Boat Checkout
What Is a Boat Checkout?
A boat checkout is a staff-led evaluation to make sure you can safely operate a club boat independently.
The Checkout Includes
- A practical assessment
- A written exam
You must meet the requirements for a checkout level before you can use the boats and sailing areas associated with that level.
Checkout Levels
Your checkout level is based on your experience and demonstrated skills. Each level has specific requirements and limits.
Each Level Includes
- Experience Required – Experience needed to qualify
- Skills & Tests – Skills and tests you must complete
- Wind Limits – Maximum wind conditions allowed
- Sailing Limits – Areas where you are allowed to sail
- Boat & Crew Requirements – Boats and equipment you can use, and any crew requirements
Dinghy Levels
Level | Experience Required | Tests | Wind | Sailing Limits | Equipment Use/ Crew Limits |
Level 1 Beginner Dinghy Sailing | Completion of a Beginner Dinghy Sailing class and/or have at least 20 hours of dinghy sailing experience. | Pass the rigging and capsize drill | Under 10 knots (light wind conditions). | Limited to the harbor and may not sail out into the bay.
| May be limited to the mainsail only, depending on the experience of the skipper and/or crew. |
Level 2 Intermediate Dinghy Sailing | Completion of the Intermediate Dinghy Sailing class and/or equivalent sailing experience. | Requires passing a written test and a practical assessment demonstrating knot tying and boat handling skills.. | Under 14 knots | ½ mile from the harbor to the jetty | No single-handing outside the harbor. Jib use is permitted only with an experienced crew member. |
Laser Levels
Level | Experience Required | Tests | Wind | Sailing Limits | Laser Equipment / Crew Limits |
Level 1 Beginner Laser Sailing | At least 25 hours of skippering an RS Quest, or previous Laser sailing experience. | Must pass a written and practical Laser checkout.. | Under 10 knots (light wind conditions) | Limited to the harbor; may not sail out into the bay.
| Radial rig only. |
Level 2 Intermediate Laser Sailing | At least 10 hours of skippering a Laser or previous sailing experience on a laser. | Must pass a written and practical Laser checkout. | Under 12 knots | Allowed out in the bay with another laser, observance UCSC dinghy boundaries.
| Radial rig only. |
Level 3 Beginner Laser Sailing | At least 25 hours of skippering a Laser or previous sailing experience on a laser. | Must pass a written and practical Laser checkout. | Under 18 knots | Allowed out in the bay with another laser, observance UCSC keelboat boundaries.
| Standard rigging with permission. |
Keelboat Levels
Level | Experience Required | Tests | Wind | Sailing Limits | Keelboat Equipment / Crew Limits |
Level 1 Beginner Keelboat Sailing | Successfully completed a Beginning Keelboat Sailing course or 30 hours of keelboat helming experience. | Requires passing a written test and a practical assessment demonstrating knot tying and boat handling skills, as well as obtaining a California Boater Card. |
Under 14 knots |
1 mile from the harbor to the jetty |
No spinnakers. Experienced crew required for jib use; 70% jib only. |
Level 2 Intermediate Keelboat Sailing | Successfully completed a Intermediate Keelboat Sailing class or 50 hours of keelboat helming experience. | Requires passing a written keelboat test and a practical assessment demonstrating knot tying and keelboat handling skills, as well as obtaining a California Boater Card. |
Under 18 knots |
1 mile from the harbor to the jetty |
Experienced crew required for jib use; 70% jib only. Level 1 crew for 90% jib. |
Level 3 Advanced Keelboat Sailing | Three years sailing in keelboats or 80 hours of keelboat helming experience. | Requires passing a written keelboat test and a practical assessment demonstrating knot tying and boat handling skills, as well as obtaining a California Boater Card. |
Under 18 knots |
1 mile from the harbor to the jetty |
Three level 2 crew (two crew, plus skipper) required for spinnaker use. |
Level 4 Captain Joe Sailing
| Three years sailing in keelboats or 80 hours of keelboat helming experience. Good working knowledge of all boat systems, including engine, electrical, and plumbing, and solid navigational skills. | Requires passing a written keelboat test and a practical assessment demonstrating knot tying and boat handling skills, as well as obtaining a California Boater Card. |
Under 20 knots |
Ability to sail to Capitola or Monterey |
Access to all boats |
All keelboat skippers are required by California law to have their California Boater's Card with them while sailing!
Click here to apply for a California Boater's Card.
Courses & Syllabi
Review the course materials and syllabi below to prepare for your checkout test.
Written/Practical Exam Study Guides
Use the links below to prepare for your written/practical checkout exam.
Syllabus
Use the course syllabi below to know what to expect in class.
AHH
