Sailing and Sail Boarding Guidelines

Sailing and Sail Boarding Guidelines This guideline has drawn on the original sailing guideline written by David Griffith and myself in 1998 as well ...
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Sailing and Sail Boarding Guidelines

This guideline has drawn on the original sailing guideline written by David Griffith and myself in 1998 as well as Rob Wall’s Sail Board training guidelines (also written in 1998) that have been included with only had some minor changes. Extra input has been gathered from SU’s guidelines in the ACT, the guideline produced by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Marine Safety Council of Victoria. Credit must also go to David Blake for his many suggestions and idea’s Mark Francis 2006

Introduction .........................................................................................................3 Leading Sailing ...................................................................................................3 Leader/Instructor Qualifications and Experience .............................................3 Attributes Of An Assistant Leader ..............................................................3 Attributes Of An Activity Leader .................................................................3 Attributes Of A Leader In A Rescue Boat ...................................................4 Equipment Familiarisation and Care.................................................................5 Care of Equipment...........................................................................................6 Types Of Boats That May Be Used .................................................................6 Boats Owned By SU ..................................................................................6 Borrowed Boats..........................................................................................7 Safety Procedures To Have In Place .................................................................7 Care of Participants .........................................................................................8 Sailing participants should understand the following: ......................................9 Clothing ...........................................................................................................9 Coolamaong and the Gippsland Lakes............................................................9 Weather Conditions....................................................................................9 Teaching and Supervising Sailboarding.........................................................10 Familiarisation with Equipment ......................................................................10 Steering & Sailing ..........................................................................................10 Supervision....................................................................................................10 Questions and Assessments ...........................................................................10 Sailing Theory................................................................................................10 Sail boarding..................................................................................................11 Sailing Skills Assessment ..............................................................................11 Rescue Boat Assessment..............................................................................12

Introduction This guideline covers sail boarding and sailing from Coolamatong on the Gippsland lakes. The duration of the activity is normally up to a day but multi day sailing expeditions have also been taken into account. This guideline assumes that sailing is conducted on the Gippsland lakes with Coolamatong being the primary centre of activity. A LAPTS/Childsafe permission to proceed must be conducted prior to conducting this activity.

Leading Sailing Leader/Instructor Qualifications and Experience A valid qualification for the Activity Leader or the instructor would be an AYF Sailing Assistant Instructors Certificate (TL1) or similar qualification. If the person involved does not have a qualification they should be able to demonstrate their competency through experience. This would involve attending at least one SU sailing event, especially sailing/rescue boat training events. A log book of experience is highly recommended. Leaders should be able to demonstrate the attributes listed below: Attributes Of An Assistant Leader ƒ Ability to swim continuously for 50 metres, wearing clothing and a buoyancy vest. ƒ At least 6 days of sailing experience, including some experience within the last 2 months. ƒ Ability to rig and de-rig the type of craft that will be used on the camp. ƒ Ability to launch and land the craft that will be used on the camp. ƒ Ability to sail a craft that will be used on the camp around a triangular course. ƒ Ability to tie the following knots: reef, bowline, clove hitch and figure eight. ƒ Ability to safety check campers and craft. ƒ Knowledge of the necessary marine rules, eg. right of way. ƒ Knowledge of the dangers associated with sailing. ƒ Ability to right a capsized boat and pick up a person overboard. ƒ Ability to use a trapeze or spinnaker system if the craft is fitted with one and if it is to be used. (We generally don’t at Coolamatong) Attributes Of An Activity Leader As well as the attributes of an Assistant Leader, the Activity Leader should have: ƒ A total of 20 or more days of sailing experience, including some experience within the last year. ƒ An ability to communicate and teach, encourage and instil confidence participants.

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Ability to manage a capsized yacht with inexperienced participants. Ability to judge when it is too dangerous to go sailing, eg weather forecast warning for small boats. Ability to sail single handed in adverse weather if required, provided any crew are on the windward side. Leader on the Botteral should be an accomplished sailer and have a motorboat licence. This licence should be carried when sailing. Must ensure that the nature of the activity and equipment meet the requirements of the Marine Safety Council of Victoria. Ability to rig and unrig the vessels involved and take care of equipment including been able to manage minor equipment issues such as the replacement of shackle pins, bungs etc. Must have first hand knowledge of the area to be used and be certain of its suitability for the program and the group. The activity leader shall liase with support personal to ensure that boats are refuelled and equipment can be moved to where they are needed and when they are needed. This will involve access use of tractor.

