Course Overview
Want to develop a solid understanding of sailing before stepping onboard a sailing yacht?
The Sailing Course is designed to provide aspiring yacht crew with the theoretical knowledge needed to understand how sailing vessels operate safely and efficiently. Whether you’re pursuing a career as a deckhand, skipper, or simply want to build confidence before practical training, this course provides a comprehensive foundation in sailing theory, navigation, vessel handling, and rigging.
Developed by experienced sailing professionals, this self-paced online course takes you through the fundamentals of sailing, collision regulations, chart work, passage planning, buoyage systems, sail handling procedures for both monohulls and catamarans, and essential rigging maintenance.
By building your knowledge before stepping onboard, you’ll be better prepared for practical sailing courses, onboard training, and a professional career in the yachting industry.
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will understand:
• Essential sailing terminology and vessel components
• The principles of sailing, including rigging, sails and manoeuvres
• How wind affects sail performance and vessel movement
• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)
• The fundamentals of chart work and marine navigation
• The principles of safe passage planning
• The IALA Maritime Buoyage System and navigation marks
• Standard sail handling procedures for catamarans and monohulls
• Basic rigging inspection and maintenance procedures
• Best practices for safe and professional sailing operations
Price:
€45
Course Features
Fully online and self-paced
Approximately 10 hours of learning
Interactive lessons and knowledge checks
Module assessments
Final course examination
Accessible on desktop, tablet and mobile
12 months of access
Certificate of Completion upon successful completion
Syllabus
Module 1
Terminology
Build your sailing vocabulary by learning the essential nautical terms used throughout the course. Understanding vessel parts, sailing terminology, and manoeuvring language provides the foundation for all future sailing theory and practical learning.
Module 2
Basics of Sailing
Learn the core principles of sailing, including different hull and keel types, mast configurations, rigging, sails, how wind powers a vessel, and the fundamental manoeuvres used to sail safely and efficiently.
Module 3
Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
Develop an understanding of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Learn the essential navigation rules, right-of-way principles, and responsibilities that help ensure safe vessel operations.
Module 4
Chart Work Basics
Gain an introduction to marine navigation by learning how to read nautical charts, interpret symbols, calculate distance, speed and direction, and plot positions to navigate safely at sea.
Module 5
Passage Planning
Discover the principles of voyage planning from departure to arrival. Learn how to prepare, execute and monitor a safe passage while considering navigation, hazards, weather and operational requirements.
Module 6
The IALA Maritime Buoyage System
Understand the international buoyage system used to identify safe water, navigation channels and hazards. Learn to recognise and interpret the different marks and navigation aids encountered at sea.
Module 7
Catamaran Sailing Drills
Gain a theoretical understanding of the standard sailing procedures used on a modern cruising catamaran. Learn the correct techniques for sail handling, reefing, furling, and heavy weather preparation to support safe onboard operations.
Module 8
Monohull Sailing Drills
Learn the theory behind the key manoeuvres and sail handling procedures used on monohull sailing yachts. This module covers tacking, gybing, reefing, furling and other essential sailing drills that prepare you for practical training.
Module 9
Rigging Maintenance
Learn the principles of inspecting and maintaining standing and running rigging on both monohull and catamaran sailing yachts. You’ll also gain an understanding of the tools, products and maintenance procedures that contribute to safe and reliable vessel operation.
Ready to start your course?
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