Rigging and de- rigging Definition: Preparing a boat to sail and afterwards to return to her buoy Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know about rigging 1. Board the boats carefully, especially the daysailers 2. Lower the centerboard in the daysailers and the boards in the scows 3. Safety check: COB (cushion, oar, bailer) 4. Remove the cover (scows) and mainsail cover (daysailers) 5. Make a plan for leaving the dock before hoisting the sails 6. Loosen the mainsheet, boom vang, and outhaul (and the Cunningham on daysailers) 7. Raise the mainsail (attach the Cunningham on the scows) 8. Loosen the topping lift (daysailer) when the mainsail is hoisted 9. Check that the rudder and board(s) are down and clear of weeds 10. Remove any accumulated water from the boat De- rigging: Secure the mainsail with zipper knot (not too tight), raise the boards and close the bailers on the MCs, put the covers on, and return boat to buoy (See also Sail controls and sail trim in this manual) Forgetting to check safety equipment Forgetting to slacken topping lift last thing Leaving the bailers open on MC Forgetting to loosen lines when hoisting sail Check it Slacken it (to set the mainsail properly) Close the bailers when de- rigging Ensure all lines are uncleated, slack, and free Check all sails for rips and tears, and use sail tape when necessary Report all damage to the boat captain of the boat via tcsc- boat- repair@googlegroups.com Make sure the mainsheet and sail controls are really loose when hoisting the mainsail Check that the jib furling mechanism works on the daysailers (if applicable) Explain how to adjust the sail controls depending on the wind strength (tight for high wind, loose for low) Emphasize that the topping lift if not slackened will adversely affect the set of the mainsail Ensure that boats are all left with boards up and rudder up (daysailers) on the buoys, so that the boats may swing freely as the wind shifts and are less likely to capsize Ensure lines are secured up and out of the cockpit, so they don t stand in water and decay Note: See also Wind; Sail controls and trim; Reefing; Leaving the dock. 4
Sail controls and sail trim Definition: Sail controls enable the trim and adjustment of the sails. The draft is the curve in the shape of the sails, affected by the powering or depowering of the sails. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know about the sails and controls Names of corners (tack, clew, head) and edges (leech, luff, foot) of sails and position of controls Outhaul controls the draft in the lower third of the sail Cunningham controls the vertical tension in the luff of the sail, enabling moving the draft Vang controls vertical tension and flattens the leech of the sail Traveler complements the effect of the main sheet and affects the shape of the sails Topping lift (line from masthead to end of boom) holds the boom up when docked Telltales indicate the direction of the wind and the set of the sails (see below)* Incorrect usage of technical terms Sailing with topping lift taut, cutting into sail Misunderstanding sail controls Teach and review the correct sailing terms Loosen topping lift when mainsail is hoisted Practice use of sail controls in all winds Ensure that students understand the use and vocab of sail controls (e.g., easing, trimming) Explain that sail controls are important for adjusting the draft and movement of the sails Demonstrate sail trimming at the dock and under sail (shape and tautness of the sails) Stress that when hoisting sail, mainsheet, vang, Cunningham, and outhaul must be loose The topping lift must be completely slack when under sail (scows don't have one) When not under sail, the topping lift must be tightened to hold the boom up Basic practice: on a beam reach head up and bear away and note the shape of the sails Let the sails out until they start to luff, then trim them until they are steady Be attentive to the feel, sound, and shape of the sails as they respond to the wind *Telltales: If the windward jib telltale flutters, sheet in or bear away; if the leeward jib telltale flutters, let sail out, or head up. Also watch the telltales on the stays. Explain that in strong winds controls need to be tightened; but ease in a breeze Tighten the main sheet before tightening the vang Note: See also Wind; Points of sail.; Rigging and de- rigging; Tacking; Jibing. 5
