Rathmullan sailing school notes

Kites & Wires — Step-by-step learning guide

Introduction

Kites & Wires is the advanced dinghy module from Irish Sailing focused on two specialisms: Kites (symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers) and Wires (trapeze). This page provides step-by-step guidance for achieving each learning outcome from the official syllabus, with practical procedures, safety checks, and instructor notes aligned to SBSS Advanced Instructor standards.

Learning Outcomes Overview

By completing this module, you will be able to:

Symmetric Spinnaker Skills:

  • Name and correctly attach all parts of the symmetric spinnaker system
  • Hoist, trim, gybe and drop a symmetric spinnaker with correct crew coordination
  • Adjust pole height and angle for optimal trim in varying conditions
  • Recognize and recover from near-broach situations
  • Care for and maintain spinnaker equipment

Asymmetric Spinnaker Skills:

  • Identify and rig asymmetric spinnaker equipment (bowsprit, tack line, continuous sheets)
  • Hoist, trim, gybe and drop an asymmetric spinnaker
  • Perform sheet-to-sheet gybes smoothly
  • Execute windward, leeward, and letterbox drops
  • Select optimal courses and recognize mode changes (heat up vs soak)

Trapeze Skills:

  • Fit and adjust trapeze harness; perform pre-sail safety checks
  • Hook on and off safely; move from sitting to full extension
  • Maintain trim and balance on the wire in varying conditions
  • Tack and gybe while on trapeze
  • Manage capsize risk and participate in safe recovery

Safety & Seamanship:

  • Conduct pre-sail safety briefings with clear crew communication
  • Assess weather conditions and select appropriate sailing sessions
  • Recover from capsizes with spinnaker set or while on trapeze
  • Maintain and care for all spinnaker and trapeze equipment
  • Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate clothing and safety equipment

What's what: External reference for clear comparison of gennaker vs spinnaker from North Sails: North Sails — Difference between Gennaker and Spinnaker.

Official syllabus documents

SBSS Advanced Instructor Handbook

Official SBSS Advanced Instructor Handbook — refer to this for complete certification requirements.

Irish Sailing — Kites & Wires syllabus

Irish Sailing Kites & Wires syllabus — detailed learning outcomes and assessment matrix.

Clothing & Equipment

Proper clothing and equipment are essential for safe and comfortable sailing, especially when performing advanced manoeuvres with spinnakers and trapeze.

Essential Clothing

Trapeze-Specific Equipment

Boat Equipment Checklist

Safety

Pre-Sail Safety Briefing

Before every session involving spinnakers or trapeze, conduct a thorough safety briefing.

Briefing checklist:

  • Role assignment: Confirm who calls hoists/gybes/drops; who manages which lines; who has primary lookout responsibility
  • Standard calls:
    • "Hoisting" — crew begins hoist
    • "Made" — halyard fully up and cleated
    • "Ready to gybe" — prepare for manoeuvre
    • "Gybe-ho!" — boom coming across
    • "Dropping" — spinnaker takedown begins
    • "Ease!" — emergency depower command
  • Lookout protocol: Helm has obstructed view downwind; crew must call all boats, obstructions, and wind changes
  • Emergency signals: Agree on distress signal (continuous whistle, specific shout); confirm capsize recovery roles

Crew Communication & Coordination

Learning Outcome: Demonstrate effective communication between helm and crew during all manoeuvres.

Essential communication skills:

  • Continuous dialogue: Helm and crew maintain constant communication about conditions, course, other boats
  • Clear commands: Use agreed standard calls; speak loudly and clearly
  • Confirmation: Crew confirms commands ("Ready" / "Made" / "Clear")
  • Wind calls: Crew calls gusts approaching: "Gust in 5... 4... 3..." gives helm time to prepare
  • Lookout calls: Crew calls all traffic, marks, hazards: "Boat to port!" / "Mark ahead!" / "Shallow water starboard!"
  • Trim feedback: Crew reports on sail shape: "Luff curling" / "Overtrimmed" / "Pole needs adjusting"
  • Problem alerts: Immediate call if lines foul, equipment fails, or crew in difficulty

Risk Management

Choosing Appropriate Conditions

Wind strength guidelines:

  • Light (0-10 knots): Good for first-time spinnaker hoists and trapeze; focus on technique not power management
  • Moderate (10-15 knots): Ideal for developing skills; enough power to plane, manageable for mistakes
  • Fresh (15-20 knots): Only for competent crews; requires active trimming, quick reactions, strong hiking/trapezing
  • Strong (20+ knots): Advanced only; high capsize risk; consider reducing sail area or postponing advanced manoeuvres

Capsize Recovery

Capsize recovery with spinnakers and trapeze requires additional considerations beyond standard recovery procedures.

