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Dinghy Skipper

Course Content

Dinghy Level 1

The ISSA Dinghy Skipper Level 1 course is an introduction to sailing using Optimist class boats. Level 1 is designed as a course for beginners, so no previous sailing experience is required.

The aim is to build the students' nautical knowledge and competences to allow them to competently take on the duties of a sailing skipper on board an Optimist class vessel, in daylight hours, within sight of land, in good sailing conditions (up to 4B).

Requirements

Experience required prior training: None
Certification required prior training: None
Who can run the training: Dinghy Instructor or Advanced Dinghy Instructor
Who can do the examination: Dinghy Instructor or Advanced Dinghy Instructor
How to submit the application: Only through authorized ISSA schools

Theoretical Topics

Practical Topics

Yacht construction
Basics of safe onboard operations
Lines and springs
Elementary yacht sailing equipment and how to use it
How to handle sail sheet and halyard
Knots
Safety
Safe operations of sail sheets and halyards
How to handle yacht under sail
How to handle capsizing situation
Collision regulations
Safe handling of the yacht under sails
Meteorology
Practical skills in meteorology
Other skills (ecology, social skills)

Dinghy Level 2 & 3

Upon completion of Dinghy Level 1, the students are eligible to undertake the ISSA Dinghy Skipper Level 2 and Level 3 courses.

Tuition is always provided by experienced and highly skilled ISSA Instructors using a combination of practical instruction and theoretical teaching.

General Requirements of Dinghy Level 2 & 3

Experience required prior training: Dinghy Level 1
Certification required prior training: Dinghy Level 1
Who can run the training: Advanced Dinghy Instructor
Who can do the examination: Advanced Dinghy Instructor
How to submit the application: Only through authorized ISSA schools

Dinghy Level 2

Dinghy Level 3

Can plane a dinghy, in moderate wind and wave conditions
Can plane a dinghy in strong wind conditions
On a run, can maintain a constant angle of heel without body movement, spinnaker (optional) correctly trimmed.
Can tune a dinghy, centreboard, mast rake, vang, Cunningham, outhaul, barber haulers
Can reach with a constant angle of heel
Can gybe reach to reach with spinnaker
Can trapeze and hike smoothly
Can roll tack and gybe
Can stop, reverse 2 boat lengths, and re-start on a pre-determined tack
Can sail backwards
Can tack and replicate trim and heel
Can sail without a rudder
Can beat within a corridor
Can detect wind shifts
Can tie a bowline and heat seal rope ends
Can mark round accurately
Can recover an inverted dinghy
Able to start at correct end of line
Can release a trapeze harness
Can cover and lee bow another dinghy
Can reduce sail afloat
Can determine local weather patterns and wind strategy.
Can interpret weather forecasts
Knows Sailing Instructions, and the Racing Rules of Sailing
Knows about, points of sailing, buoyage, lee shores, tides, overhead power lines, anchors, boat maintenance

Plus Dinghy Level 2 criteria

Get Started !

Looking for a dinghy course? Just find an ISSA-accredited school near you, or email your inquiry to issa@sailingschools.org

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