Archive for the ‘Dinghies Level 1’ Category
November 17th, 2010 | 
Author: Introduction
Before you go sailing, you must decide what clothing to wear. As the weather varies throughout the year we have to wear different clothing, but whatever the weather, we must always wear some essential equipment. Personal buoyancy must always be worn when you are on the water.
Personal Floatation
Lifejacket – Very buoyant – turns you onto your back. You will float without effort. Buoyancy Aid – As the name implies, this helps you to float. It is very comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. Ideal for dinghies Inflatable Lifejacket – This is very comfortable to wear and once inflated does the same as a conventional lifejacket. Not ideal for dinghy sailing as it has no inherent buoyancy.
Footwear
it is very important that you wear shoes when sailing as they protect your feet and help you grip the surface of the boat. It is not essential to wear specific ‘deck shoes’ or ‘dinghy boats’ as soft shoes or trainers will do just as well at this stage.
Waterproof clothing
is important, not just to keep you dry, but to keep the wind out as well. If you buy your own then shop around and buy good quality clothing and remember to check it as soon as possible!!! Many thin layers are better than one thick layer. Also, a hat is advisable – 30% of body heat is lost through the head. It is advisable to wear practical and comfortable clothing at all times when sailing!
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The Capsize
This is perhaps the most feared part of dinghy sailing, but unnecessarily so. Provided you know what to do and are wearing the right clothing there is absolutely nothing to fear. The key factor is STAY WITH THE BOAT. The reason is twofold, firstly you have something to hang onto, and secondly a boat is easier to spot than a person in the water should you require assistance.
The Scoop
In a two man dinghy, the best method is the scoop recovery: Boat capsizes and is lying on its side. Helm and crew drop into the water between boom and boat. Communicate at all times so that you both know what the other is doing. Helm holds onto and checks rudder. Crew frees mainsheet and passes to helm. Helm swims round the boat (bottom of hull) towards the centreboard, crew swims round into the boat, and lies between boom and boat – not holding onto anything. Helm holds onto centreboard, crew throws over the windward jib sheet – the one facing towards the sky. Helm grabs windward jib sheet and climbs onto centreboard. When standing on centreboard, keep feet close to the hull. Crew lies inside boat, 1 shoulder and 1 knee inside the boat. Boat comes upright and the crew gets scooped in as it comes over. Helm holds onto the side and the crew frees jib and mainsheet Crew then helps helm aboard. Sort out sail, bail out if necessary, and sail away. Never be tempted to swim ashore – stay with the boat. In a single handed boat, the method is the same apart from the fact that there is no crew involvement.
Capsize recovery – problems
Boat inverted – get out from underneath. Crew sink after corner by climbing on hull. Helm hold far side jib sheet or centreboard. Boat will come up and lie across the water. Mast stuck in mud – Work way along mainsail leach to hounds, cross over to mast. Try to unstick mast, using personal bouyancy and hands to raise from mud. Boat caught by wind – swim boat around until bottom of hull is to windward. Boat held down by sails – get sails down by uncleating halyards and working sail along mast by hand. DO NOT UNSHACKLE HALYARDS. Spinnaker – stow before righting. Boat with centre mainsheet – Crew positioned aft of mainsheet. Grab centremain or toe straps, scooped into aft cockpit as boat is righted. Don’t let this happen – helm and crew move to bow to bring boat head to wind then climb aboard. Boat swamped – helm holds onto bow, to keep boat head to wind. Crew plugs centreboard slot, bail out then recover helm. Boat failed to be righted – after second attempt – fully inflate lifejacket if applicable. Decide if strong enough for another attempt. After third or more attempts secure self to boat and summon assistance.
