Advanced Boat Handling - Level 4

Introduction

Our Advanced Boat Handling (Level 4) course is designed for sailors who want to develop high-level boat control, advanced manoeuvres and the ability to sail confidently in stronger wind conditions.

Participants are normally required to attend our Sailing Skills Refresher Week before joining this course. Sailors who have been sailing regularly within the last six months may attend this course directly.

Throughout the week you will develop advanced boat handling skills while learning how to rig, tune and optimise your boat for different conditions.

What You’ll Learn

Expect plenty of practical, hands-on sailing as you refine your advanced techniques on the water.

During the course you will learn how to recognise and apply key tuning adjustments including:

• Mast rake
• Rig tension
• Spreader length and angle
• Mast ram / chocks

You will also demonstrate proficiency in all sailing manoeuvres from previous levels, even in stronger winds. Sailors will learn to set up and maintain control of the boat while planing, perform effective roll tacks in all wind strengths, and execute smooth roll gybes in a wide range of conditions.

Your instructor will monitor your progress throughout the week and may conduct a practical boat handling assessment, along with a short written test or informal discussion to assess your sailing knowledge.

Equipment

As with all of our courses, all equipment is provided, including wetsuit, buoyancy aid and boat.

Participants are welcome to bring their own wetsuit or sailing gear if they prefer.

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by Irish Sailing.