Sailing for Beginners

Beginner Sailing Course – Curriculum Overview

1. Sailing Terms & Basic Concepts

• Types of yachts

• Structure of a monohull sailing yacht

• Rigging and equipment: mast, boom, spinnaker pole, shrouds, stays, sheets, winches, fenders, etc.

• Sail setup and configurations: mainsail, genoa/jib, mizzen, spinnaker

• Essential sailing knots

2. Principles of Sailboat Propulsion

• Basics of aerodynamics

• Basics of hydrodynamics

• Interaction between wind and water forces: how sails power the yacht

• Points of sail and wind rose: close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, running

3. Operating a Sailing Yacht

• Handling sails and rigging: hoisting, lowering, reefing, and adjusting sails to wind direction

• Steering under sail: using the sheets and rudder, tacking, jibing, maintaining course

• Sailing on different wind angles: heading up and bearing away, executing tacks and gybes

• Operating under engine power: harbor maneuvering and mooring techniques

• Onboard safety procedures and man-overboard recovery

4. VHF Marine Radio Communication

• Standard communication procedures

• Emergency situations and distress protocols

5. Safety at Sea

• Basic safety concepts

• Emergency procedures and onboard preparedness

6. Sailing Etiquette & Seamanship Culture

• Respect for the sea, crew, and fellow sailors

• Responsibility and good practices during sailing