The Start Yachting course is designed for the absolute beginner.

It is a two day course, with lunch provided and can be run over
two separate days or overnight, anchoring in one of the many
magnificent anchorages around the Whitsunday Islands.

The course syllabus is as follows:

• Knowing the yacht including:
  Basic knowledge of sea terms.
  Basic knowledge of the parts of a boat.
  Basic knowledge of the rigging and sails.

•  Rope Work including:
  The ability to tie a figure of eight, a bowline and a round turn and 2 half hitches.
  Knowledge of securing a rope to a cleat.
  The correct use of winches and jamming cleats.

• Under Way including:
  Experience of a yacht under way at all points of sail.
  Can steer a yacht under sail and power.

•  Rules of the road including:
  Understands how to keep an efficient look out at sea.
  Basic knowledge of rules.

• Meteorology including:
  Knowledge of where to obtain a weather forecast.

•  Man Over-Board Recovery including:
  An understanding of the action to be taken to recover a man over-board.

•  Clothing and Equipment including:
  Understands and can comply with the rules for wearing safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.

•  Emergency Equipment and Precautions including:
  Understands the hazards on board a yacht.
  Understands the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency.