Prerequisites

To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, participants in the Garda Match Race Academy’s Beginner Level Course are required to meet the following prerequisites:

1. Age Requirement:

– Participants must be at least 18 years old.

2. Swimming Proficiency:

– Basic swimming proficiency is essential. Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to swim unassisted for a short distance.

3. Physical Fitness:

– Sailing involves physical activity, including maneuvering on the boat. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to handle moderate physical exertion.

4. Health Declaration:

– Participants must declare their health condition and any medical concerns or conditions that could affect their participation. A health declaration form will be provided during registration.

5. Basic Understanding of English:

– The course instructions and communication will be primarily in English. Participants should have a basic understanding of the English language to comprehend safety instructions and sailing terminology.

6. Comfort with Outdoor Environments:

– Sailing is an outdoor activity, and participants should be comfortable with varying weather conditions. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.

7. Previous Sailing Experience (Optional):

– While this is a beginner-level course, participants with previous sailing experience are welcome. The course content is designed to cater to both beginners and those with some sailing background.

8. Equipment:

– Participants are encouraged to bring their technical clothing suitable for sailing. If participants do not have appropriate clothing, the academy can provide them with technical gear.

9. Attendance and Punctuality:

– Participants are expected to attend all sessions promptly. Late arrivals may miss crucial safety briefings and training components.

10. Positive Attitude and Willingness to Learn:

– A positive attitude and eagerness to learn are essential. Sailing involves teamwork, and participants should be open to collaboration with instructors and fellow participants.

11. Arrival and Departure Requirements:

– Participants are required to arrive on Friday evening before 20:00 for the pre-course meeting. Check-out will take place on Sunday afternoon after the conclusion of the course.

Schedule

Day 0: Friday – Pre-course Meeting

Evening Session (Before 20:00)

1. Arrival and Check-in at Univela (Before 20:00)

– Participants are required to arrive on Friday evening before 20:00.

– Meet and greet with the academy team.

– For who has booked the option with accommodation, Check-in at Univela Rooms.

– Parking is included.

Day 1: Saturday – Introduction to Match Racing Fundamentals

Morning Session (09:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

2. Welcome and Registration (09:00 AM – 09:30 AM)

– Registration and distribution of course materials.

– Brief introduction to the academy and the course.

3. Introduction to Match Racing (09:30 AM – 10:15 AM)

– Overview of match racing: history, rules, and key concepts.

– Understanding the role of each crew member in match racing.

4. Safety Briefing and Equipment Familiarization (10:15 AM – 11:00 AM)

– Importance of safety in sailing.

– Overview of sailing equipment, life jackets, and communication devices.

– Hands-on practice with basic sailing gear.

5. Break and Refreshments (11:00 AM – 11:15 AM)

6. Onshore Training – Basic Knots and Rigging (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM)

– Practical session on tying essential sailing knots.

– Introduction to rigging and preparing the boat for sailing.

Afternoon Session (12:00 PM – 01:00 PM)

7. Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 01:00 PM)

– Participants are encouraged to use Univela Beach restaurant.

On-Water Practical Session (01:00 PM – 04:00 PM)

8. Boarding and Departure (01:00 PM – 01:15 PM)

– Boarding the J22 sailboats.

– Safety checks and communication protocols.

9. Sailing Maneuvers and Basic Boat Handling (01:15 PM – 03:00 PM)

– Hands-on experience with steering and basic boat maneuvers.

– Practice in sail trim and understanding wind direction.

– Introduction to tacking and gybing.

10. Debrief and Q&A (03:00 PM – 04:00 PM)

– Review of the day’s lessons.

– Question and answer session.

– Preparation for the next day’s activities.

Day 2: Sunday – Building Practical Skills

Morning Session (09:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

11. Recap and Briefing (09:00 AM – 09:30 AM)

– Recap of the previous day’s lessons.

– Overview of the day’s agenda.

12. On-Water Practical Session – Advanced Boat Handling (09:30 AM – 11:30 AM)

– Advanced sailing maneuvers.

– Introduction to spinnaker handling.

– Practice in controlled sailing conditions.

13. Break and Refreshments (11:30 AM – 11:45 AM)

Afternoon Session (11:45 AM – 04:00 PM)

14. Lunch Break (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)

– Lunch break with an opportunity for informal discussions.

15. Mock Match Racing Scenario (12:45 PM – 03:00 PM)

– Introduction to match racing tactics and strategy.

– Simulation of a match racing scenario with fellow participants.

– Continuous guidance from instructors.

16. Debrief, Certificates, and Closing (03:00 PM – 04:00 PM)

– Debriefing on the mock race and individual performances.

– Distribution of participation certificates.

– Closing remarks and information on advanced courses.

Meals Schedule

(for who has booked accommodation)

– Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

– Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

– Dinner: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Additional Information:

– Parking is included for who has booked the accommodation package. Otherwise is possible to book it at Univela reception.

– Gym access is included.

– Classrooms are provided.

– Participants should bring their technical clothing. In case they don’t have any, the academy can provide them with technical clothes.

Course Conclusion: Sunday Afternoon

17. Check-out from Univela (Sunday Afternoon)

– Participants will check-out from Univela in the afternoon.

– Optional post-course discussions and networking.

Course Pricing Options:

1. Course Only:

– Price: €200 per participant

– Description: Includes the 2-day match racing course.

2. Course with Accommodation and Full Board:

– Price: €350 per participant

– Description: Includes the 2-day match racing course along with 2 nights of accommodation in triple or quadruple rooms at Univela and full board meals provided at Univela Beach Restaurant.

– Possibility to upgrade the accommodation at Univela Rooms and Apartments using special price reserved to participants

Important Notes:

– Minimum Participants:

The course requires a minimum of 6 participants to proceed.

– Maximum Participants:

The course can accommodate a maximum of 8 participants.

– Accommodation Details:

Participants opting for the package with accommodation will stay in triple or quadruple rooms at Univela.

– Meal Venue:

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided at Univela Beach Restaurant.

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