Reefing Definition: Reducing sail area when anticipating or experiencing a wind of more than 12 knots*. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver The club scows are not rigged to enable reefing; this must be practiced on other club boat designs Be familiar with the names of the parts of the sail, lines, and hardware Feel confident that you know how and when to reef a sail It is important to reef when the wind is blowing or gusting above 12 knots (*I knot=1.15 mph; at 12 knots you will see whitecaps on the waves) Measure the wind by the speed of the strongest gusts You need to reef when the boat is heeling excessively or has too much weather helm or any time you feel a lack of control from too much wind Reef well before you start wishing you had already taken in a reef! It is better to reef while you are comfortably at the dock rather than uncomfortably out on the lake Method 1. Loosen the boom vang and then raise the aft end of the boom with the topping lift. 2. Hoist the mainsail and then lower it until you can hook the eye up on the luff of the sail onto the horn (hook) at the foot of the mast; if there is no horn, use the Cunningham to attach the sail. 3. Secure the leach of the sail either by using the outhaul (if possible) or by attaching a short line from the eye at the leach of the sail to the end of the boom. 4. Tie the reefing strings on one side of the sail to the reefing strings on the other side. Tie the strings gently above the boom, they are meant to secure excess sail not to hold the sail to the boom. 5. Hoist the mainsail again (it s now smaller). 6. Adjust the boom vang and slacken off the topping lift. 7. Reduce the size of the jib by adjusting the furling mechanism. Emphasize that timely reefing is the sign of a competent and thoughtful sailor Point out that most boats sail better in a high wind and with less weather helm when reefed Show how to use a square (reef) knot to tie the reefing strings to one another, passing the strings under the sail and NOT under the boom. Thus the sail will still be loose footed, as before, and won t get bent out of shape Practice reefing with students at the dock and on the water when hove to When hove to, the boat is stable and allows careful attention to detail Note: See also Wind; Rigging and de- rigging; Slowing, stopping, and heaving- to. 6
Leaving the dock Definition Leaving the dock and getting under way. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver 1. Check out with the dock captain. 2. Check weather forecast electronically, especially expected wind speeds and storm conditions. 3. Make sure everyone is wearing their life jackets. 4. Explain carefully how to board the boat and where crew should sit when departing. 5. Check the safety equipment on the boat (COB: Cushion, Oar, Bailer). 6. Plan your route of departure from the dock and into the open lake. 7. Hoist the sails head to wind. 8. Determine if your route will require a tack or a jibe. 9. Make sure all crew members are alert and understand their duties. 10. With the sails luffing, push back from the dock. 11. Steer onto the appropriate tack and sail away. Forgetting to check the safety equipment Steering backwards in the wrong direction Leaving dock before all crew are ready Boat maneuvers poorly COB Turn the rudder the way you want to go Check all crew are ready and know their jobs Check that the boards and rudder are down Constantly check the strength and direction of the wind Point out that the wind may vary between the lee of the dock and the lake Tell your crew in detail what you plan to do when leaving the dock or buoy Check carefully for other boats that might move unexpectedly into your path If the dock is crowded, sail the boat off the buoy Practice sailing through the buoy field and to and from the buoy When out on the water, explain and practice luffing and steering backwards Note: See also Wind; Rigging and de- rigging; Reefing; Sailing in the buoy field. 7
Definition: Bringing boat and crew safely into the dock. Landing at the dock Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver 1. Check the wind speed and direction very carefully, especially in the lee of the dock 2. Avoid a tack or a jibe when close to the dock 3. Make sure that no other boats are entering or leaving ( all clear ) 4. Make a plan: decide if you re going to moor bow to or alongside 5. Make sure all crew members understand your plan (e.g., who will step ashore?) 6. Furl the jib, except in very light air 7. Approach the space slowly, easing the main sheet to slow and stop the boat 8. Luff into the wind and drift into the space Note: When luffing, the harder you push the tiller away, the quicker the boat will stop Common errors Jib gets in the way when stepping ashore Approaching too fast, overshooting the dock Not reaching the dock Another boat in the way Misjudging the final drift into the space Boats at the dock block chosen space Accidental jibe turning into the dock Furl the jib outside the docking area Backwind the sail to slow the boat Use the oar Turn round and try again Estimate 2-3 boat lengths Abandon approach and try again. Pay close attention to wind direction Talk through docking plans with your students, making one or two passes outside the docking area to choose a space and make sure the way is clear Remind students to approach the