Attributes Of A Leader In A Rescue Boat ƒ ƒ

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The driver must have a lot of practical experience with handling the boat or simular vessels. The leader must be able to demonstrate ability to accuracy manoeuvre and control the boat. It is vital that the leaders on the rescue boat be focused completely on the activity taking place and be proactive in the care of participants and equipment. This includes been aware of there location and signs of oncoming weather. Leaders need to be able to respond quickly and get to the scene of an incident fast. Leaders must be able to make sound decisions for prioritising a rescue or multiple rescues at the same time. Such as multiple overturned boats or injured participants. Issues of access, extend of injury, distress level, capability of participants and distances from shore should be taken into consideration. Leaders must be able to instil a sense of confidence and calmly reassure participants. The driver should have a motor boat licence and should carry it while in charge of the boat. The driver should be familiar with the rescue boats individual characteristics and controls. Ability to safety check the rescue boat. Ability to operate the boat’s motor and associated equipment. Ability to use the communications system chosen for that activity. Ability to give assistance to the crew of a sailing craft in distress (eg give instructions on how to lower the sail or enter the water and right the craft in distress).

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Ability to attach a tow rope and tow a righted disabled sailing craft back to the beach. Ability to safely come along side and take control of a moving yacht. Ability to safely recover swimmers from the water. There should always be someone on the rescue boat with some first aid training. The driver shall be familiar with the shallow areas around Mason bay and shall be able to operate in shallow conditions without damaging the propeller or the hull of the boat. The leaders need to be able to manage minor equipment such as the replacement of shackle pins, bungs etc. The activity leader shall liase with support personal to ensure that boats are refuelled and equipment can be moved to where they are needed and when they are needed. This will involve access use of tractor. Safety equipment should be checked each before and after each session. The bilge pump should be checked before and after and as required during used each session to ensure the boat is not carrying too much water and that the pump is working. (Make sure that the pump is not left running dry).

Equipment Familiarisation and Care It is the responsibility of the Activity Leader to ensure gear is checked before the start of the activity. Rigging and equipment should be checked regularly to prevent damage or injury of participants and ensure that it meets the requirements of the regulations set by the Marine Safety Council of Victoria. ƒ Is all loose equipment secured appropriately? ƒ Are all bungs & inspection ports fitted? i.e. Are you going to sink? ƒ Do you have a bailing bucket tied in? Bailing buckets should be carried and tied in. (with the exception of craft that are exempt from this requirement see Marine Board guidelines) ƒ Personal Flotation Devices (PFD2 or 3) should comply with appropriate Standards and must be worn at all times when on the water. If a sailboard harness or trapeze harness is to be worn it must comply with the specifications or a PFD2 or 3 must be worn over the harness. ƒ Powerboats should carry two workable oars or paddles in case of engine failure (these are not spares to be handed out). ƒ The rescue boat should be fitted with an appropriate propeller guard. ƒ The rescue boat should carry a first aid kit and blanket or clothing for warming people. ƒ A direct means of communication back to a base must be available to the leader on the rescue boat. This could be a mobile phone or two-way radio. The leader must allow for the fact that mobile telephones may not operate in all locales.

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A waterproof bag similar to a "drysac", or any other waterproof container, must be available to ensure the safe working condition of the communication devices. All boats with an engine or stove must carry a fire extinguisher. A throw rope shall be carried for rescue and towing in the power boat. It should be at least 15 m long, about 12 mm in diameter and have a buoyant aid attached to one end (eg kickboard) or should be floating rope. Water craft shall have adequate buoyancy, so that they remain afloat if capsized. Adequate waterproof containers (drums or multiple plastic bags) should be used to protect any food, clothes or camping gear.

Care of Equipment Care of equipment is all about attitude and partly about knowledge. As and activity leader it’s important that you reflect a good attitude and expect it from fellow leaders. So, in short treat the equipment as if it’s you own and keep in mind the condition of how the next group will find it. Here are some more specific tips. ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Don't step or jump on decks. Try not to stand in the boats on land as hulls are thin and crack easily. Report breakages to support personal/staff. Fix any minor breakages whilst on your camp. Don't leave them for the next camp to fix. Hang up buoyancy vests after use. Don't leave them in the sand and ensure they are never found washing about against the shore. Don't let sails flog unnecessarily on land. Furl the jib, fold & secure the main sail in the boat overnight. Remove bungs when boats are not in the water so the air expanding inside does not stress the joins. Wash down the boats and buoyancy vests with fresh water at the end of your camp, hang out buoyancy vests to dry. Allow boat to drain. Store boats under cover.

