SAILING
WE NEVER STOP LEARNING
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Steering by compass and stars during night watch.
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Raising, reefing and stowing mainsail including use of lazy jacks, rigid vang and preventer.
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Use of a furling and reefable headsail.
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Demonstrate points of sail and sail trim.
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Spinnaker and jibing downwind technics
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Pre-departure, pre-passage and daily rigging checks including chafe prevention.
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Working safely aloft. Each person may go aloft at anchor or in port with a safety line attached.
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Location of spare rigging and fittings. Emergency rigging repair procedures.
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Sail repair: sewing sailcloth.
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Use of palm and needle and Sailrite sewing machine.
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Dismantle, service and reassemble one and two speed winches.
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Demonstrate properly belaying a line to a cleat, coiling short and long lines, bowline, reef knot, slippery hitch and figure eight knots.
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Splicing three-strand nylon line and dacron yacht braid. Installing a soft eye on yacht braid line.
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Rig storm staysail, running backstays, storm trysail.
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Practice heaving to, deploy tow warps astern.
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Deployment of Galerider drogue and discussion of Para-Tech sea anchor.
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Discuss Queen's Birthday Storm results and most effective storm management techniques for different hull designs and sea conditions.
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Preparation for storm conditions: locate storm sails, check bilge and pumps, clear decks and cockpit, charge batteries, preparation of easy meals, catch up on sleep.
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Selecting best type of anchor and rode for varying conditions.
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Calculating scope and diameter of swing.
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Identifying best location for least contact with coral or rocks.
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Setting a second bow anchor.
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Safe use of electric windlass, use of manual back-up feature.
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Marking and stowing chain and use of a chain snubber
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