dock or buoy from the leeward (downwind) side Plan an escape route in case the wind changes, another boat moves, or you misjudge the glide zone while landing Indicate that the wind can be fitful and changeable, particularly at this corner of the lake Stress that students should have an oar ready on deck Ensure that sails or sheets don t get snagged by the dock poles Note that movement in the boat will affect movement of the boat (equal and opposite reaction). For example, rushing forward will tend to slow the boat Practice luffing up to the buoys at the edges of the lake, estimating boat lengths needed to drift to target. Get a feel for depowering and slowing your boat and estimate space needed Note: See also Wind; Slowing, stopping, and heaving to; Points of sail; Sailing in the buoy field. 8
Sailing in the buoy field Definition: Sailing to and from a buoy. Key Points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver (a) Leaving the buoy Fully rig the boat before you untie from the buoy Leave boom free and let sails luff freely while rigging to avoid unintentionally sailing the boat away! Untie the boat from buoy and push her away from the bow to help turn the boat to catch the wind Skipper steers out of irons or falls off the wind until forward boat speed is sufficient to maneuver Skipper must be careful to avoid hitting other boats; it may be necessary to sail backwards It is often easier to sail to and from the buoy rather than hauling the boat to and from the dock (b) Sailing to the buoy Crew member should be near the bow of the boat to catch the buoy The buoy can be approached on a close haul similar to docking (See Docking) o With the jib furled, trim the main sail to slow the boat and stop in irons at the buoy OR, the buoy can be approached on a broad reach or run o o Sail one boat length to the side of the buoy, with buoy opposite the sail Just as your stern passes the buoy, turn the boat 180 degrees back to the buoy and into irons. She will stop right at the buoy Sailing at the buoy Difficulty sailing away from buoy Fear of sailing in the buoy field Forgetting buoy number Blocked by shifting moored boats Do not hold the boom or sail, let the sail luff freely Practice sailing backwards and getting out of irons Practice tacking around boats on the edge of the buoy field The buoy number sticker is on each boat s transom Be alert for movement of other boats on the buoys 3. Student receives critical comments from the crew and detailed feedback from the instructor Discuss your plans and track with the crew before you leave or return to a buoy. Be sure to demonstrate sailing in the buoy field and using the buoys as moorings Always moor your boat on its assigned buoy. If your assigned buoy is taken, moor your boat at a different location temporarily while you relocate all boats to their proper buoys Boats on buoys can act as telltales with their bows pointing into the wind; thus sailing along to leeward of their sterns will put you on a reach and allow a margin of error if the wind shifts Do not hold the boom or sail when tied to a buoy or the boat may start sailing. Let the sails luff. Grab the buoy but do not make fast until your boat is in irons; be ready to let go if necessary Practice luffing up to the buoys at the edges of the lake Note: See also Leaving the dock; Docking; Slowing, stopping, and heaving to. 9
Points of sail Definition: The relationship between the boat s course and the direction of the wind. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete these maneuvers Three main points of sail: close- hauled, reach, run Also three kinds of reach: close reach, beam reach, and broad reach The sails are set differently according to the points of sail Weight distribution and hiking out are essential skills Sail controls are important (See Sail controls and sail trim in this manual) Common errors Sailing too close to the wind ( in irons ) Heeling over too far Unintentional jibe on a run Failure to adjust sail after wind change or boat direction change Bear away, and/or back the jib, or sail backwards Hike out, head up, or sheet out Watch the sails, especially the jib Always watch the wind and adjust sails as necessary, noting wind direction and point of sail Vocab review: Head up into the wind, fall off (or bear down or bear away ) from the wind Don t teach tacking or jibing too soon. On the first day(s), spend time on long reaches, and runs, and get the crew to feel how the boat is responding to the wind at every point Let go of the tiller, and show how the boat s weather helm pulls her up into the wind Practice with tiller and tiller extension and sailing backwards Then introduce tacking, in and out of irons, heaving to, jibing Emphasize the distinction between port tack and starboard tack Explain the functions of telltales (on the shrouds and on the sails): If the windward jib telltale flutters, sheet in or bear away; if the leeward jib telltale flutters, let sail out, or head up. Also watch the telltales on the stays. Sailing down wind, it may be faster and safer to make a series of broad reaches than sail on a run (especially when able to plane) Practice sailing wing and wing (UK goose- winged) Beam reach or broad reach are usually the fastest points of sail (close- hauled only feels the fastest) When sailing upwind, a slight heel to leeward is desirable. When sailing downwind, a slight heel to windward helps neutralize weather helm (especially in light and medium air) Note: See also Wind; Sail controls and trim; Rigging and de- rigging; Tacking; Jibing. 10
