What do you do when your engine fails while entering a marina? When a crew member falls overboard? When the anchor is stuck on the bottom? When a line gets wrapped around the propeller?
On typical courses, these situations are covered in theory. On this course, you will handle them in practice - on a real yacht, in real conditions.
Anchor and anchoring
Basics of manual anchor operation - brake, manual windlass
Emergency anchoring during engine failure - when to do it, how much chain to deploy, working with the brake
Snubber - which knot to use? Prusik, rolling hitch, magnus
Using a snubber knot to load the chain back onto the windlass
Anchoring under sail - a delicate maneuver you will practice hands-on
Weighing anchor under sail
Maneuvers under sail
Picking up a mooring buoy and departing from a buoy under sail - what to watch out for
Approaching a dock under sail - when it works, when it doesn't, basic principles
Departing from a dock under sail
MOB under sail - a critical skill you will practice thoroughly
MOB - man overboard
Basic principles of rescuing a person from the water
Approach under sail, approach under engine
Lifting a person via the bathing platform and via the boom - no dummy, we practice with a 100kg man!
Working aloft
You can't do this by trial and error. Therefore:
Practical principles for working at height on a boat
Lines, knots, bosun's chair vs. harness vs. chest strap - when to use what and what to watch out for
The difference between calm water and waves - how to prepare
Individual mast climbing with ascending equipment
Being hoisted by crew - principles and troubleshooting during descent
Steering and emergency steering
Understanding the steering mechanism - how it works, what can go wrong
Repairing the steering chain
Emergency steering without a rudder
Electricity and communication
Loss of electricity on board - diagnosis and solutions
VHF radio - practical tips for emergency situations, what to watch out for
Freediving basics
Key principles and risks - safety first!
Working with mask and snorkel, surface dive technique
Retrieving a stuck anchor - preparation, ear equalization, working with weights
Unwinding a line from the propeller - preparation and procedure
Celestial navigation
Basics of star navigation - in case of electronics failure
Who this course is for
The course is suitable for sailors of all experience levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skipper - crisis situations happen to everyone and practical training is irreplaceable.
Course format
6 days of intensive practice aboard an Oceanis 38 sailboat based in Biograd na Moru, Croatia. Maximum 6 people on board. Minimal theory, maximum practice. During the course, it is possible to take a practical exam to earn your skipper's license.
Price
560 EUR per person. The price includes all costs except transportation and food.
