YCC Level1 Dinghy Course

YCC dinghy course is the preferred course for new sailors and is taught by YCC volunteer instructors.

Why take the Dinghy Course?

Dinghies (Dériveur in French) are widely considered as the best boats to learn sailing and are used for the YCC Level 1 Dinghy course. They are fun to sail, easy to rig and safe to handle in low and medium wind. A dinghy reacts very fast to changes inthe wind, waves, rudder movements, and sail trim. Consequently, the crew quickly gains a firsthand understanding of how sailing theory — and the boat — works. Additionally, since there are only two sailors in the boat, each sailor has to handle every aspect of the boat, speeding up the learning.

Eligibility

To enroll in the YCC Level 1 Dinghy course, new sailors must have already taken the free Level 0 course, be a confident swimmer, and be an active YCC member. Members enroll through a lottery.

Curriculum

The YCC dinghy course begins in early May and consists of six lessons. Lessons are given in a one-to-one format with a teacher, normally once a week on weekdays. Enrolled sailors are expected to attend all six lessons.

The course prepares you to be a YCC skipper, at ease in 1 to 3 bft wind conditions. Motivation and commitment (arriving on-time to the start of the lesson, dressing and rigging in a timely manner, following the instructions...) are expected of all students. Safety during the courses is provided by the YCC Q-Boat (motor boat) patrolling the lake area where courses take place.

Students will practice being both a skipper and crew and will learn:

• Sailing knots and basic nomenclature.
• Safety information given during the Level0 course.
• Crew and boat preparation: proper gear, rigging and derigging, boat safety.
• Balancing the dinghy.
• Capsizing and man-overboard recovery.
• Trimming of the main-sail and jib.
• The points of sail: close-haul, beam reach, broad reach, running.
• Tacking, gybing, heaving-to, stopping the boat.
• Leaving and re-entering the harbor safely.
• If wind conditions permit and sailors are confident enough, using the trapeze harness and the gennaker.
• Sailing theory.

Required Equipment

Please wait for instruction given during the Level0 course before buying equipment. You can also ask the Dinghy course coordinator Stefan Biereigel any questions about equipment. Mandatory life jackets will be provided by the club.

Generally, you will need:

• Neoprene wet-suit 5 mm.
• Neoprene close-toed shoes and neoprene socks.
• Sailing gloves (or gardening gloves are cheaper and work fine).
• Hat / sunglasses / sunscreen.
• Swimming suit.
• Watch.
• A large towel and a dry set of clothes to change into after sailing.

Our Dinghy Fleet

YCC has a modern fleet of RS500, RS400 and Melges 15 dinghies to use of the course. Please refer to our Fleet page for more detailed information.