ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing Standards

Prerequisites:  None

General Description: Demonstrated ability to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. Auxiliary power operation is not required.


KNOWLEDGE

Basic Sailing Terminology
  1. Describe and identify the following sailboat parts and their functions:
    Hull
    Rudder
    Winch
    Deck
    Standing Rigging
    Cleat
    Transom
    Shroud
    Fender
    Keel
    Spreader
    Docklines
    Mast
    Chainplate
    Block
    Boom
    Headstay / Forestay
    Fairlead
    Gooseneck
    Backstay
    Cockpit
    Bow
    Stanchion
    Cabin
    Stern
    Lifeline
    Helm / Tiller /Wheel
    Pulpit

  1. Identify and describe the functions of the following sails, sail parts and sail controls:

    Mainsail
    Batten Pocket
    Cunningham
    Jib / Genoa
    Bolt Rope
    Traveler
    Tack
    Running Rigging
    Hank
    Head
    Halyard
    Boom Topping Lift
    Clew
    Mainsheet
    Telltale
    Luff
    Jibsheets
    Roller Furler
    Foot
    Boom Vang
    Shackle
    Leech
    Outhaul
    Batten
    Downhaul

  1. Define the following terms:

    Port
    Draft
    Ahead
    Starboard
    Freeboard
    Astern
    Forward
    Skipper
    Abeam
    Aft
    Helmsman
    Windward
    Beam
    Crew
    Leeward
    Heel
    Weather helm


Maneuvers & Points of Sail

  1.  Explain and identify using diagrams the following maneuvers, points of sail, and other terms:

    No-Sail Zone
    Closed Hauled
    Sailing-by-the-Lee
    In Irons
    Close Reach
    Stand-on
    Luffing
    Beam Reach
    Give-way
    Head-to-Wind
    Broad Reach
    Tacking
    Port Tack
    Run
    Jibing
    Starboard Tack

  1. Explain and utilize correctly the following helm commands and crew responses:
  • ‘Heading Up’
  • ‘Bearing Away’
  • ‘Ready About’ ----- ‘Ready’ ----- ‘Helms a-Lee’ (or ‘Coming About’ or ‘Tacking’)
  • ‘Prepare to Jibe’ ----- ‘Ready’ ----- ‘Jibe-Ho’ (or ‘Jibing’)


Navigation Rules

  1. Apply Rule 5 (Look-out) from the publication Navigation Rules, International - Inland.

For items 7 through 12, describe and use diagrams to apply the Navigation Rules. Identify the “stand-on” and ‘give-way” vessel in each situation.

  1. Sailing vessels with the wind on different sides (starboard / port), Rule 12(a)(i)
  2. Sailing vessels with the wind on same side (leeward / windward), Rule 12(a)(ii)
  3. Sailing vessel on port tack cannot determine windward sailing vessel’s tack, Rule 12(a)(iii)
  4. Overtaking (Rule 13)
  5. Power-driven vessels approaching each other head-on (Rule 14)
  6. Power-driven vessel with another power-driven vessel on starboard side (Rule 15)
  7. Describe appropriate actions to be taken when sailing in the vicinity of commercial traffic, including responding to a danger signal.

Aids to Navigation

  1. Identify and state the purpose of lateral aids to navigation by color, shape & numbering, including preferred channel markers.
  2. Identify safe water, information and regulatory markers.


Safety Gear & Procedures

  1. List the federally required equipment for a recreational sailboat of 25-feet in length.
  2. Identify the location and color of navigation lights used by a recreational vessel of 25-feet in length.
  3. Describe the purpose of a Float Plan, give examples of information contained therein and to whom it should be submitted.
  4. Describe when and to whom boating accidents must be reported.
  5. State the Federal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for vessel operation.


SKILLS

Safety Equipment

  1. Demonstrate the proper use of a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

Sailing
Rig/hoist/set sails safely and correctly to obtain proper sail trim using the following lines and controls, if available on the practice vessel

  1. Halyards and/or furling devices
  2. Downhaul or Cunningham
  3. Outhaul
  4. Boom Vang
  5. Mainsheet
  6. Jibsheets
  7. Winches
  8. Traveler
  9. Lower/furl/stow sails and coil/flake/stow lines properly

Without coaching or assistance from the instructor, verbalize appropriate commands and demonstrate competence, safety and good seamanship in the role of Skipper / Helmsman during the maneuvers listed in items 37 - 50.  Honor all aids to navigation and use properly the basic Navigation Rules.  Ensure sails are trimmed correctly and the vessel is in control at all times.

  1. Depart dock or mooring fully ready to get underway safely
  2. Select and maintain a given tack and course
  3. Demonstrate how to get out of “irons”
  4. Head Up
  5. Bear Away
  6. Sail Close Hauled
  7. Sail on a Close Reach
  8. Sail on a Beam Reach
  9. Sail on a Broad Reach
  10. Sail on a Run
  11. Tack
  12. Jibe
  13. As crew, give appropriate verbal responses and perform correct actions during the maneuvers listed above.

Crew Overboard

  1. Describe and demonstrate the correct actions to be taken while under sail from the time a person falls overboard until safely recovered.

Return & Secure

  1. Return to dock or mooring
  2. Secure vessel, using appropriate mooring/dock lines, fenders, etc.

Knots

  1. Describe the purpose of, and construct without assistance in a timely manner, each of the following knots and hitches:

    • Figure-8 Knot
    • Square (Reef) Knot
    • Clove Hitch
    • Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches
    • Cleat Hitch
    • Bowline


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