Glossary Archive

The RYA Keelboat Day Sailing course teaches participants how to plan and execute safe and enjoyable day trips in keelboats. This course covers navigation, anchoring, and trip preparation, emphasizing safety and decision-making. Practical exercises include mooring, handling tidal streams, and managing changing weather conditions. By the end, sailors will feel confident undertaking independent keelboat day...

The RYA Keelboat Level 1 course is an entry-level program for those new to sailing. Participants learn basic skills such as rigging, steering, and sail handling in a keelboat. The course emphasizes safety, teamwork, and confidence-building, providing a solid foundation for further training. By the end, participants will be ready to progress to Level 2...

The RYA Keelboat Level 2 course builds on Level 1 by teaching participants to sail independently. Practical sessions focus on tacking, gybing, and navigating various wind directions. Participants also practice safety procedures and capsize recovery. By the end, sailors will have the skills to handle keelboats confidently in moderate conditions, setting the stage for more...

The RYA Keelboat Level 3 course refines sailing techniques and enhances confidence in challenging conditions. Participants practice advanced maneuvers, improve sail trimming, and learn about boat balance and navigation. The course emphasizes decision-making and problem-solving on the water. By the end, sailors will have the skills to manage keelboats with precision and prepare for specialized...

The RYA Keelboat Performance Sailing course is tailored for sailors looking to optimize performance in keelboats. Participants focus on advanced techniques such as sail trimming, rig tuning, and weight distribution. Practical sessions emphasize maximizing speed, refining boat handling, and understanding wind shifts. The course also introduces race tactics, making it ideal for competitive sailors or...

The RYA Keelboat Regional Racing course is designed for sailors competing at a regional level. The program focuses on advanced racing tactics, boat handling, and teamwork. Participants practice race starts, mark rounding, and strategic decision-making under competitive conditions. This course builds confidence and expertise, preparing sailors to excel in regional keelboat events.

The RYA Keelboat Sailing with Spinnakers course introduces sailors to spinnaker handling. Participants learn how to rig, hoist, trim, and gybe spinnakers effectively while managing boat balance and speed. The course also covers troubleshooting and teamwork, essential for using spinnakers in varied conditions. By the end, participants will feel confident incorporating spinnakers into their keelboat...

The RYA Keelboat Seamanship Skills course focuses on building practical skills for handling keelboats in various conditions. Participants practice advanced maneuvers such as reefing, heaving-to, and mooring in confined spaces. The course also emphasizes safety procedures and decision-making, helping sailors navigate challenging situations. By the end, participants will have the confidence and ability to manage...

The RYA Keelboat Start Racing course introduces sailors to the fundamentals of competitive keelboat racing. Participants learn essential racing rules, starting sequences, and tactics for upwind and downwind sailing. Practical sessions focus on mark rounding, sail trim, and teamwork in race scenarios. By the end, participants will feel confident competing in local or regional keelboat...

A two-masted fore-and-aft rigged sailboat with the aft mast (the mizzen) mounted (stepped) afore (in front of) the rudder.