An introduction to yacht terminology and the deck skills required to work as a yacht steward / stewardess. This course covers the fundamentals of sailing a moderate size cruising yacht and by the end of the course you should have the confidence and ability to keep a lookout, handle sails, steer, row a dinghy and assist in all other day-to-day activities. During the course you will cover approximately 100 miles, plus 4 night hours on watch.
Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing and day-to-day running of the boat
Sail handling
Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails
Use of sheets and halyards and their associated bollards
Ropework
Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and single and double bollards
Handling warps
Ability to tie the following knots and to understand their correct use; figure of eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot
Fenders
Learn the various ways of tying them on
Different knots including quick release
The use of a 'wandering fender'
Fire precautions and fighting
Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire
Knowledge of the action to be taken in the event of a fire
Personal safety equipment
Understand and comply with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids
Man overboard
Understand the action to be taken to recover a man overboard
Emergency equipment
Operate distress flares and know when they should be used
Understand how to launch and board a liferaft
Manners and customs
Understand accepted practice with regard to; the use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other berthed craft
Awareness of the responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment
Rules of the road
Ability to keep a lookout at sea
Dinghies
Understand and comply with loading rules
Ability to handle a dinghy under oars
Meteorology
Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort scale
Seasickness
What is it?
Tell-tale signs
How to avoid it
How to overcome it when you are suffering
How to care for others effectively
Helmsmanship
Understand the basic principles of sailing and steer and trim sails on all points of sail
Steer a compass course, under sail and power
General Duties
Carry out general duties satisfactorily on and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel
Related Courses
Essential Marine Hospitality
The Essential Marine Hospitality course aims to provide aspiring yacht cooks, stewards and stewardesses with the skills to deliver exceptional standards of service onboard luxury yachts and motoryachts. The course is made of the following modules; Practical Sailing Skills, Essential Marine Cookery, Core Skills and Hospitality Skills.
Yachting Courses
Qualifications (click here)