Capsize with Spinnaker Set

Recovery procedure:

  1. Immediate actions: Ensure all crew are safe and accounted for; stay with the boat
  2. Release spinnaker: If possible, release halyard to drop spinnaker; prevents sail filling with water or wrapping around mast
  3. Standard recovery: Swim to centreboard; right boat using standard capsize recovery technique
  4. Check lines: Before sailing away, ensure spinnaker sheets and guys haven't fouled rudder or centreboard
  5. Assess damage: Check all spinnaker gear for damage or tangles before attempting to rehoist

Capsize While on Trapeze

Critical actions:

  • Unhook immediately: As boat starts to capsize, unhook from trapeze wire before hitting water
  • Swim clear: Get clear of wires and rigging; check harness hasn't snagged
  • Primary risk: Windward capsize occurs when crew weight too far out in lull; boat flips toward crew
  • Prevention: Watch for lulls; come in immediately if boat heels to windward; maintain communication
  • Equipment check: After recovery, verify trapeze wire hasn't tangled; check harness function; inspect hook

Inverted Capsize Considerations

Boat Handling & Manoeuvres

Advanced boat handling skills specific to sailing with spinnakers and trapeze.

Recovering from Broach

WIND PROBLEM: Developing Broach Turning upwind uncontrollably Warning Signs: • Excessive heel to leeward • Heavy weather helm SOLUTION: Recovery Actions Spinnaker eased Bearing away Crew fwd Recovery Steps (in order): 1. Ease spinnaker sheet — let it luff 2. Bear away — push tiller to leeward 3. Crew weight windward & forward 4. Once stable, gradually re-trim Prevention is better than cure: • Keep boat flat at all times • Watch for gusts (dark patches on water) • Be ready to ease sheet preemptively in strong puffs • Maintain good communication between helm and crew
Broach recovery: recognize warning signs (excessive heel, weather helm), ease spinnaker sheet immediately, bear away, move weight windward/forward.

Recovery steps:

  1. Recognize signs: Excessive heel to leeward, heavy weather helm, boat turning uncontrollably upwind
  2. Ease spinnaker sheet: Let spinnaker luff completely (primary depower action)
  3. Bear away: Helm pushes tiller firmly to leeward to turn bow downwind and reduce heel
  4. Crew weight: Move weight to windward and forward to help flatten boat
  5. Re-establish control: Once upright and on course, gradually re-trim spinnaker sheet
  6. Prevention: Keep boat flat; watch for gusts; ease sheet preemptively in strong puffs

Manoeuvres with Trapeze

Course Selection with Asymmetric

Weather

Understanding weather is crucial for safe spinnaker and trapeze sailing, as these techniques are more weather-dependent than basic sailing.

Wind Considerations

Forecast Interpretation

On-Water Weather Signs

Kites

Comprehensive guide to symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers ("kites").

Symmetric Spinnaker

What you need to achieve: Name and correctly attach all parts of the symmetric spinnaker system.

WIND HEAD Halyard TACK (pole end) CLEW (sheet end) POLE Topping lift Downhaul GUY SHEET Crew Crew Key: Guy controls tack (pole end) | Sheet controls clew (free corner) | Topping lift raises pole | Downhaul lowers pole
Symmetric spinnaker parts: Head attached to halyard, tack on pole (controlled by guy), clew flying free (controlled by sheet). Pole height adjusted by topping lift and downhaul.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Identify the three corners: Head (top), tack (pole end), clew (sheet end).
  2. Attach the halyard: Connect halyard to head of spinnaker; ensure it runs outside shrouds and forestay.
  3. Rig the pole: Attach pole to mast fitting (jaw or piston-style fitting). Check topping lift (uphaul) and downhaul are connected.
  4. Run guy and sheet: Guy attaches to tack (pole end); sheet attaches to clew (free-flying corner). Both must run outside shrouds and jib sheets.
  5. Pack the spinnaker: Fold or stuff into chute/bag with head at top; secure three corners with elastic bands or ties to prevent premature filling.
  6. Final check: Trace each line from sail to crew position; confirm no twists, tangles or fouls around forestay or shrouds.
Hoist, trim, gybe and drop a symmetric spinnaker

