Practical Training – up to 4 Days

Cruising Sailing Program

Navigation

• Geographic coordinate system

• Use of nautical charts – paper and electronic

• Nautical units of measurement, compass use, measuring tools

• Compass, magnetic and true courses; bearings, drift, and current

• Determining coordinates, speed, and distance

• Route planning and execution (course plotting)

Pilotage

• Reading nautical charts (symbols, buoyage systems, interpretation)

• International regulations for preventing collisions at sea (in both normal and restricted visibility, navigation lights, etc.)

• Pilotage of ports and harbors

Meteorology

• Basic climate concepts and prevailing seasonal winds

• Meteorological systems: cyclone/anticyclone, warm/cold fronts, occlusion, squalls, Beaufort scale, sea breeze, etc.

• Sea state and ocean currents

• Weather forecasts, synoptic models, sources of weather data, and how to interpret it

Harbor Maneuvering

• Preparation for departure and docking

• Propeller effects and how to use them effectively

• Working with mooring lines

• Mooring techniques: alongside, bow-to, stern-to (Mediterranean mooring), with/without wind (head-on or crosswind)

• How to look confident even when things go wrong

• Anchoring techniques with or without current

• Etiquette and best practices when anchored

Harbor Etiquette & Sailing Culture

• Proper behavior in marinas

• Respect among crews

• Seamanship, responsibility, and love for the sea

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for those who:

• Want to expand their basic sailing knowledge and practical skills

• Hold a 40 GT skipper certificate but lack real on-water experience

• Aim to independently operate a sailing yacht