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Tacking (coming about) Definition: Turning a sailboat s bow through the wind so the sails fill on the opposite side. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver Commands: Ready about ; crew answers: Ready. Then, Hard alee On hard alee, helmsperson pushes the tiller away towards the mainsail Make sure you have adequate boat speed when about to tack and throughout the tack Not enough boat speed Jib let go too soon Cleating the jib, except in very light air Centering tiller before completing turn Boat turns not far enough or too far Bear away and increase speed Hold jib until bow is just past head to wind Keep the jib uncleated Hold turn until boat is on new desired heading Estimate the angle of turn and pick out a point on shore to aim at after executing the tack Point out that most daysailers can only sail close hauled at 50-60 degrees to the wind Indicate that prior to tacking, the skipper must look around to ensure that it s safe to tack Get students to estimate the angle of turn and pick out a point on shore to aim at Take a compass on board and check the angle of turn (often greater than you think!) Stress that it s unwise to cleat the jib, except in very light air Demonstrate holding the jib until the bow is just past head to wind, when the wind will help turn the boat, then sheet the jib across smartly Practice attaining adequate boat speed before tacking; bear away to increase speed, if necessary Maintain good boat speed and keep the tiller held in its turning position throughout the tack Avoid getting into irons, yet don t let the boat turn too far and become vulnerable in a strong wind Demonstrate and practice maintaining contact with sheet and tiller during hand exchange behind your back while keeping your eyes forward (practice at home with broomstick, stool, and rope!) Watch the boom! Crouch or kneel down while maintaining balance and agility. Make sure weight is transferred to trim the boat on the new tack Practice making several tacks in quick succession, leading up to sailing in a complete short circle, after jibing has been taught Discuss related points: sail trim, telltales, sailing backwards out of irons, right of way, etc. Note: See also Wind; Points of sail; Sail controls and trim; Jibing; Rules of the road; Slowing, stopping, and heaving to. 12
Jibing (aka gybing) Definition: Turning the stern of the boat through the wind, normally on a run. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver Commands: prepare to jibe; crew responds ready; then jibe ho! Sheet in the main almost to the centerline before crossing the wind Make an S movement with the boat, changing direction by only about 15 degrees Common errors Turning too far and ending up on a reach Having the boom swing over with a crash Accidental jibe Make the S movement (see below)* Haul in the main almost to the centerline Watch the sails (especially. the jib) Jibing is an essential part of sailing. Embrace it! A controlled jibe is safe if executed correctly, but there is potential for error. Therefore practice, practice controlled jibes! Check to make sure no other boats are close by and no gusts of wind are in the offing Make sure all crew are alert and understand the danger of the boom swinging across during a jibe Watch the jib, which starts to flutter when the wind is beginning to come from the lee Sailing by the lee is sailing with the wind coming over the same side of the boat the sails are on Point out that sailing by the lee can make you vulnerable to accidental jibes Crouch (or kneel) in front of the tiller prior to executing a jibe so that you don t get caught on the leeward side of the boat after the jibe (and you are ready to react if challenges arise) Just before the wind is about to back the sail, it may be advisable use the mainsheet to move the sail across under control ahead of the wind (this can be risky in a big boat or a high wind) *Give the tiller a quick jerk away from the mainsail to start the jibe, then as the boom begins to move across, start straightening up your course. This will help to make an S movement with the boat, changing direction by only about 15 degrees Indicate that some sailors prefer not to bring the mainsail too close to the centerline before jibing because it may cause the boat to broach or lurch onto a beam reach Emphasize that one should maintain constant contact with the sheet and tiller during hand exchange behind the back. Keep eyes forward (practice at home with broomstick, stool, and rope!) In a strong wind, especially with an inexperienced crew, you may prefer to tack and sail round in a circle (aka chicken jibe ) Note: See also Wind; Sail controls and trim, Tacking. 13
