707 Helms
We recognise that our members, in applying to become an Accredited Helm
(skipper) will bring forward a variety of skills and experience. The 707
Sub-Committee will maintain a list of Accredited Helms & which level they are
Accredited at. Levels of Accreditation will be decided by the 707 Sub-Committee
& the opinions of existing, experienced 707 Helms will be taken into account.
For us to Accredit each one (i.e. accept them as individuals to whom we will
make available club boats), we must be satisfied that they are competent to take
out a vessel and use it in a manner consistent with their experience and
competence. It is expected that each helm will show due diligence and due
caution in those areas where experience is still being built and where using
club 707s is part of building that experience.
As a guide, we want our Accredited Helms to be competent in:
Level 1 Helms:
Boat handling under sail: Sail choice. All points of sailing. Reefing. Sail and
boat trimming. Boat handling under engine: Pre start checks. Using engine.
Manoeuvring on/off pontoon Safety: Safety briefing. Lifejackets. VHF radio. MOB
procedure. Navigation: Interpreting charts. Knowing ‘rights of way’ and small
vessel’s responsibilities in confined waters.
Level 1 Helms should restrict themselves to sailing in maximum forecast wind
speeds of 10kts. If the wind speed increases above this level while out sailing
they may carry on sailing (appropriately reefed & dependant on sea state) but if
the wind speed approaches 15kts they should head back to port.
There should be at least 1 other crew aboard who is capable of returning the
boat to port if the Helm is incapacitated. If there is another Accredited Helm
aboard as part of the crew, the boat can be sailed to that helms experience
level.
Level 1 Helms can take part in Club Racing & 707 Challenges (White Sail) where
support is available. (As a guide a Level 2 RYA Keelboat
qualification/equivalent sailing experience would be a starting point as a Level
1 Helm)
Level 2 Helms:
Competent in all Level 1 areas.
In addition they should be competent in: Flying a spinnaker. Understand basic
Racing Rules if taking part in Club Racing/707 Challenges.
Level 2 Helms should restrict themselves to sailing in
maximum forecast wind
speeds of 15kts. If the wind speed increases above this level while out
sailing they may carry on sailing (appropriately reefed & dependant on sea
state).
There should be at least 1 other crew aboard who is capable of returning the
boat to port if the Helm is incapacitated. If there is another Accredited Helm
aboard as part of the crew, the boat can be sailed to that helms experience
level.
Level 2 Helms can take part in Club Racing & 707 Challenges, including
spinnakers, where support is available.
(As a guide a Level 3/Spinnaker RYA Keelboat qualification/equivalent sailing
experience would be a starting point as a Level 2 Helm)
Level 3 (Racing) Helms:
Competent in all Level 1 & 2 areas. In addition they should be competent in:
Knowing racing rules. Safely matching boat handling skills and crew skill levels
to the racing conditions (wind, tide, sea state, fleet size etc).
(As a guide an Intermediate Racing Skills RYA Keelboat qualification/equivalent
sailing experience)