What you need to achieve: Execute smooth, controlled hoists, gybes and drops with correct crew coordination.

Hoisting procedure:

  1. Pre-hoist checks: Bear away to broad reach; confirm pole height roughly horizontal; sheet and guy eased but ready.
  2. Hoist: Crew pulls halyard smoothly and continuously; helm keeps boat steady on course.
  3. Pole on: As sail reaches masthead, clip pole onto guy (tack); pull guy to bring pole back and square to wind.
  4. Trim: Ease sheet until luff just starts to curl; adjust guy to keep pole perpendicular to apparent wind; set pole height so both clews are level.

Gybing procedure (end-for-end method):

1. BEFORE Wind Pole port Spinnaker centered 2. UNCLIP Release pole Crew holds pole at mast 3. GYBE MAIN Boom "Gybe-ho!" Boom crosses 4. CLIP NEW Clip new guy Pole now on starboard End-for-End Gybe Sequence: 1. Bear away, ease guy & sheet so spinnaker is forward and centered 2. Crew unclips pole from old guy (now becoming sheet) 3. Helm gybes mainsail ("Gybe-ho!") — boom crosses 4. Crew swings pole to new side, clips onto new guy (was old sheet) 5. Trim new guy to square pole; trim new sheet for luff curl 6. Adjust pole height if needed; resume course
Symmetric spinnaker end-for-end gybe: unclip pole from old guy, gybe mainsail, swing pole to new side, clip new guy, trim both sides.
  1. Prepare: Head downwind; ease both guy and sheet so spinnaker is forward and centered.
  2. Release old side: Crew unclips pole from old guy (now becoming the sheet).
  3. Gybe mainsail: Helm brings boom across; communicate "Gybe-ho!"
  4. Transfer pole: Crew swings pole to new side and clips onto new guy (which was the old sheet).
  5. Trim new side: Pull new guy to square pole; trim new sheet for optimal luff curl; adjust pole height if needed.
  6. Common error recovery: If spinnaker collapses or wraps, ease sheets completely, head up slightly to fill, then re-trim.

Dropping procedure:

  1. Approach: Bear away to dead run; over-ease guy to bring pole forward and spinnaker behind mainsail (blanketed).
  2. Release pole: Crew unclips pole from guy; stow pole.
  3. Drop: Crew gathers clew (sheet corner) and pulls down into boat while easing halyard continuously.
  4. Stow: Gather spinnaker into bag/chute with head last; keep three corners organized to avoid twists for next hoist.
Adjust pole height and angle for optimal trim

What you need to achieve: Set pole so both clews are level and luff shows even curl top to bottom.

CORRECT ✓ Both clews level ✓ Even luff curl POLE TOO HIGH ✗ Clew higher than tack ✗ Bottom luff curls first POLE TOO FORWARD ✗ Top luff curls first → Pull guy (pole aft) Adjustment Guide: Pole Height: Use topping lift (raise) and downhaul (lower) • Goal: Tack and clew at same height • In strong wind: Lower slightly to open leech and depower Pole Angle: Adjust guy tension • Pole ≈ 90° to apparent wind • Top curls → ease guy (pole forward) • Bottom curls → pull guy (pole aft) ✓ Perfect trim: Even, gentle luff curl from head to tack
Pole height and angle adjustments: aim for both clews level and even luff curl. Adjust topping lift/downhaul for height; guy tension for angle.

