Level 3 - Lesson Plan

Aim of course:

The aim of Level 3 is to practice the skills learned in Levels 1 and 2 to firmly embed them and with coaching make the procedures smoother and more efficient. In addition the course aims to explain the finer points of rig and boat trim, and some sailing techniques from the advanced modules such as sailing with spinnakers, racing and seamanship skills. Although many techniques apply to single-handed dinghies this course is more suited to double-handed dinghies.

The GP14 (General Purpose 14-foot dinghy) is the preferred dinghy for this course as it offers more room and relative stability, useful when learning new techniques. In addition it has a very strong association, hosting national and international events, and is one of the permitted classes sailed at SSSC, raced as a two person adult class.

Instructor ratios:

The course will operate on a DI:Student ratio of 1:2 with a maximum of 8 students.

SI:

The SI will have an overview of the course, monitoring any safety issues, ensuring the standard of course delivery and timely progress through the sessions by the DI's. The SI we brief and debrief DI's as required.

Course delivery:

Delivery of Classroom, Onshore and Onwater sessions will be by DI's in accordance with the relevant method.

Day 1:

Day 2:

See Detailed lesson plan below

Equipment:

Fleet: GP14s

Safety boat: Highfield RIB

Classroom: Clubroom / Training Loft

SI: Highfield RIB

Sailing area:

The courses will operate in all areas of the lake dependent upon wind direction:

LESSON PLAN

DAY 1:

9:00 - 9:30 ASHORE:

• Introductions, course outline, facilities and safety briefing (slip ways, booms, ropes etc)
• Paring up
• Allocation of boats

9:30 - 10:00 ASHORE:

• Revision of the 5 essentials
• Setting up the boat for different conditions including kicker, outhaul, cunningham, jib sheet angle, mast rake including tell tail use
• Crew and helm positions on all points of sail and roles
• Revision of the "Rules of the Road"
• Rig & launch boats

10:00 - 11:00 ON WATER:

• Sailing a triangular course concentrating on rig and boat trim, helm and crew positioning on all points of sail

11:00 - 11:15 CLASSROOM:

• Break

11:15 - 11:30 CLASSROOM:

• Recap of MOB

11:30 - 12:30 ON WATER

• MOB

12:30 - 13:15 LUNCH / DEBRIEF

13:15 - 13:30 CLASSROOM:

• Briefing for rudderless sailing or beach landings (weather permitting)
• or alternative advanced technique

13:30 - 14:30 ON WATER:

• One of either rudderless sailing or beach landings (weather permitting)
• or an alternative advanced technique

14:30 - 15:30 ON WATER:

• The other of either rudderless sailing or beach landings (weather permitting)
• or an alternative advanced technique

15:30 - 4:00 ASHORE

• De-rig

4:00 - 4:30 CLASSROOM

• Debrief and set homework

DAY 2:

9:00 - 9:30 ASHORE:

• Meet
• Pair up
• Allocation of boats
• Rig boats inc spinnakers.

9:30 - 10:00 ASHORE:

• Spinnaker hoist (from windward and leeward stowage)
• Spinnaker handling including setting and gybing
• Spinnaker drop

10:00 - 11:00 ON WATER:

• Sailing a triangular course with spinnaker on downwind legs (weather permitting)

11:00 - 11:15 CLASSROOM:

• Break

11:15 - 11:30 CLASSROOM:

• Briefing of follow my leader including spinnaker hoists and drops

11:30 - 12:30 ON WATER:

• Follow my leader

12:30 - 13:15 LUNCH / DEBRIEF

13:15 - 14:00 CLASSROOM:

• Recap of basic racing rules
• The start procedure
• Sail the shortest course, start line bias, rhumb line
• Spotting gusts
• Lifts and backers

14:00 - 15:00 ON WATER:

• Mini races

15:00 - 4:00 ASHORE

• De-rig

4:00 - 4:30 CLASSROOM

• Debrief and questions
• End of course procedures: log books and next steps

Last updated 14:26 on 24 April 2025