Skill Sets - Opti Beginner


Boathandling

  • Leave the dock
  • Return to the dock
  • Maintain proper body position and weight placement in the boat
  • Hold the tiller and mainsheet correctly
  • Gybe
  • Tack
  • Reach
  • Run
  • Sail Upwind
  • Sail a figure eight
  • Sail a triangle
  • Sail a square
  • Use Tell tales for upwind steering
  • Proper body position for different wind and water conditions
  • Adjust the daggerboard for different conditions
  • Stop and Start
  • Execute a 360

Seamanship

  • Be comfortable in an Opti on the water
  • Tie a Figure 8 knot, square knot, cleat knot, bowline, half hitch,
    and clove hitch
  • Coil and throw a line
  • Rig and de-rig
  • Name the parts of an Opti
  • Know where the wind is coming from
  • Take care of his/her boat
    • - Proper and neat stowing and securing
    - Washing
  • Steer responsibly on a tow
  • Stay out of the no-go-zone except when tacking
  • Recover from irons
  • Tie sail ties
  • Attach a sail onto spars
  • Do simple navigation
    • - North,South,East,West
    - Recognizing landmarks
    - Navigation buoys
    - Water depth
  • Recognize the approach of puffs and lulls
  • Explain how a sail works
    • - Push - Pull
  • Use sailing as a way to get somewhere

Safety

  • Follow program and harbor rules
  • Be safety conscious
  • Stay protected from the sun
  • Use a safety whistle appropriately
  • Avoid collisions
  • Put on and take off a PFD in the water
  • Tread water without a PFD for two minutes
  • Get in the safety position
  • Capsize and recover
  • Execute a squall/Storm drill

Sportsmanship

  • Respect Others
  • View sailing as a team sport
  • Work in a team during rigging and activities