Adjustment technique:

  • Pole height: Use topping lift (raise) and downhaul (lower). Goal: tack and clew at same height. In stronger winds, lower slightly to open leech.
  • Pole angle: Adjust guy tension. Pole should be roughly square (90°) to apparent wind. If luff curls more at top, pull guy (pole aft); if bottom curls first, ease guy (pole forward).
  • Check: Spinnaker luff should show an even, gentle curl from head to tack when trimmed correctly.
Recover from near-broach situations

What you need to achieve: Recognize early warning signs and take corrective action to prevent loss of control.

Recovery steps:

  1. Recognize signs: Excessive heel to leeward, helm feels heavy weather helm, boat turning uncontrollably upwind.
  2. Ease spinnaker sheet: Let spinnaker luff completely (this is the primary depower action).
  3. Bear away: Helm pushes tiller firmly to leeward to turn bow downwind and reduce heel.
  4. Crew weight: Move weight to windward and forward to help flatten boat.
  5. Re-establish control: Once upright and on course, gradually re-trim spinnaker sheet.
  6. Prevention: Keep boat flat, watch for gusts, be ready to ease sheet preemptively in strong puffs.

Asymmetric Spinnaker

Identify and rig asymmetric spinnaker equipment

What you need to achieve: Set up bowsprit/prod, continuous sheets, and tack line correctly.

WIND BOWSPRIT HEAD Halyard TACK (on bowsprit) Tack line Port CLEW Stbd CLEW SHEET (active) Lazy sheet Crew Crew Key differences from symmetric: • Tack fixed to bowsprit (not on pole) • Continuous sheets run through both clews • Active sheet = windward side • No pole to move during gybe • Best on reaches (90-140° TWA)
Asymmetric spinnaker: tack fixed to bowsprit, continuous sheet through both clews, head on halyard. No pole required; sheet-to-sheet gybes.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Identify corners: Head (top, attached to halyard), tack (forward point, to bowsprit), two clews (port and starboard sheet corners).
  2. Extend bowsprit: Push out or secure bowsprit/prod; attach tack line to end fitting.
  3. Attach tack: Connect tack of spinnaker to tack line on bowsprit end.
  4. Rig continuous sheets: Run single line through both clews, outside all rigging; ensure each end is accessible to crew on each side.
  5. Halyard attachment: Connect halyard to head; run outside all rigging.
  6. Pack sail: Stuff into chute or bag with head accessible; tack secured to bowsprit ready to deploy.
Hoist, trim, gybe and drop an asymmetric spinnaker

What you need to achieve: Perform sheet-to-sheet gybes and controlled takedowns (windward, leeward, or letterbox drop).

Hoisting procedure:

  1. Course: Bear away to reach or broad reach (asymmetric works best at 90-140° to true wind).
  2. Hoist: Pull halyard smoothly; sail deploys forward and fills as it rises.
  3. Trim: Pull active sheet (windward side) until luff just begins to curl; keep tack line tight.

Gybing procedure (sheet-to-sheet):

  1. Approach: Bear away toward dead downwind; ease active sheet slightly so sail moves forward.
  2. Gybe mainsail: Helm brings boom across; call "Gybe-ho!"
  3. Sheet transfer: As boom crosses, spinnaker naturally moves to new leeward side; crew releases old sheet and trims new sheet (what was lazy sheet becomes active).
  4. Shape: Re-trim for optimal luff curl on new gybe.
  5. No pole movement needed — the asymmetric flies from fixed bowsprit and sheets to each side.

Dropping procedures:

Windward drop:

  1. Bear away; ease sheet fully so sail is flying free to leeward.
  2. Crew gathers windward (lazy) clew first, pulling sail around forestay to windward side of boat.
  3. Ease halyard as crew retrieves sail into cockpit; mainsail keeps spinnaker blanketed.

Leeward drop:

  1. Head up to close reach; sheet spinnaker in hard.
  2. Crew releases halyard; gather leeward clew (active sheet side) and pull down under boom.
  3. Pull entire sail down to leeward into cockpit.

Letterbox drop:

  1. Bear away to run; spinnaker flies forward of mainsail.
  2. Release halyard slowly; crew gathers foot of sail and pulls down into the gap ("letterbox") between boom and mainsail.
  3. Retrieve entire sail through this gap into cockpit; prevents sail going in water.
Select optimal courses and recognize mode changes

What you need to achieve: Understand when to sail high and fast ("heat up" mode) vs low and deep ("soak" mode).

Course selection guide:

  • Best VMG angles: Asymmetric performs best on reaches (90-140° to true wind). Avoid dead downwind — you'll be faster gybing downwind on reaches.
  • "Heat up" mode: Sail higher (closer to wind), sheet harder, maximize boat speed. Use in moderate to strong wind or when you need speed.
  • "Soak" mode: Sail lower (deeper angle), ease sheet more, maximize distance made downwind. Use in light winds or when the next mark is dead downwind.
  • Decision factors: Wind strength, sea state, point-to-point course requirements, boat handling confidence.

Rigging

Proper rigging of spinnaker and trapeze equipment is essential for safe and effective sailing.

Initial Boat Setup for Kites & Wires

Setup considerations for advanced sailing:

  • Mast rake: Slightly more rake (mast tilted aft) can help with downwind stability when flying spinnaker; reduces weather helm
  • Shroud tension: Firm enough to support trapeze loading; check for excessive mast bend or wobble
  • Jib/foresail setup: If sailing with spinnaker and jib simultaneously, ensure jib sheets don't interfere with spinnaker sheets
  • Centreboard position: Partially raised when running with spinnaker (reduces wetted surface); fully down when reaching or trapezing upwind
  • Weight distribution: With trapeze, crew weight is further out and higher; may need to adjust helm position slightly aft for trim
  • Control line organization: Ensure all spinnaker sheets, guys, and trapeze adjusters are clearly labeled and run to accessible positions

Spinnaker Equipment Care

Post-sailing care procedure:

  1. Rinse with fresh water: Immediately after sailing in saltwater; hang or lay out to drain
  2. Check for damage: Inspect all seams, corners, and fabric for tears, chafe, or wear
  3. Dry completely: Never pack a wet spinnaker (causes mildew and rot); hang in well-ventilated area until fully dry
  4. Pack systematically:
    • For bag: Lay flat; find center seam; accordion-fold side to side, keeping three corners separate and identifiable. Stuff into bag with head accessible for halyard attachment
    • For chute: Feed head first into chute, followed by body, with tack and clew last. Use rubber bands or turtle to secure corners and prevent premature deployment
  5. Store in dry location: Keep in sail bag or chute; avoid prolonged UV exposure and damp environments
  6. Periodic inspection: Before each season, re-inspect all seams and repair any minor damage before it worsens

Line Management

Pole and Bowsprit Maintenance

Trapeze System Maintenance

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Spinnaker won't fill or keeps collapsing:

  • Cause: Sailing too deep (dead downwind with asymmetric), sheets too tight, or twist in spinnaker
  • Solution: Head up 10-20° to better angle; ease sheets; if twisted, drop and check rigging

Spinnaker wraps around forestay ("hourglass"):

  • Cause: Lines twisted during packing, or sheet crossed under guy before hoist
  • Solution: Ease all lines completely; gybe mainsail to opposite tack; spinnaker may unwrap; if not, lower and repack carefully

Can't release trapeze hook:

  • Cause: Hook loaded under tension, gate jammed
  • Solution: Come in slightly to reduce load on hook; lift ring with one hand while opening gate; if jammed, crew should assist or use safety knife as last resort
  • Prevention: Regular inspection and lubrication of hook mechanism; practice unhooking in calm conditions

Excessive weather helm with spinnaker:

  • Cause: Crew weight too far aft, or mainsail overtrimmed
  • Solution: Move crew weight forward; ease mainsheet; raise centreboard slightly; consider reducing main twist with vang

Trapeze

Fit and adjust trapeze harness; perform safety checks

What you need to achieve: Wear harness correctly and verify all safety systems before going afloat.

CORRECT POSITION 90° ✓ Body perpendicular to boat ✓ Knees slightly bent ✓ Weight on feet & harness COMMON ERRORS 1. Leaning too far back ✗ Unstable 2. Not extended enough ✗ Less leverage Pre-Sail Safety Checks: • Harness: Snug fit on hips, hook at navel height, leg straps firm but not restrictive • Hook: Inspect for wear/cracks, spring gate closes fully, no sharp edges • Wire & Handle: No broken strands, ring secure, handle not frayed, shock cord intact • Practice: Hook/unhook on shore several times before launching
Correct trapeze position: body perpendicular to boat, knees slightly bent, weight balanced. Always perform safety checks before sailing.

Fitting and safety check procedure:

  1. Choose correct size: Harness should sit snugly on hips, hook at navel height when standing.
  2. Adjust leg straps: Firm but not restrictive; you should be able to get two fingers under straps.
  3. Check hook: Inspect for wear, cracks, sharp edges; ensure spring-loaded gate closes fully.
  4. Check trapeze wire: Inspect ring for wear; check handle is secure and not frayed; verify shock cord/elastic is intact.
  5. Practice hook on/off on shore: Hook and unhook from wire several times to confirm smooth operation and build muscle memory.
  6. Quick-release test: If harness has quick-release buckles, confirm you can open them quickly while wearing harness.

Hook on/off safely; move from sitting to full extension

What you need to achieve: Execute smooth, safe transitions in and out of trapeze with correct sequence.

Going out (hooking on) sequence:

  1. Communication: Crew calls "Ready to trapeze"; helm confirms wind strength and steadies boat.
  2. Sit on side deck: Face forward, feet in toe straps or on gunwale edge.
  3. Hook on: Reach up, grab trapeze handle, pull ring down and hook it firmly onto harness hook. Confirm it's seated properly.
  4. Grab handle with both hands: Keep weight low initially.
  5. Step out: Place back foot on gunwale, then front foot; keep knees bent and weight on handle.
  6. Extend: Gradually straighten legs, leaning back as you extend; keep body perpendicular to boat, knees slightly bent.
  7. Release one hand: Once stable, one hand on handle for balance; free hand controls jib sheet.

Coming in (hooking off) sequence:

  1. Both hands on handle: Transfer sheet control; grip handle with both hands.
  2. Bend knees: Crouch down toward gunwale edge, keeping hook engaged.
  3. Step in: Bring back foot into cockpit first, then front foot.
  4. Sit on side deck: Keep handle in hand while sitting down.
  5. Unhook: Lift ring off hook with one hand; guide wire back out smoothly.

Maintain trim and balance on the wire

What you need to achieve: Adjust body position and height to keep boat flat and respond to gusts and lulls.

Balance and adjustment technique:

  • Body position: Hips out, body perpendicular to boat; knees slightly bent for shock absorption. Back straight, look ahead not down.
  • Height adjustment: Most systems allow adjusting ring height on wire. Lower position = more leverage (for strong wind); higher = less leverage (for moderate wind).
  • In a gust: Move weight further out (extend legs more) or ease jib sheet slightly; if overpowered, come in partially or fully.
  • In a lull: Move weight inboard (bend knees, shift hips toward boat) to prevent heeling to windward; keep jib trimmed for power.
  • Fore-aft trim: Move forward for better bow-down trim in light winds and flat water; move aft in waves or strong wind to lift bow.

Tack and gybe on/off the wire

What you need to achieve: Execute smooth manoeuvres with safe footwork, hand transitions, and timing.

Tacking sequence (for crew on trapeze):

  1. Pre-tack: Helm calls "Ready about"; crew confirms "Ready"; come in partially, both hands on handle.
  2. Release jib sheet: As helm pushes tiller ("Helms-a-lee"), release old jib sheet.
  3. Come in fully: Crouch and step into cockpit, unhook quickly.
  4. Cross boat: Move across centerline while boat turns through wind; duck under boom if needed.
  5. Hook on new side: Sit on new side deck, hook new trapeze wire, grab new jib sheet.
  6. Trim new jib: Pull new sheet as boat bears away onto new tack.
  7. Go out: Follow standard going-out sequence onto new trapeze wire.

Gybing sequence (for crew on trapeze):

  1. Pre-gybe: Helm calls "Ready to gybe"; come in slightly, prepare to move quickly.
  2. Gybe mainsail: Helm brings boom across ("Gybe-ho!"); watch for boom.
  3. Stay on wire (option A): In light-moderate winds, experienced crew can stay hooked, duck under boom, and swap trapeze wires while remaining extended.
  4. Come in (option B): In strong winds or less experienced, unhook, come in, cross boat in crouch, hook new wire, go back out.
  5. Sheet transition: Release old sheet, trim new sheet as you establish position on new gybe.

