Note that most ratings above novice are awarded when the wind conditions are of appropriate strengths:
- Novice: 1-6 knots
- Intermediate: 7-15 knots
- Skipper: 16+ knots
*1 knot (kts) = 1.15 mph
Bravo
Boats Unlocked:
Bravo
Where You Can Sail:
Union Bay
When You Can Sail:
Up to 7 knots of wind
Requirements:
- To get a bravo rating you must pass the Centerboard/Daggerboard Written Examination or the Bravo Written Examination.
- You must also pass a practical test on the water. During the practical test you will be asked to
- demonstrate proper boat checkout procedures
- rig and derig the boat
- demonstrate basic sailing and docking ability
- perform a wet capsize in at least 3 knots of wind.
- Display consideration for the safety of lives and for the protection of club equipment.
Single Handed Novice
Boats Unlocked:
Laser, Bravo
Where You Can Sail:
Union Bay
When You Can Sail:
Up to 7 knots of wind
Requirements:
- To get a novice single-handed rating you must complete the novice written test based on our New Member Guide.
- You must also pass a practical test on the water. During the practical test you will be asked to
- demonstrate proper boat checkout procedures
- rig the boat correctly from memory - you will be rigging a laser, so don't forget the cunningham
- demonstrate good boat handling - usually 3 tacks and 3 jibes
- demonstrate a man-overboard drill - this involves recovering a PFD using the proper technique (approach the man-overboard on your windward side sailing upwind and stop when you get there)
- demonstrate proper docking
- demonstrate a wet capsize - yes you will get wet! You must capsize the boat and get in the water and then right in the proper manner. This can often be done near the dock.
- correctly de-rig the boat
Single Handed Intermediate
Boats Unlocked:
Laser, Bravo, Finn (with Rig Rating)
Where You Can Sail:
Union Bay
When You Can Sail:
Up to 15 knots of wind
Requirements:
This practical is the same as the novice but must be done in about 10 knots of steady wind. In this wind you must demonstrate excellent boat handling skills. This will usually involve sailing around a small course, demonstrating skilled tacks and jibes and demonstrating good sail trim and hiking. In addition the wet capsize will not be performed near the dock so be prepared and dress accordingly! You will probably be sailing wet for at least 10 minutes.
Single Handed Skipper
Boats Unlocked:
Laser, Bravo, Finn (with rig rating)
Where You Can Sail:
Interconnecting waters east of the Aurora Bridge
When You Can Sail:
In any winds
Requirements:
- To obtain a skipper rating you must first pass the skipper written test. It's best to take this test at the office, but it may be taken at the WAC during Supervised Sailing Hours or with a chief.
- The skipper practical test contains all the requirements of the novice practical test with a few additions. The skipper test must be performed in over 15 knots of steady wind. In this wind you must demonstrate excellent boat handling skills. You will likely be asked to sail around a course, do fast and skilled tacks and jibes, stop the boat, do a man overboard and other skill demonstrations. In addition you will need to completely turtle the boat and then recover. The skipper test is usually done at Webster Point or on Lake Washington. This means you will probably be sailing for at least a half an hour wet. Please be physically and mentally prepared and dress appropriately.
