Dinghy Learn-to-Sail Instructor Course

The Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Instructor course is run over a period of 15-18 hours. Instructors are assessed, but the course is a workshop bringing together instructors to learn off each other, and discuss ideas on instructing.

By the end of the weekend the goal is to have all instructors at a level where they will competently be able to teach Level 1 and 2 of the Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Programme.

On completion of the Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Instructor Course an Instructor will be able to...

• Manage risks and be aware of safety issues related to Learn to Sail
• Be Aware of the importance of experience and have commitment to furthering one’s experiences
• Have ability to deliver the Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Programme Level One and Two courses
• Be committed to delivery the Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Programme Level One and Two Syllabus
• Show competence in practical aspects including sailing (dinghy), powerboat and teaching

Pre-entry requirements

• Applicants must be competent in small boats (i.e. dinghies)
• Minimum of 15 years of age  (For assistant Instructors)
• Over 18 years (For Learn to Sail Dinghy Instructors)
• Powerboat handling experience
• Be a member of a YNZ affiliated club or organisation

Areas covered in the Course

• Who is Yachting New Zealand, What do we do (What programmes are we involved in )
• Coaching/Instructing Pathway
• Qualities of an Instructor (discussion topics)
• Using different teaching aids
• Planning and giving a lesson
• Minimum Safety Requirements and Other Safety Requirements
• Towing Boats and Powerboat handling
• Hypothermia Yachting New Zealand Teaching Methods 
• Communication (short and long distance)
• Overall Programme of how to teach the Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Programme (practical and discussion topics)
• Tacking and Gybing techniques and Terminology
• Knots
• Sailing skills (General Boat handling)
• Practical Presentations (discussion topics)
• Teaching Level One and Two of the Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Programme

Course Assessment

• Sailing (demonstrate competently sailing a dinghy using the correct techniques showing good boat handling skills)
• Powerboat (demonstrate competently handling a powerboat safely and instruct effectively from a powerboat)
• Teaching (give a practical presentation, teaching a skill from Level One or Two of the Learn to Sail Dinghy Programme)
• Open Book Test (covering all main points from the course)

To become a full Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail (Dinghy) Instructor you are expected to be competent in the following areas sailing dinghies...

Sailing
Launching and Retrieving	Correct boat set up and correct rigging technique, launch and retrieve with control
Tacking	Using the 6 P’s correctly helming, demonstrate correct use of tiller extension
Gybing	Using the 6 P’s correctly helming, demonstrate correct use of tiller extension
Sailing Triangle	Sailing effectively around a triangle course, sailing within 1 boat length of each mark Gybing at the wing mark and use each of the Five Essentials effectively
Sailing backwards	In <10 knots sail backwards 10+ boat lengths in control 10-15knots attempt & sail backwards 3-5 boat lengths In >15knots (at discretion of Facilitator)
Man Overboard Drill	Show ability to come alongside an object and stop Pick up an object from the water on the correct side, sail away
Come alongside nnother boat	Show ability to come alongside another boat in control Stop on the indicated side with control
Rudderless Sailing	Attempted to sail without a rudder and showed understanding of concept
Capsize	Capsize boat, recover, climb in boat and sail away
Knots	Tie the following knots: Reef knot, bowline, figure of eight/stopper knot, sheet bend, rolling hitch, round turn two half hitches

Also during the course, time will be spent on the water improving your powerboat handling skills. Try to spend some time in powerboats practicing the following prior to the course...

Powerboat
Buoys	Coming alongside a buoy, slow down and stop next to it with control Pick up, anchor and retrieve if necessary
Alongside a boat	Come alongside, hold onto side of boat 45-90 degrees to the wind
Instructing	Instruct a sailing dinghy while they are sailing, no further than 1 boat length away (at discretion of Facilitator). Manoeuvre amongst a small group of boats with control
Boat Maintenance	Know pre launch check, overall motor use/control prior to launching
Launch/Retrieve	Understand poerboat regulations & overall motor use/control prior to launching, including special regulations relating to YNZ yacht clubs
NCEA	Advise on what to do to become an NCEA Evidence Verifier