RYA COURSE QUESTIONNAIRE

This questionnaire has been designed to prepare candidates theoretical and general

sailing knowledge and their understanding of the RYA training scheme.

You should prepare short written answers with diagrams where appropriate to all these questions before attending your instructor course.

Reading List: G4, G11 logbooks, G14, G3, G12 handbooks and other nautical publications.

Sailing Background and Theory

  1. What is the No-Go Zone?
  1. Draw and label the Points of Sailing
  1. Explain, with the help of a diagram, basic aerodynamic theory
  1. What is the main function of the daggerboard / centreboard?
  1. Show using a diagram for each, the relationship between Centre of effort and Centre of lateral resistance of a dinghy when:~
    a) sailing straight and balanced

b) bearing away

c) luffing up

  1. Explain, using a diagram, the term ‘apparent wind’
  1. Explain how ‘tell-tails’ are used
  1. If a dinghy is exhibiting ‘LeeHelm’, what could the causes be?
  1. Draw a diagram to show the roach of a sail and label 7 other parts of a mainsail
  1. Name 6 Olympic Class Sailing boats
  1. Who designed the following?
    a) Wayfarer, Topper
    b) Enterprise, GP14, Mirror
    c)Firefly, Flying Fifteen
    d) RS400, Laser 4000 & 2000
Sailing Techniques
  1. What 5 elements together produce a well controlled sailing dinghy? List and explain.
  1. Explain how you would leave and return to a lee shore
  1. What checks should be carried out before tacking or gybing a dinghy?
  1. Draw the following positions:a) In ironsb) Lying-toc) Hove-to
  1. Explain how you control the boat when sailing rudderless

6. Name 5 types of anchor and state advantages and disadvantages

Equipment
  1. Explain the difference between a wetsuit and a dry-suit and how they work
  1. What 3 possible forms of boat buoyancy might you check before sailing?
  1. Draw a diagram of a double-handed boat (eg. A wayfarer) and label / explain the Hounds, Transom, Freeboard, Rocker, Gooseneck, Thwart, and Quarter
  1. Give 6 characteristics of a good teaching dinghy for beginners
  1. What advantages do you think there are in teaching beginners in singlehanders?
Wind and Weather

1.On a weather forecast, explain the terms:
a) imminent
b) soon
c) later

  1. Explain, with use of a diagram, how a Sea breeze is created
  1. What is the wind speed range in Knots for a Force 4?
  1. Give general characteristics along with diagrams of:
    a) High pressure
    b) Low pressure
  1. What is the difference between ‘thermal’ and ‘gradient’ wind?
  1. Describe the difference between advection and radiation fog, and how / when they occur
  1. Draw a diagram of a simple depression. Describe the characteristics of:
    a) Warm front
    b) Cold front

c) Warm sector

Rescue and Safety

1. Show, using diagrams, how you would tow a dinghy:
a) alongside a safety boat
b) astern a safety boat

2. What distress signals could a dinghy helm use in an emergency?

  1. What is the difference between a Lifejacket and a Buoyancy aid?
  1. What would you expect to be in a rescue boat safety pack