The pre entry sailing assessment must be completed before attending the Dinghy Instructor course.

Current dates for 2024:

- Sat 7th September

As this is a day long session there is time to allow for an element of coaching to refine skills.  However candidates should come to the day prepared, having practiced all of the above skills and be familiar with the theory and concepts behind them.

Candidates should be able to complete tasks such as those listed below, sailing at all times with an awareness of the 'five essentials', and confirming they can sail in a controlled and confident manner, showing consideration for preparation, communication, approach and execution, at all times.  

During the assessment the candidate will be asked to complete the following:

• - Sail around a triangular course of 100m (minimum) legs to the best of their ability using all the boat’s normal equipment, including spinnaker if carried.
• - Sail a tight circular course around a stationary boat, making only one tack and one gybe.
• - Sail a ‘follow my leader’ course behind another boat.  The course may include all points of sailing and may be behind another sailing dinghy or behind a powered boat.
• - Pick up a man overboard dummy; the boat to be stopped and more than one attempt should not be needed.   

The candidate may also be asked to complete some of the following:

• - Sail without a rudder, or with the tiller on a loose elastic, around a triangular course.  You will be expected to make good progress around the course in a seamanlike manner (not applicable to keelboat or multihull instructor candidates).
• - Lee shore landing and departure
• - Anchor or pick up a mooring - wind against tide (if appropriate)       
• - Come alongside a moored boat - wind against tide (if appropriate)
• - Recover a capsized dinghy and sail away (not keelboats)

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