Novice Course

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Training for juniors - SASA Novice 1

There have been a number of initiatives undertaken by SA Sailing in the past two years and the most important of these was the establishment of the SA Sailing Academy. The aim of the Academy was to provide an internationally accredited training programme for both Sailors and Coaches. IYC has made it their business to ensure that the coaches and the training offered comply with these standards and that the club is a recognised SA Sailing Academy training institution. The SA Sailing Academy training programme consists of SASA Level 1- 4 Modules but it must be noted that IYC only offers the SASA Level 1& 2 Module at this stage.

Sadly, this is no longer true as the Academy no longer exists, however, IYC have the benefit of the curriculum and continue to present this material in their training courses.

Who is the course for?

The training offered by IYC during the SASA Level 1 Module course is focussed on beginners between the ages of 9 and 13. While the course is also suitable for young sailors who have crewed for Dad and want to sail on the own, it does start with the very basics and builds up to a solo sailing competence.

How Long is the course?

The course is run over a period of five Saturdays, weather permitting, and the total training time is approximately 18 hours. It is essential that the sailors can swim as one of the activities is a 25m swim with a PFD (lifejacket).

What will be learnt ?

The course content that was contained in the SA Sailing Academy is still the basis of the Imperial Yacht Club curriculum.

Some of the competencies covered by the course are:
Knots - Reef, Figure 8, Sheet bend, Bowline, Round turn & 2 half hitches

Sailing terms – Bow, Stern, Fore & Aft, Port & Starboard
Rigging & De-rigging the boat
Capsize & stay with the boat
Boat & Rigging parts
Tacking
Granny Tack
Gybing
Points of Sail
Right of way
Launching & Landing a boat

How much does it cost?

The current costs are as follows: 
Non-Member: Refer to the advertisement on the website 
Club Member: pay half price for the course

Note: It is important to note that these prices might change and it would be advisable to verify this with the coach or the committee member for Juniors.

Loan of boats 

Boats and Lifejackets are provided for the duration of the Novice training course and during the course training hours only. Children are encouraged to obtain their own boats.  Note: It is important to bear in mind that second hand boats do not depreciate to any significant degree (as long as they are looked after) and the purchase price is usually recovered when the boat is sold after a few seasons use, as children grow out of them and change to a bigger boat.

Club Facilities IYC has all of the facilities needed for enjoyable family sailing, both on and off the water such as:

A well run galley which provides meals and refreshments during all club events (Sundays)
Change rooms with hot showers
Safe lock-up boat parking and mast storage
A full calendar of sailing activities through the sailing season
Access to one of the safest and prettiest stretches of water in the Peninsula, with full viewing of all racing activities

Imperial Yacht Club Level 1 Training Module

1. Clothing & Equipment
Be able to select correct sailing gear 
Be able to identify correct PFD

2. Safety, Emergency Equipment & Precautions 
Be able to explain why PFD is worn

3. Physical Conditions (weather)
Be able to demonstrate an awareness of on & off-shore winds & their implications 
Be able to state where to obtain relevant weather information

4. Sports Knowledge
Be able to identify the next course in sailing

5. Waterman ship
Be able to swim 25m fully clothed with PFD

6. Rigging
Be able to position a boat head to wind 
Be able to identify the main parts of the sail and their controls 
Be able to identify the spars & rigging 
Be able to identify the Rudder & Centreboard

7. Rope work
All sailors will be able to describe what the following knots are used for & demonstrate that they can tie them.
Reef knot Figure 8 Secure a rope in a cleat

8. Sailing Theory & Background 
Be able to demonstrate an awareness of other water users 
Be able to demonstrate the basic Rule of the Road a boat on starboard having priority over one on port

9. Launching & Recovery 
Be able to demonstrate how to secure a boat to a dolly 
Be able to manoeuvre a fully rigged boat on a dolly while taking other boats, overhead wires & wind into account

10. Capsize Recovery 
Be able to explain the importance of staying with the boat in the event of a capsize

11. Man Overboard Recovery 
Not applicable for dingy

12. Sailing Techniques & Manoeuvres
All sailors will: 
Be able to identify the wind direction using typical indicators 
Have reached or sailed across the wind 
Have stopped the boat (lying to) 
Have tacked the boat 
Be able to get the boat out of "irons" 
Have sailed upwind 
Have sailed downwind 
Have gybed the boat

13. Racing
All sailors will: 
Be able to identify the different classes of boats sailed locally 
Know how to make contact with their local sailing clubs

Subpages (1): Parts of a boat