Sailing Lesson Overview
Basic Cruising (ASA 103)
Prerequisite: 101
Required reading: 'Sailing Fundamentals' by Gary Jobson. Order from our Ship's Store.
All terms below are described in the Glossary.
Sailing Knowledge
Be able to identify the following parts of a sailboat:
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List, from memory, the federally required equipment for a vessel between 7 and 12 meters (21-40 feet).
(See listing in: Glossary)
List the ASA recommended safety equipment for a sailboat headed out for a long cruise or rough weather.
List important reasons for keeping gear and equipment stowed in assigned places on the boat.
Describe roller and slab (jiffy) reefing.
Describe the purpose of bow and stern pulpits and lifelines.
Describe a safety harness, tether, and jackline.
List, from memory, federally required navigation lights (location, color, arc of visibility, and meaning) on boats between sunset and sunrise when under sail, power, and at anchor.
(See: Navigation Lights)
Describe a tricolor light, its uses and restrictions.
(See: Navigation Lights)
Describe the three stages of hypothermia and treatments for medium hypothermia.
Describe methods to reduce heat loss for 1, a person in the water and 2, a group of people in the water.
Describe how to prevent undue magnetic influences (deviation) on the compass.
(See: True & Magnetic)
Identify common sources of fire and/or explosion and understand methods for preventing such occurrences.
Describe USCG recommended refueling practices.
Describe the common 'diver's flag' and the internationally recognized alpha flag used to show persons in the water.
(See: Avoiding Collisions)
Describe dangers involved with charging batteries and setting off flares.
Apply navigation rules 11-17 by means of a diagram.
(See: Avoiding Collisions)
Describe recommended practices to be taken in times of reduced visibility (fog). (See: Avoiding Collisions and Navigation Lights)
Interpret marine weather forecasts.
Identify responsibilities of the skipper and crew as indicated:
- Skipper
- Safety of the crew and boat.
- Ensure the crew's knowledge of operating procedures and location of all lifesaving and other safety equipment prior to getting underway.
- Assign duties and instruction.
- Ensure proper use of domestic equipment (head, stove, etc.)
- Crew
- Obey skipper.
- Assist in the safe operation of the boat.
- Keep a lookout and immediately report any dangers on the water and on board.
Describe the correct sail combinations to carry under various wind and sea conditions.
Describe the dangers of a lee shore.
Be able to read and interpret the following information from a NOAA nautical chart: (See: Unlocking The Chart)
- Depth of water in different units of measurement.
- Types of bottom (sand, rock, clay, etc.)
- Underwater/surface hazards (kelp, cables, rock, shoals, wrecks, currents).
- Buoys and what they signify.
- Lights.
- Beacons.
- How to measure distance.
Describe four characteristics of a good anchorage. Suitable ground tackle and scope for anchoring by day and by night.
Describe immediate action to be taken when:
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Describe commonly accepted uses for the following knots:
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Learn more about Sailing Knots.
Sailing Skills
Carry out a check of the vessel's gear and equipment in accordance with legal requirements and ASA recommendations and demonstrate the use and care of domestic equipment.
Demonstrate safe winch techniques with particular regard to:
- High strain on sheets and halyard.
- Overriding turns and how to clear them.
- Position of hands and fingers
- Winch handle fitting, removal and storage.
- Anchor winch/windlass.
Perform the ASA outboard motor checklist prior to starting an outboard motor.
Start an auxiliary (inboard) engine observing commonly accepted practices.
Come to a full stop with the bow one half boat length away from a buoy using reverse.
Maneuver under power to a position not more than two feet alongside and parallel to a dock.
Demonstrate a skipper's actions while under power from the time a member of the crew falls overboard until the crew is safely recovered. Included in this standard are the following minimum requirements: lookout, alertness, life ring marking, slow controlled approach, and engine control. (See: Crew Overboard)
Stop an auxiliary (inboard) engine and secure it for the night.
Anchor in water more than ten feet deep securely so the anchor does not drag with the engine at half throttle in reverse.
Raise anchor with boat ready and get underway under power.
Act as helmsman and crew giving correct commands and proper responses while demonstrating the proper techniques for all points of sail including tacking and jibing.
Describe proper preparatory commands and commands of execution for all sailing skills included in this standard.
Reduce sail by reefing and shake out a reef while keeping the vessel under control and on course.
Heave to and get underway again.
Demonstrate a skipper's actions while under sail from the time a member of the crew falls overboard until the crew is safely recovered. included in this standard are the following minimum requirements: lookout, alertness, life ring marking, slow controlled approach. (See: Crew Overboard).
Describe at least two methods for getting a person out of the water and back on board. (See: Crew Overboard).
Sail an ordered compass course for five minutes without varying more than 10 degrees from the ordered heading.
Secure a boat to various dock configurations so as to provide limited movement and set out fenders correctly. (See 'Dock lines' in the Glossary)
Tie and describe the use of a cleat hitch.
Learn more about Sailing Knots.