Academic Catalogs

MARA A137: Intermediate Sailing - Intro to Keel Boats

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 03/13/2019
Top Code 095900 - Marine Technology
Units 1 Total Units 
Hours 36 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 9; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Associate Arts Local General Education (GE)
  • OC Life Skills - Activity - AA (OE2)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU E2 Activity Course (E2)

Course Description

Introduces the intermediate sailor to the fundamentals of sailing through dockside lectures and hands-on experience in Shields 30 sloops. Points of sail, basic terminology, tacking, jibing, theory, and safety are emphasized. Enrollment Limitation: KIN A137; students who complete MARA A137 may not enroll in or receive credit for KIN A137. Students completing MARA A137 may not receive credit for KIN A137. PREREQUISITE: MARA A136 or KIN A136; and Ability to swim 50 yards and tread water for five minutes; and Basic sailing ability; These skills will be validated the first week of class. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: Any or all of these ATHL, DANC, KIN, MARA, PE Activity courses combined: maximum credit, 4 units.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Perform a variety of skills specific to control the speed and direction of a Shield 30 keelboat in a safe and efficient manner.
  2. Understand the balance between wind direction and performing skills as a competent skipper or crew in a recreational activity.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Rig and down rig a Shields sloop
  • 2. Get underway and dock under sail.
  • 3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of boating safety.
  • 4. Identify and operate on-board gear and lines
  • 5. Steer and trim sails under all points of sail.
  • 6. Reduce sail by reefing.
  • 7. Discuss anchoring theory and procedures.
  • 8. Demonstrate a basic understanding of right-of-way rules.
  • 9. Successfully complete a man overboard drill.
  • 10. Describe helm theory.
  • 11. Recognize variant rig.
  • 12. Utilize navigational aids to maneuver in Newport Harbor.
  • 13. Write a clear analysis of why a sailboat moves and describe what limits its speed and direction.

Lecture Content

I.               Orientation, overview, facility tour Review of basics from MARA A147 Advanced mastery of basic sailing knots/hitches Identify shields parts and rigging procedures Departure and docking   II.              Winch techniques and sail shape Close course sailing Telltales theory and wind shifts   III.            Helm theory (center of effort with center of lateral resistance) Sailing without using tiller (sails only) Reefing the main sail   IV.            Anchoring techniques and practice Short and narrow channel tacking techniques Mid-term evaluation   V.             Variant rig identification (sloops, cutters, ketches, yaluls, schooners) Person overboard techniques/practice   VI.            Aids to navigation/chart viewing/ identification Ocean sailing   VII.           Racing procedures and strategy Starts Racing - regatta   VIII.          Long course sailing regatta Review for final   IX.            Written final examination Spinnaker demonstration Recreational sail    Taking the course two times enhances skills by supervised repletion and practice.

Lab Content

I.  Winch techniques - Safety and Handling of winches Close quarters sailing Telltales theory and wind shifts - Adjusting sails and courses to conditions   II.         Helm theory (center of effort with center of lateral resistance) Sailing without using tiller (sails only), completing tacks and jibes Reefing the main sail   III.         Anchoring techniques and practice Short and narrow channel tacking techniques Written midterm exam   IV.      Variant rig identification (sloops, cutters, ketches, yaluls, schooners) Person overboard techniques/practice   V.            Aids to navigation/chart viewing/ identification Ocean sailing VI.      Racing procedures and strategy Starts and Basic Racing Strategy VII.        Long course sailing regatta utilizing sail trim and shape, wind strategies,

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • Lab (04)
  • DE Live Online Lab (04S)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture and discussion (with chalkboard); video discussion; practical demonstrations; student participation with drills

Reading Assignments

Weekly assignments in requireed text.

Writing Assignments

Write an analysis of movement, speed, and direction;

Out-of-class Assignments

Weekly text assignments

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Attendance, participation, demonstration of acquired skills, improvement reflected by sailing ability, mid-term and final written exams reflecting practical experience as well as knowledge from text.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Write an analysis of movement, speed, and direction; demonstrate proficiency in sailing, knots, safety

Textbooks Resources

1. Required US Sailing Association. Basic Keelboat, ed. United States Sailing Association, 1998 Rationale: -

Other Resources

1. US Sailing Association. Basic Keelboat United States Sailing Association, 1998 latest.