Irish National Sailing School
Keelboat | Level 2 Sailing C-11
Overview
This level 2 course is the next step after getting to grips with the basics at Level 1. This highly informative and practical course is conducted on our fleet of J80 Keelboats. Our trainee to instructor ratio of 4:1 ensures plenty of time to focus on the skills of individual participants. This course develops your confidence and competence afloat as you make your way up the sailing ladder.
Level 2 concentrates on consolidating the skills covered on the level 1 programme, in addition to introducing the following manoeuvres and skills:
- Reefing – making your sail area smaller to cope with weather conditions.
- Learning how to pick up a mooring in a variety of wind and tidal conditions.
- Learning how to come alongside a moored boat / pontoon.
- Recovering a person fallen overboard.
- Anchoring.
Successful participants will receive the RYA Keelboat Level 2 certificate.
The Boat – J80 Keelboat
J80s are 26 foot long stable and responsive keelboats. They’re sailed by crews of up to 6, however, on our courses there’ll be up to 4 students on board with the instructor.
What to Bring
We provide waterproofs, lifejacket / buoyancy aid and all other safety equipment but it is necessary to bring the following:
Warm layers to wear underneath water proofs.
Grippy footwear that you don't mind getting a splash or two, old runners are ideal.
Suncream and hat!
Woolly Hat (for the colder days)
Change of clothes, you're unlikely to fall in, but better to have them just in case.
Shower Gear - Towel, Shampoo etc - for the same reason.
Packed Lunch
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Competent Crew Course - Excellent Instructor - Having done a few courses with the INSS over the summer of 2023, and some sailing on the Mediterranean, doing the Competent Crew course with others who were doing the Day Skipper course at the same time was the highlight of my time learning how to sail. The reason it was the highlight was largely due to the course instructor Shona O'Dowd (I made certain to get her full name before leaving to give her the credit she deserved). Huge knowledge and experience mixed with a great attitude, with friendliness, patience and approachability making Shona stand out and make each day of the course something to look forward to regardless of weather or experience level. Shona guided practical use of all facets of sailing knowledge excellently and never micromanaged or tried to exert too much control, thereby never limiting the learning that can take place for students.
This teaching style is difficult to find, having seen a variety of instructors and their styles, in different countries and even within the INSS, and so you will be very lucky if you get Shona on your boat when it comes your turn to learn the ropes (literally). All in all, the Competent Crew course was very enjoyable, and I just wanted to give credit where it was due.
Maps57686967283
20/08/2023