Slowing down, stopping, and heaving to Definitions Slowing and stopping: Controlling the movement of the boat when docking or for POB or for other reasons Heaving to: Holding a boat almost at a standstill by adjusting the sails and lashing the tiller (past tense: hove to) Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete these maneuvers Slowing down: Ease the jib first and then the mainsail Stopping: Head up into the wind (in irons) or heave to Heaving to: Technique for bringing a sailboat almost to a complete stop by backing the jib, pushing the mainsail out to leeward, and lashing or holding the tiller to leeward Sailing backwards (point the rudder where you want to go) Heaving to with tiller on the wrong side Sailing backwards in the wrong direction Hold or lash the tiller on same side as the mainsail Point the rudder where you want to go Practice slowing and stopping often by approaching a buoy at the edge of the lake Teach getting out of irons by working the sails, especially by backing the jib Show how to sail backwards, pointing the rudder in the desired direction Point out that heaving to is very useful for reefing on the water Heaving to: Either, get into irons, back the jib to windward, push the mainsail well out to leeward, hold or lash the tiller to leeward, and adjust the mainsail to stabilize the boat Or Tack holding the jib in place*, push the mainsail well out to leeward, and hold or lash the tiller to leeward (*this technique is not recommended in a strong wind) Heave to commands when under sail: o Skipper: Ready to heave to. Crew (when ready): Ready o Skipper: Hard alee. Pushes tiller to leeward (as if tacking) o As the bow of boat passes through the wind, the skipper eases the main sail. The crew leaves the jib sheeted to weather (*except in a high wind) o As the boat slows, the skipper pushes the tiller to the new leeward side of the boat Adjust the sails and rudder until the boat is stable (she will drift very slowly downwind ) Note: See also Reefing; Points of sail; Docking; Tacking, POB. 14
Definition: Rescuing a person who has fallen overboard. Person overboard (POB) Key Points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver 1. Anyone who sees a person fall overboard must immediately shout Person overboard! 2. Throw a flotation device towards the POB 3. The skipper appoints a crew member to keep pointing at the POB 4. The skipper orders a course change to a beam reach 5. Then tack and return towards the POB on the opposite broad reach 6. Aim the boat upwind towards the POB on a close reach (about 60 o ) 7. Slacken the jib and then ease the mainsail when close to the POB 8. Luff the sail and stop on the lee side of the POB (the POB should be upwind of the boat) 9. Help the POB get on board via the beam or stern of the boat. Losing sight of the POB (very easy to do) Jibing a small boat in a high wind Tacking too soon Stopping at POB on the windward side Disorganization or even panic A crew member keeps pointing at the POB Avoid jibing by tacking ( chicken jibe ) Need space to tack round onto a broad reach In a small boat, stop alongside on the lee side Discuss POB in detail before leaving the dock Before leaving the dock, run through the basics of POB, especially with a new crew Point out that anyone who notices must immediately call out Person overboard! Emphasize that skipper and crew need to act quickly yet calmly Check that each person in the crew knows exactly what to do Explain that the skipper changes course to a beam reach and holds it for as long as it takes to create enough space for tacking and subsequent maneuvers Avoid the risk of jibing by tacking to turn and get back onto the opposite broad reach Show how to back the jib to help to tack quickly especially in light air Then aim towards the POB slowly on a close reach (at about 60 o ), gradually de- powering the boat, then luff and come alongside the POB on the POB s lee side when in a small boat Practice on the buoys at the edges of the lake slowing down the boat and coming into irons Keep practicing POB and connect it with the techniques used in stopping and docking If alone in the boat, furl the jib (or leave the jib sheets loose) and sail under mainsail only for POB Summary: Get onto beam reach; tack; broad reach; close reach (60 o ): stop on lee side of POB Note: See also Slowing, stopping, and heaving- to; Points of sail; Tacking; Jibing; Docking. 15
