Helmsman Rating
Who:
MITNA Regular Members
When:
18+ knots of wind!
Boats:
Tech Dinghy
Prerequisite:
Provisional Rating
The Helmsman rating is where you demonstrate your skill and experience as a sailor at MIT. It proves that you have the requisite expertise to handle a Tech dinghy in any wind conditions that we’re open. Achieving this rating means we’ll never require you to reef a Tech; that will be at your discretion. You’ll also have more reefing discretion in the Lynx catboats.
To demonstrate your skills at the helm, you’ll replicate all of the on-the-water sailing tests from the Provisional rating with a few added elements -and it must be done in winds of 18+ knots. You’ll sail upwind, showing good hiking technique and use of the tiller extension, followed by a series of jibes going downwind and demonstrating the person-overboard procedure. Helmsman Rating tests must be supervised & passed by dockstaff, whose discretion applies to suitable conditions.
Sailing and Maneuvering –on the water
You shall demonstrate the following sailing skills to dockstaff on the water in a Tech Dinghy in sustained wind over 18 knots:
- Leaving the dock
- Beat, reach, run, jibe and tack
- Hiking
- Use of tiller extension
- Getting out of irons
- Proper trim of sail at all times
- Proper trim of the boat at all times
- Use of centerboard (demonstrate when it should be adjusted)
- Person overboard procedure
- Landing at dock
Capsizing during your Helmsman test does not mean you fail, provided you self-rescue from the capsize. A capsize (intentional or not) and self-recovery are considered bonus points!