Types Of Boats That May Be Used Because we sail off the beach at Coolamatong, around the lakes and the shallow areas, yachts should have centerboards and a shallow draft. Yachts with fixed keels are impractical and care should be taken with yachts with dagger boards. (such as the Mirror)

Boats Owned By SU Botteral Explorer Day Sailor: This is a 16” open trailer sailor fitted with a furling jib and a main with reefing points. It is a stable boat with a heavy steel retractable

center board controlled by a small winch. An outboard motor enables it to provide support to other craft or maneuver itself in adverse conditions. It has proved to be an excellent craft for introducing people to sailing due to it’s forgiving nature. Subsequently it would be very difficult to capsize but the consequences of a capsize could be quite traumatic for all involved. Max persons: 6 adults or up to 8 when children are on board. This includes an instructor who should be a very competent sailor. Pacer: The Pacer is a 3.8 meter sailing dingy popular with sailing schools and clubs. It’s a great boat for participants who are learning to skipper and work together as a crew. Max persons: 3 adults or up to 4 when children are on board. Sailboards: SU owns quite a number of old style sail boards. Most of these are incomplete or damaged and are used as paddleboards. At the time of writing, four could be used for sail boarding. Always use small sails for beginners, especially in stronger winds. Rescue Boat: The rescue boat is restricted to only carry 4 persons. It has a deck fore of the control column that has a hatch in which safety gear is stored. It has a 15m floating rope, a knife and spare paddles mounted on the control column. Borrowed Boats Boats and equipment owned by a local club, a reputable organisation or a private person may be used. However they will not be insured by SU unless the appropriate LAPTS/Childsafe form has been submitted prior to the event. See your director for details. Sailing craft over 8 metres will require special clearance for insurance reasons. Following is a list of other types of dinghies that may be used. Sailing need not be restricted only to these classes, as there are numerous other classes that may be suitable. Two/Three Person Dinghies Manly Junior, Mirror, Cadet Dinghy, Enterprise, Heron, VJ, Pacer, Northbridge Junior, GP14, Lazy E, Flying Ant, Flying Eleven, 125, 420, 470, 505, Hobie Hawk, Flying 15, NS14, Cherub, Laser 11, Tasar, Corsair. Single handed Dinghies Moth, Topper, Spiral, Micron 3, Sailfish, Laser, Sabre, Sabot, Skyrider, Northbridge Junior.

Safety Procedures To Have In Place While day sailing from Coolamatong, there must always be a responsible person supervising the activity from the beach. On overnight or extended expeditions

there must be at least one form of reliable electronic communications with someone on land. ƒ ƒ ƒ

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The rescue boat needs to be in the water with an experienced driver ready, key, fuel, and engine checked to ensure that it works. The rescue boat will have two leaders on board and shall be available for rescue/towing of sail craft. The rescue boat will work with a ratio of one rescue boat for up to ten sail craft or part thereof. This ratio may need to be reduced where circumstances warrant. A two-way communication back to shore is essential. The rescue boat should only tow righted craft in trouble (not capsized). Sailing will not commence if the safety boat is not ready. Brief sailors on where they can sail and set appropriate time constraints. Encourage boats to stay in close proximity to each other. When day sailing from Coolamatong all boats should be clearly visible from the point on Mason bay. It is recommended that the area for sailing not exceed a one km radius and reduced according to the experience of the participants and the prevailing conditions. Match the experience of the sailor to the boat. Is it adequate for current or likely conditions? Capsize procedure must be understood by everyone on board. Don't overload the boats! There should be at least 1 Activity Leader to every 12 campers. It is recommended that an air siren be available – they can be heard over the noise of the engine and away from the shore - Not to be used as a party toy!

Care of Participants ƒ Participants should be comfortable being in water whilst not touching the bottom. It is recommended that participants under the age of 18 demonstrate an ability to swim continuously for at least 20 metres, wearing clothing and a buoyancy vest. A swim test is essential for all holiday camps for leaders to gain knowledge of an individual’s real capabilities in the water, support required, ego, the level of activity that is appropriate, personalities etc. The swim test is best disguised as a first up fun activity to cool off, great way to unwind from long drive etc. ƒ Participants should be able to physically pull themselves into a boat (dingy) after it has been righted. ƒ Buoyancy vests are to be worn at all times. These need to fit and be done up securely. (Test by lifting from shoulders). ƒ A head count is to be made on a regular basis. ƒ Students must be instructed to stay with their boat in the event of a capsize and signal or wait for help or assistance if necessary.

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Participants are to be instructed to use adequate sun protection, eg. as a minimum, an SPF15+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen reapplied regularly and a hat and shirt.

Sailing participants should understand the following: ƒ Basic components of the boat and their function. ƒ Knowledge of how to steer the craft and make appropriate sail adjustments ƒ Tacking to windward ƒ Knowledge of the different tasks of crewmembers. ƒ Capsize drill. ƒ When solely in control of a boat participants should understand basic rights of way: ⎯ - Starboard tack has right of way. - Give way to swimmers & paddlers. Clothing A wetsuit or warm clothing is recommended. The AYF recommends that crews ensure that clothing suitable to the local conditions is worn while on the water. It is always colder on the water than ashore. ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Buoyancy vests must be worn by everyone while on the water. Runners or wetsuit boots should be worn at all times (not thongs or slip on shoes). There may be sharp objects on the boat and in the water. Wear a hat and sun screen for sun protection. Warm woolen or thermal clothing should be available as required. Wear a windproof jacket. (Hypothermia is quite possible if clothing is not adequate.)

