The Athens Institute of Sailing

Pre-requisite: Minimum of ASA certifications of #101, #103 & #104 and/or RYA Competent Crew or equivalent skill level.

The spinnaker is the biggest and most powerful sail on a yacht. It is also the hardest to master. This is a two weekend practical course with two 90 minute theory classes designed to get you up to speed by presenting the basics of flying a spinnaker. Hands-on instruction teaches students all aspects of Spinnaker handling onboard a 38-45 foot sailboat. A light air rating is required for this course

The curriculum covers:

Spinnaker theory Spinnaker types Hoisting methods Trimming - controlling the spinnaker with the sheets and guy Traveler use in light and heavy winds.

Packing the "chute" Spinnaker-specific rigging Setting, jibing, and dousing Avoiding and dealing with broaches

Duration: Four days of practical exercises and 90 minutes of theory

Class size: Minimum of six - Maximum of twelve

Study Material: Booklet with various professional/practical notes

Cost: US$360

Pre-requisite: Minimum of ASA certifications of #101, #103 & #104 and/or RYA Competent Crew or equivalent skill level as well as completion of the Spinnaker Course.

For those who want to race regularly with a competitive crew, but condense the learning curve. This is an exciting course giving you experience in all aspects of racing. Starting techniques, tactics, rules, sail selection and course selection are all covered in the course. Upon completion you will be able to fill any position on a racing yacht, join our exclusive racing team or put together your own crew on your own yacht.

The curriculum covers:

Starting tactics Sail shape Stalling and accelerating Upwind, downwind tactics Racing strategy Covering and breaking cover Racing rules

Proper sail trim on all points of sail Boat speed and tuning Spinnaker techniques Finishing tactics Weather and wind shifts Teamwork and preparation

Duration: Five day practical classes, two hours of theory and membership in our racing team

Class Size: Minimum of six - Maximum of twelve

Study Material: Booklet with various professional/practical notes

Cost: US$600

Catamaran Sailing Course

Pre-requisite: ASA certifications of #101, #103 & #104 and/or RYA Competent Crew or equivalent skill level.

The course concentrates on the handling characteristics of 35-45 foot catamarans. Intricate maneuvers and drills, under both power and sail, insure participants gain the ability to command a cruising catamaran. Additional areas covered include engine mechanics, navigation, advanced anchoring techniques, docking, meal preparation underway, heavy weather and emergency procedures.

The curriculum covers:

	Rigging -Wind awareness, rigging a training boat.
	Ropework -Figure of Eight, round turn and two half-hitches
	Launching/Recovery -Wind awarness, use of trolley, launching, leaving the shore, coming ashore.
	Sailing Techniques & Maneuvers- Wind awareness, reaching, stopping, tacking, getting out of irons, sailing upwind
	and downwind.
	Capsize Recovery - Stay with the boat.
	Sailing Theory & Background -Basic rules, Port/Starboard, windward boat, overtaking boat
	Meteorology -Onshore/Offshore winds.
	Clothing & Equipment Clothing, personal buoyancy.

Duration: Four day practical classes and six hours of theory

Class Size: Minimum of six - Maximum of twelve

Study Material: Multihull Fundamentals by Rick White with Harry Munns

Coastal Navigation (#105)

Pre-requisite: None but if the student has taken any of the previous ASA courses it would be of great benefit. This total of 8 hours (part-time for locals) classroom only course will cover Navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. Subjects include chart reading and interpretation, government and private publications, navigation equipment and use, tide and current tables, plotting position, bearings, running fixes, set and drift, lights, day shapes, buoyage systems, current and leeway and much more.

Course Objectives: This course builds confidence in navigation skills before attempting an offshore passage.

The course includes:

Coastal Navigation Textbook	Navigational Practice Charts
ASA Coastal navigation Book

Topics include:

Introduction To Charts	Running Fix
Aids To Navigation	Danger Bearings
Course Plotting	Correcting For Current & Leeway (Set & Drift)
Deduced Reckoning	Keeping A Log
Fixing Your Position	Electronic Navigation Instruments
Time, Speed & Distance Calculations