Bronze Sail Level V

On completion of Bronze Sail Level V 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 - Rigging & Maintenance

  1. Attach rig and check all standing and running rigging to a dinghy mast and step the mast in a training boat.
  2. Perform the following repair and maintenance procedures:
    a) Lock a turnbuckle so that it will not loosen after two minutes of to-and-fro motion;
    b) Refasten a "pulled out" cleat or fairlead in the same holes so that it will not pull out again under a 20 kg (44 lb) pull in the direction of normal use;
    c) Use epoxy in a safe manner to:
    i) fill dents or scratches on a real or simulated hull;
    ii) join together two pieces of thin wood or plywood along a 30 cm (12 inch) edge, overlapping the pieces by 3 cm at the joint. The joint, once set, should withstand a pull of 20 kg (44 Ibs) at right angles to the joint without separating or shifting;
    iii) apply an emergency fibreglass patch to a hole (minimum 3 cm in diameter) in a real or simulated hull that is accessible from both sides. (The repair is judged on bond and strength.)

SECTION II - Anchoring

  1. Identify and describe the use of the following types of anchors:
    a) danforth
    b) navy
    c) mushroom
    d) plough
    e) bruce
  2. Describe what type of anchor and scope are necessary to anchor a dinghy in 3 metres of water, sandy bottom for 15 minutes.

SECTION III - Trapeze

  1. Describe and demonstrate how to:
    a) put on and properly secure a trapeze harness;
    b) rig a simple trapeze system on a double-handed dinghy;

 

SECTION IV - Spinnaker

  1. Identify the following parts of a spinnaker:
    a) leech d) head
    b) luff e) tack
    c) foot f) clew
  2. Identify and describe the function of the following spinnaker rigging and equipment:
    a) sheet e) turtle
    b) guy f) launcher
    c) topping lift g) retrieving line
    d) downhaul h) reaching hooks (twing lines)
  3. Describe and demonstrate the following spinnaker procedures ashore:
    a) Prepare a spinnaker for hoisting without a launcher;
    b) Hoist a spinnaker, without hourglassing, with main and jib up;
    c) Have the spinnaker drawing, under control, within 10 seconds after hoisting; (time is measured from moment the head of spinnaker reaches the mast shieve)
    d) Demonstrate proper spinnaker trim (with luff curl) without the spinnaker collapsing;
    e) Adjust the height of the pole to give maximum drive to the spinnaker under different wind conditions and points of sail;
    f) Gybe the spinnaker without collapsing it;
    g) Douse the spinnaker, without allowing it to touch the ground.

SECTION V - Sail Theory

  1. Describe, with the aid of diagrams:
    a) how air flows around a mainsail for a boat on a beat or reach;
    b) how two sails interact on a dinghy, specifically, how the main affects the jib and vice versa;
    c) the direction of the force created by the mainsail;
    d) how the effect of the centreboard coupled with the forces created by the mainsail makes a boat move forward;
  2. Explain the relationship between true wind, boat wind, and apparent wind and how apparent wind effects sail trim.
  3. Describe how to initiate planing and surfing in a dinghy.

 

AFLOAT SKILLS

SECTION VI - Boat Handling

  1. Acting as skipper in shifty winds gusting over 14 knots (24 km/hr) perform, with the crew, required changes to course, sail trim and boat trim while reaching and running. The boat should be kept reasonably flat during the exercise.
  2. Act both as skipper and crew in a planing dinghy:
    a) Set up a boat for planing conditions (correct centreboard and sail adjustment);
    b) Initiate a plane in planing conditions appropriate to boat being used.
    c) Demonstrate the ability to maintain the plane over 90 metres (100 yards), utilizing gusts, steering, sail trim and weight balance.

SECTION VII - Spinnaker

  1. Perform the following spinnaker procedures with the main and jib up:
    a) Prepare a spinnaker for hoisting.
    b) Hoist the spinnaker without hourglassing.
    c) Having the spinnaker drawing, under control, within 10 seconds after hoisting. (time is measured from moment the head of the spinnaker reaches the mast shieve)
    d) demonstrate proper spinnaker trim (with luff curl) without the spinnaker collapsing.
    e) Adjust the sheet, guy and pole height to give maximum drive to the spinnaker on a run, reach and close reach.
    f) Gybe the spinnaker without collapsing it.
    g) Douse the spinnaker, without letting it fall in the water, in such a way that it may be re-hoisted with minimal time delay.

SECTION VIII - Trapezing

  1. Promptly get out on the trapeze and demonstrate proficient tacking while trapezing.

SECTION IX - Anchoring

  1. Safely anchor a boat of up to 5.5 metres (18ft) in length in water over 3 metres (10ft) deep allowing sufficient scope to have the anchor hold firmly.
  2. Recover the anchor.