Capsizing Definition: A boat is overturned and lies on her side or upside down ( turtled ) Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know to complete this maneuver After capsize, skipper calls each crew member s name and ensures everyone is safe If the boat turtles, call for help, usually from the safety boat Sheets and sail controls must be loosened; boat dragged head to wind; all boards must be down The Capris (normally used for practice), once righted, are self- bailing; the scows are not Boat rights then tips onto the other side Boat seems in danger of turtling Help control the righting with a halyard Hold a cushion under the mast 3. Student receives critical comments from the crew and detailed feedback from the instructor - - - - - Try to prevent your boat from turtling, and avoid landing on the sails or rigging Our daysailers have masthead bobs to prevent them from turtling, but a scow does not and will turtle once the hollow mast fills with water; thus the boat must be righted quickly Loosen all sheets and sail controls and drag the boat head to wind Show crew how to hug the center board on daysailers with arms and legs as tight as possible Teach the scoop method on the daysailers. One of the crew lies on the side of the boat in the water, and as the boat is righted, they are scooped up into the boat. OR have two of the crew already in the boat grab the shoulders of the person still in the water, telling them to cross their arms in front of them and hold onto their PFD. Then the two crew in the boat push down smartly, and, using the buoyancy of the water, pull up Consider the climb- over method: climb over the high/dry side of the boat while it is capsizing. Then stand on the board(s) and use a line as well as your own weight on the boards to pull the boat upright. As the boat begins to right, jump back into the cockpit Only help other capsized boats from a distance. Do not pull up alongside a capsized boat or take hold of any lines. Keep a safe distance so as not to get entangled Check self and all crew for hypothermia Scows: Use a scow for practice only with another boat in attendance; wear gloves at all times If capsize is inevitable, leave the scow quickly and safely to avoid turtling Skipper: Warn the crew to avoid the sharp boards and rudders. Drop into water from the high side Crew: Drop into the water between boom and boat hull; uncleat all sail controls on the low side; provide ample slack to boom by ensuring the sheet runs free Crawl onto lower board of scow, grab top- board, put both feet on bottom board, lean back towards the water pulling on top board while putting pressure on bottom board with both feet If scow rights then tips over again, ensure all lines are loose and boat is head to wind If scow is swamped once righted, drop mainsail, ensure bailers are closed, call for help Note: See also Wind; Points of sail; Reefing; Jibing; Slowing, stopping, and heaving to. 16
Rules of the road Definition: These rules are meant to prevent collisions on the water (aka Navigation Rules ). The rules described here are for basic sailing and do not include all the arcane subtleties of racing. Key points that all TCSC sailors need to know Vocabulary: the stand- on boat is the boat that has the right of way over the give- way boat Boats on opposite tacks: The port tack vessel (the wind is coming over the port side) shall keep clear of the starboard tack vessel A windward (upwind) vessel shall keep clear of a leeward vessel In spite of all other rules, a boat overtaking another boat shall keep clear of the overtaken boat and may pass to either side of the overtaken boat. The overtaken boat should hold its course Sailboats shall give way to all boats that are anchored or fishing, as well as muscle- powered boats such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, and tenders Assume the other boat doesn t know the rules. When in doubt, stay clear! The give- way boat does not appear to indicate a change in course. You ve indicated your intention by altering your course. The other boat seems confused, or turns toward you The stand- on boat hails the give- way boat, e.g., Starboard!, Please give way!, Leeward! Exaggerate your turn to make your intentions more clear. - - - - - Keep checking that all members of the crew know which tack they re on Emphasize that In order to apply the rules of the road correctly, a sailor must know the tack and point- of- sail of all boats involved Point out that It is the obligation of all boats to avoid collision, no matter if they are the stand- on or give- way boat Explain that most of the rules provide for the boat with more maneuverability to give way to the boat with less maneuverability Note: See also Points of sail; Tacking; Jibing. 17