CYA

Bronze Sail Level IV

On completion of Bronze Sail Level IV the candidate will be able to understand and apply the basic principles of sail trim and boat tuning for optimal performance. Without instructor direction, he/she will be able to perform the following tasks in wind speeds of 9-14 knots (15-25 km/hr).

 

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

SECTION I - Safety

 

1. Describe the factors in your local area such as weather, currents, tides (if applicable), etc. which you should take into consideration before going sailing.
2. Describe:
   a) three types of flotation commonly found in dinghies.
   b) the factors which affect the self-rescuing capabilities of a dinghy such as
   

   i) buoyancy

   ii) location of buoyancy

3. Read a chart of unfamiliar waters and identify hazards and means of recognizing the hazards.

SECTION II - Seamanship

 

4. In five (5) minutes or less, whip the end of a line with a plain whipping of appropriate length. (The whipping must not pull off or shift when tested by the instructor.)
5. Using laid lines, make the following splices in ten minutes or less and describe their uses:
   a) Eye splice (eye at least 7 cm in diameter, all strands in correct order, at least 3 tucks per strand, capable of withstanding the instructor's pull.)
   b) Back splice (all strands in correct order, capable of being rolled under foot for 1 minute without coming apart.)
6. Heave a 10 metre line to land across a 1 metre diameter target at least 7 metres away, in three tries out of four. (The end of the line cannot be knotted or weighted.)

SECTION III - Terminology

 

7. Point out the following on a boat or a diagram explain the function of each:
   

   1) backstay	8) transom flap
   2) spreader	9) automamtic bailor
   3) diamonds	10) rudder retainer clip
   4) jumpers	11) rake
   5) hounds	12) mast bend
   6) chainplate	13) slot
   7) tang (mast)	14) traveller
   	15) battens

SECTION IV - Sail Theory

 

8. Explain the meaning of the term leeway and its importance on different points of sail.
9. Describe with the aid of diagrams how:
   a) the centre of lateral resistance (CLR) and centre of effort (CE) affect lee and weather helm in practice and theory;
   b) weight distribution and centreboard adjustments affect CLR;
   c) the boat's underwater shape affects its helm;
   d) sail trim, mast rake and position affect CE and helm;
   e) to correct weather helm;
   f) to correct lee helm.
10. Describe what draft (fullness in a sail) is and how it affects:
    a) the power of a sail;
    b) the pointing ability of a sail.
11. Describe the use and position of telltales on shrouds and ticklers on a sail.

SECTION V - Sail Shape

 

12. Describe the major effect on main sail shape of the following:
    

    a) halyard tension	e) mainsheet tension
    b) cunningham tension	f) traveller position
    c) outhaul tension	g) mast bend
    d) boom vang tension	h) mast rake

13. Describe the effects on jib sail shape of the following:
    a) halyard tension
    b) sheet tension
    c) fairlead position
14. Describe the effects of jib fairlead position on:
    a) slot
    b) mainsail (backwinding)
    c) pointing ability
15. Describe the sail shape that would generally be desirable for the following conditions:

    a) light air	c) heavy air
    b) medium air	d) choppy water

16. Describe how to use outhaul, cunningham, mainsheet, and traveller, while sailing on a beat, a reach, and a run under the following conditions:
    a) light air,
    b) heavy air.

 

AFLOAT SKILLS

SECTION VI - Boat Handling and Tuning

 

17. Act as SKIPPER:
    

    i) beat	v) gybe
    ii) reach	vi) bear off
    iii) run	vii) head up
    iv) tack

    in wind speeds of 9-14 knots by:
    i) using correct commands;
    ii) adjusting, or advising the crew to adjust, sail trim and shape and centreboard level to provide maximum boat speed at all times.
    iii) maintaining optimum boat trim suited to the wind, wave conditions, class of boat and point of sail.
18. Carry out a self-rescue after capsizing in a dinghy and carry on sailing with a minimum time delay.
19. Act as a crew:
    

    i) beat	v) gybe
    ii) reach	vi) bear off
    iii) run	vii) head up
    iv) tack

    in wind speeds of 9-14 knots by:
    i) responding correctly to the skipper's commands;
    ii) carrying out lookout duties and keeping the skipper informed of events which affect your boat;
    iii) adjusting sails, boat equipment and own weight to get maximum boat speed without detailed instructions from the skipper.
20. Carry out the following tasks without a rudder, relying on adjustments to crew position sail trim and centreboard. (Rudder should be removed and tied in the cockpit or lashed amidships):
    a) Sail a course upwind toward a predetermined destination;
    b) Make at least one controlled tack and settle down to a course to the predetermined destination, passing within 1/2 boat length of this position;
    c) Bear away or tack and return to the starting position.
21. Using backed sails, sail a boat astern to a predetermined destination 90 metres (100 yards) downwind from the starting position, without gaining headway at any time. Full use of the rudder is allowed.
22. Students taking bronze sail who are interested in going on to become sailing instructors should, at this stage, endeavour to obtain instruction and practice in driving a small outboard motorboat. Instructors are encouraged to follow the CYA Outboard Motorboat standards for theory and practical training.