Coolamaong and the Gippsland Lakes For the purposes of the requirements stipulated by the Marine Safety Council The Gippsland lakes are an inland waterway. This magnificent waterway is fed by a number of the states great rivers that enter a series of lakes the larger been Lake Wellington, Lake King and Lake Victoria. (Coolamatong is located on Lake Victoria). The Lakes are open to Bass Straight via a narrow bar entrance at Lakes Entrance. Weather Conditions Always obtain an up to date weather report. Lake conditions can change rapidly with strong wind squalls from especially from the southwest or east. If winds are greater than 25 knots, do not go out. Strong winds damage gear & people. ƒ ƒ

Keep an eye out for a SW change moving up the lake towards you. Off shore winds (from the North) will blow beginners out into the lake.

Teaching and Supervising Sailboarding Familiarisation with Equipment ƒ Need to have knowledge of the various parts of a sailboard, ie: ⎯ - mast, boom, sail, downhaul, outhaul, etc ⎯ - know how boom connects to mast ⎯ - know how mast connects to board ƒ The older ‘windsurfer’ brand boards with non-retractable centre-boards need to be used with care (espicially in shallow water) otherwise major irreparable damage will be done to the centerboard case. Steering & Sailing ƒ A basic knowledge of sailboarding helps when trying to instruct beginners. ƒ Some basic tips: ⎯ Help lift the tip of the sail out of the water ⎯ Keep back to wind and use feet to keep the board square of the wind. ⎯ Steering: Pointing the mast towards the front of the board causes the board to turn away from the wind. Pointing the mast towards the back of the board will cause the board into the wind (or away from the way you’re facing) Supervision ƒ Sailing should be within a designated area. Count how many boards are out and recount them very regularly. ƒ Make sure the rescue boat is ready to go if needed ie key/fuel/driver. ƒ Sails: - During lunch: De-tension & weigh down - At end of day: De-tension & store in shed. Don not roll sails around mast unless sail is completely dry. ƒ Boards: - Need to be lifted out of the water ⎯ At end of day need to be carried and stored on appropriate rack ⎯ Don't drag boards ⎯ Don’t sit on the boards on dry land.

Questions and Assessments Sailing Theory 1. Weather is an important safety factor. Before offering sailing as an activity, what should you do? 2. What basic knowledge of your crew would you ascertain before taking them out sailing? 3. What "dress" is essential for safety and protection during sailing? 4. What checks would you make of the sailing boats before using them?

5. After completing the day's activity, how should the boats and the beach be left? 6. Draw a rough map of Lake Victoria (including Mason Bay), indicating the shallow areas that need to be avoided? 7. List three essential points to managing a safe sailing activity? Sail boarding 1. Weather is an important factor at Coolamatong. Before offering sail boarding as an activity on camp what should you do? 2. What basic knowledge of the campers would you ascertain before taking them out sail boarding? 3. What “dress” is essential for safety & protection when taking campers sail boarding? 4. What checks would you make of the sailboard before taking it out into the water? 5. After completing the day’s activity, how should the sailboards be packed up and the equipment used during sail boarding be stored (include: rescue boats)? 6. Draw a rough map of Lake Victoria (including Mason Bay), indicating the shallow areas that need to be avoided? 7. List three essential points to managing a sail boarding activity? Sailing Skills Assessment Name:

Skill Ability to safety check campers and yachts Ability to give a safety talk Ability to inspire confidence in trainees and participants Leadership and sound decisionmaking skills. Knowledge of yacht parts and functions Ability to rig and launch yacht safely. Ability to perform the following manoeuvres: - Tack - Sail close to the wind.

Comments

- Beat - Reach - Run - Gibe Ability to set a course from A –B Ability to maintain control of a group of yachts Knowledge of the dangers associated with sailing Ability to sail in light and heavy conditions Ability to right a capsized yacht (dingy) Ability to read wind and water. Knowledge of local area, shallows etc Show care for equipment Show care for the environment Rescue Boat Assessment Name:

Skill Ability to safety check crew Ability to take control of a sailing boat Ability to safely recover able bodied person from the water Ability to safely recover an injured or unconscious person from the water Leadership and sound decisionmaking skills. Ability to unrig a yacht safely whilst on the water. Ability to start OB motor. Ability to confidently control boat at speed. In various conditions

Comments

Ability to refuel boat. Knowledge of the dangers associated with rescue boat. Ability to manoeuvre in shallow water. Ability to tow a disabled yacht Ability to right a capsized yacht (dingy) Ability to read wind and water. Knowledge of local area, shallows etc Show care for equipment. Ability to use UHF radio equipment Show care for the environment Has Boat License