Competent Crew (CC) Test

Eligibility

To apply for a Competent Crew key test, a YCC member must have fulfilled the following prerequisites:

• Sailed at least 4 times on a GibSea/Surprise/J70/J80/Dynamic3000.
• Note: For Y-key holders only 2 outings on the GibSea/Dynamic3000/J70/J80 and 2 on the Surprise are required.
• Completed 3 helper's sessions to support the club since the beginning of the season.
• Note: the competent crew test is not offered to SU or GS key holders.

Procedure

To pass the CC test, the candidate should contact the CC test coordinator to request a test. The test coordinator will appoint an examiner who will then contact the candidate to arrange a time and date for the test outing. During the test outing, the candidate will be required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills listed below. Upon successful completion of the test, the examiner issues a report to the test coordinator, who when satisfied that all the requirements have been met, will award the key.

The Test

The test consists of demonstrating the knowledge and skills listed below during a test outing on a Surprise, J70, J80, Dynamic3000 or Gibsea:

• Sailing terminology and parts of a keelboat.
• Rigging and de-rigging a keelboat.
• Essential knots and their correct use (figure-of-eight, bowline, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, reef knot).
• Handling sails (hoisting, lowering, reefing and trimming on all points of sail).
• Boat manoeuvres (tacking, gybing).
• Entering and leaving the port.
• Helming to hold a course under motor and sail.
• Heaving to – actions for jib, mainsail and at the helm.
• Man-overboard procedure – actions for crew and at the helm.
• Basic rules of the road, keeping a lookout, safety.
• General usefulness: lowering keel, bringing fenders in, keeping cockpit tidy.