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The RYA Sylibuss

The first steps: stages 1-3 

Level 1

Introducing you sailing with all you need to know to get afloat under supervision

Level 2

Setting out the foundations of sailing for you

Level 3

Consolidating skills and trying new ones 
Assumed knowledge None Sailing skills to the standard of Level 1 Sailing skills to the standard of Level 2
Minimum duration 2 days 2 days, but is often combined with the Level 1 course into a 4 or 5 day course 2 days or equivalent
Minimum age 16 16 16
Course content How to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovering Rigging, launching, sailing in all directions. Capsize recovery and essential safety knowledge Coaching of level 1 and 2 skills and taster sessions from the advanced modules
Ability after course Able to sail in light winds under supervision Able to sail and make decisions in good conditions More confident in sailing skills and techniques, and ready to progress onto the advanced modules

Developing your sailing: the modules

Seamanship Skills

How to handle a boat in all circumstances and solve problems afloat

Day Sailing

Passage planning and decision making for small boat cruising

Sailing with Spinnakers

Everything you need to know about sailing with conventional or asymmetric spinnakers

Performance Sailing

Improve your boat handling and confidence in performance dinghies
Assumed knowledge Sailing skills to the standard of the Level 2 course Skills and background knowledge to at least the standard of the Level 2 course Sailing and background knowledge to the standard of the Level 2 course Competent boat handling - probably at least one full season after completing Level 2
Minimum duration 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days
Course content Launching and recovering the boat in different circumstances, stopping, reducing sail, recovering a man overboard, anchoring Preparing and planning for a day cruise, pilotage and decision making including adverse conditions How to rig the boat, gybe and recover one type of spinnaker, either conventional or asymmetric. How to sail the best possible course downwind Coaching to improve your sailing, primarily in two person boats with spinnakers
Ability after course Able to handle a wide range of situations afloat Able to plan and execute a cruise, depending on conditions Able to use one type of spinnaker, conventional or asymmetric Able to sail faster and more efficiently in all conditions