We usually meet at the marina around midday on Saturday. We start most of our SKS training trips in the Marina Veruda in Pula, Croatia, as this is where the German Sailing Association's Foreign Examination Committee administers the exams. We are happy to help you organize your journey
On Saturday we organize the shopping so that we have enough provisions for the training week. The crew decides independently how often we cook on board and how often we go out to eat in a Konoba in the evening. We always have breakfast early on board so that we can start training on time. Everyone can contribute their wishes to the shopping list. 2-3 crew members drive to a nearby supermarket. After shopping we will stow the purchases in the yacht's cupboards.
Sunday:
Things really get started on Sunday. We will give you an intensive safety briefing and familiarize you with the boat and its safety equipment. Don't worry, we will repeat the whole thing again and again during the week and concentrate on content relevant to the exam. Do you still know the KVR evasion rules? Your knowledge of the SBF-See is assumed here. Take your textbook "Sportküstenschifferschein" by Dreyer, Bark or another author with you. There you will also find a lot of useful theoretical information that we need in practice. The skipper will teach you all the knowledge and skills you need for the exam.
Monday:
Have you forgotten something from the day before? No problem. That's completely normal and we'll help you with revisions. Don't be afraid to ask! In the morning, we first study the weather map and the weather forecast for the day, as the interpretation of a weather front map (like this one) is relevant for the exam. We also familiarize ourselves with our weather instruments on board.
At lunchtime we usually take a short break at sea. This allows us to practice the "mooring" maneuver. Or we take our break in a bay, where we learn how to anchor properly. In the evening we return to the harbor, where we have another opportunity to talk about what we have learned.
Tuesday:
In the morning, like every morning, it's all about the weather report. Do you need any more tips about the engine, gas, water, electricity, yacht management? Let our skipper know so he can help you. It's slowly time to move up the learning curve.
We test from time to time whether you have the avoidance rules in mind – ideally when we see another yacht at sea – and practice the individual positions with you as part of the maneuvers.
Today at the latest we will start with the rescue maneuvers that will definitely be tested in the exam. For example, the rescue maneuver under sail with the Q-turn, or the quick stop under sail and motor. You should then be able to master these by the evening.
Wednesday:
Now that we have rehearsed almost all the maneuvers for the exam, we are starting to consolidate what we have learned through lots of practice. The skipper will also give you tips on how to perform the maneuvers even better. This is also about orientation for you as the helmsman, but also about managing the yacht and the crew. It is also about understanding what to do in every single position on board (lowering, pulling in, etc.).
Thursday:
This is the day of the dress rehearsal. In the morning we will summarize everything again, talk about the weather of course, cast off, go to sea, set the sails, reef and unreef, sail and do a few maneuvering circles. In particular, we will practice rescue maneuvers and make final corrections. We will practice mooring and casting off again and talk through everything again.
Friday:
If Friday is your exam day, the skipper will meet with the exam committee at around 9 a.m. to discuss when your crew's exam and therefore your exam will take place. You may be the first to arrive in the morning, but the exam may also take place in the early afternoon, so you may be able to set sail for a few small exercises beforehand.
But at some point you have to deliver. You and your crew will be tested.
You are a team and only as a team will you achieve this together. Good luck!
Saturday:
On Saturday morning, everyone leaves the yacht at 9 a.m. after we have cleared out the stored food so that the yacht can be handed over to the approaching cleaning staff in a clean condition.
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