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Keelboat Level 1 | Beginner Sailing
Our keelboat level 1 certified course offers an introduction to and the basics of sailing. This course is taught on our Ruffian 23, which is, which is an amazing class of racing boat and also very beginner friendly.
The course runs over two days from 9.30am-4pm on Sundays ( at the moment )
€220 Members €240 Non Members
Throughout the keelboat level 1 you will learn the following:
How to use the inboard engine of the Ruffian
Ropework – We get you up and running with some basic knots.
Rigging – How to put the boat together.
Setting the sails.
Steering – getting to grips with the tiller!
Wind Direction – how to determine where the wind is coming from.
Upwind, downwind and sailing at 90° to the wind
A life jacket and if you don’t have one we have some .
When sailing a keelboat in winter, the most important thing is to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick jacket. Start with a thermal base layer made of merino wool or synthetic fabric which will keep you warm and wick sweat away from your skin. Over that, add a fleece or wool jumper for insulation, and then a waterproof and windproof outer layer such as a sailing jacket and waterproof trousers or salopettes to protect you from spray and wind. Keep your hands warm with sailing gloves or insulated waterproof gloves, and wear a wool hat or beanie along with a neck warmer to stop heat from escaping. On your feet, wear warm thermal or wool socks inside waterproof wellies or sailing boots with good grip for safety on wet decks. Even on cold days, bring polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare off the water and always wear a life jacket. The key is layering, you can always remove or add clothing as conditions change and avoiding cotton, which stays wet and makes you cold.
Hydration on the water is important do bring a bottle of water with you and bring some snacks as well.
Our keelboat level 1 certified course offers an introduction to and the basics of sailing. This course is taught on our Ruffian 23, which is, which is an amazing class of racing boat and also very beginner friendly.
The course runs over two days from 9.30am-4pm on Sundays ( at the moment )
€220 Members €240 Non Members
Throughout the keelboat level 1 you will learn the following:
How to use the inboard engine of the Ruffian
Ropework – We get you up and running with some basic knots.
Rigging – How to put the boat together.
Setting the sails.
Steering – getting to grips with the tiller!
Wind Direction – how to determine where the wind is coming from.
Upwind, downwind and sailing at 90° to the wind
A life jacket and if you don’t have one we have some .
When sailing a keelboat in winter, the most important thing is to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick jacket. Start with a thermal base layer made of merino wool or synthetic fabric which will keep you warm and wick sweat away from your skin. Over that, add a fleece or wool jumper for insulation, and then a waterproof and windproof outer layer such as a sailing jacket and waterproof trousers or salopettes to protect you from spray and wind. Keep your hands warm with sailing gloves or insulated waterproof gloves, and wear a wool hat or beanie along with a neck warmer to stop heat from escaping. On your feet, wear warm thermal or wool socks inside waterproof wellies or sailing boots with good grip for safety on wet decks. Even on cold days, bring polarised sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare off the water and always wear a life jacket. The key is layering, you can always remove or add clothing as conditions change and avoiding cotton, which stays wet and makes you cold.
Hydration on the water is important do bring a bottle of water with you and bring some snacks as well.