• Demonstrate ability to recognize and forecast prevailing local weather conditions.
• Perform a presail check for the boat’s flotation integrity, safety and legally required equipment, and crew indoctrination.
• Demonstrate the proper rigging of the sails, halyards, sheets, blocks, and winches.
• Check all other equipment specific to your boat not indicated above.

• Describe personal preparation such as clothing and sun protection.

• Demonstrate how to put on a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
• Demonstrate tying and use of knots: stopper knot, bowline, cleat hitch and sail lashing knot.
• Demonstrate the use of these sail controls: halyards, sheets, cunningham/downhaul and outhaul.

• Be familiar with the nomenclature for basic parts of the boat, sails, battens and rigging.
• Describe the proper use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and throwable flotation devices.
• Describe the use of sail controls.
• Explain potential electrical hazards such as overhead electrical wires and lightning.

• Describe basic sailboat design, sail theory and boat dynamics.
• Explain how to read the wind and determine all points of sail.
• Understand what is meant by the term "sailing by the lee" and explain the inherent dangers involved

•  Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for departure suitable to the conditions: raising sails, line handling, casting off and boathandling.

• Understand the effects of wind, tide and currents in relation to the boat and surrounding area while preparing to get underway.
• Describe the differences and alternatives for leaving under sail and/or power in upwind, crosswind and downwind situations.

• Demonstrate in close quarters under sail: starting, stopping, speed control, tacking, jibing, steering control, sail luffing, the No-Go Zone, getting out of irons, backing the jib, and crew coordination and communication.
• Demonstrate sailing a predetermined closed course and maneuvering around obstacles.

Navigation (Piloting):

• Point out Aids to Navigation in the harbor and local waters that you are sailing, and respond accordingly.

• Be familiar with basic chart reading specific to your local waters.
• Describe Aids to Navigation: buoys, daymarks, regulatory markers, and other markers specific to your local waters.

• Demonstrate use of Navigation Rules while sailing.

• Describe the Navigation Rules, International-Inland, for Stand-On and Give-Way sailboats and powerboats for collision avoidance and understand your state and local boating regulations.

• Demonstrate proper sail trim with accurate sheet adjustment of the main and headsails. Make use of the sail telltales and identify points of sail.
• Perform a heaving-to maneuver per the prescribed method.
• When appropriate, demonstrate sailing "by the lee" and explain the inherent dangers involved.

• Demonstrate how to reef and/or depower sails.

• Describe weather warning sources

• Properly demonstrate one of the overboard recovery methods, which is most appropriate for: your sailing ability, boat type, crew experience, wind and sea conditions, and maintaining constant visual contact with the victim.

• Understand the Quick-Stop and Quick-Turn overboard recovery methods to include: constant visual contact with the victim, communication, recovery plan, sequence of maneuvers, boathandling, course sailed, pickup approach and coming alongside the victim (or simulated object).
• Describe methods of getting an overboard recovery victim back on deck after the vessel is stopped alongside.

•  Explain the proper procedure for using an approved distress signal.

• Be familiar with treatment of victims of overheating, hypothermia and seasickness.
• Describe the use and regulations for flares.
• Be familiar with at least six different distress and emergency signals per Navigation Rule 37.
• Be familiar with the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for safety equipment.

•  Be familiar with anchoring procedures for emergency situations such as loss of boat control, sudden storms, prevention from going aground or injured crew situations.

• Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for arrival under sail and/or power suitable to the conditions: boathandling, deploying fenders, stopping, tying up and lowering sails. Explain at least two different approach plans for other conditions.

• Describe the differences and alternatives for arrival under sail and/or power in upwind, crosswind and downwind situations.

• Demonstrate stowing of sails, rigging and equipment. Thoroughly clean the boat, and install any covers.
• Check both the electrical and bilge systems for dock operation if required.
• Check the locks on companionway, lockers and hatches. Make a final check of docklines, spring lines and fender placement.