Manage capsize risk and participate in safe recovery

What you need to achieve: Understand capsize causes when using trapeze; know how to recover safely.

Capsize prevention and recovery:

  • Primary risk: Crew too far out in lull causes windward capsize; helm loses steering and boat flips to windward.
  • Prevention: Watch for lulls; come in immediately if boat starts heeling to windward; maintain communication with helm.
  • If capsize occurs: Unhook immediately as you hit water; swim clear of wire; check helm is safe.
  • Righting: Helm and crew work together using standard capsize recovery; trapeze crew can assist by pushing down on gunwale or pulling on centreboard.
  • Re-board: Helm enters first and steadies boat; crew enters from leeward side; check all equipment before continuing.
  • Equipment check post-capsize: Verify trapeze wire hasn't tangled with rigging; check harness hasn't twisted; confirm hook still functions correctly.

What Next

Having completed Kites & Wires, you've mastered advanced dinghy sailing techniques. Here are your options for continued sailing development:

Practical Assessment Checklist

Use this checklist to track your progress and ensure all learning outcomes are met:

Symmetric Spinnaker Competencies:

  • ☐ Can name all three corners (head, tack, clew) and their attachments
  • ☐ Can attach halyard, guy, sheet correctly with lines running clear
  • ☐ Can rig pole with topping lift and downhaul functioning
  • ☐ Can pack spinnaker systematically for clean hoist
  • ☐ Can hoist smoothly with pole attached at correct time
  • ☐ Can trim for optimal luff curl (not over or under-trimmed)
  • ☐ Can adjust pole height so both clews are level
  • ☐ Can adjust pole angle (guy tension) for even luff curl
  • ☐ Can perform end-for-end gybe with coordination and timing
  • ☐ Can drop cleanly by blanketing behind mainsail
  • ☐ Can recognize broach early and take corrective action

Asymmetric Spinnaker Competencies:

  • ☐ Can identify head, tack, and two clews correctly
  • ☐ Can rig bowsprit and tack line securely
  • ☐ Can run continuous sheets correctly outside all rigging
  • ☐ Can hoist on appropriate course angle (reach, not dead run)
  • ☐ Can trim for slight luff curl on windward edge
  • ☐ Can perform sheet-to-sheet gybe smoothly
  • ☐ Can execute windward drop cleanly
  • ☐ Can execute leeward drop cleanly
  • ☐ Can execute letterbox drop cleanly
  • ☐ Understands difference between "heat up" and "soak" modes
  • ☐ Can select optimal course for conditions and objectives

Trapeze Competencies:

  • ☐ Can fit harness correctly with proper leg strap adjustment
  • ☐ Can perform pre-sail safety checks on harness and wire
  • ☐ Can hook on safely from sitting position
  • ☐ Can move smoothly from sitting to full extension
  • ☐ Can maintain balance with body perpendicular to boat
  • ☐ Can adjust position in response to gusts and lulls
  • ☐ Can come in safely and unhook without assistance
  • ☐ Can tack while managing trapeze wire change
  • ☐ Can gybe while staying on wire (or safely coming in as appropriate)
  • ☐ Understands capsize risks (especially windward capsize)
  • ☐ Can unhook immediately if capsize occurs

Safety & Seamanship:

  • ☐ Can conduct pre-sail safety briefing with crew
  • ☐ Can assess weather conditions and determine suitability
  • ☐ Knows wind strength limits for skill level
  • ☐ Can recover from capsize with spinnaker set
  • ☐ Can recover from capsize while on trapeze
  • ☐ Can care for and maintain spinnaker (rinse, dry, pack)
  • ☐ Can inspect trapeze equipment for wear and damage
  • ☐ Demonstrates appropriate clothing and equipment choices

Further Irish Sailing Courses

Racing and Competition

Boat Ownership

Expanding Your Skills

Remember:

  • Continue to sail regularly to maintain and develop your skills
  • Sail with more experienced sailors when possible to learn from them
  • Share your knowledge with newcomers as you progress
  • Stay current with safety practices and weather knowledge
  • Most importantly, keep enjoying your time on the water!

For Instructors — SBSS Advanced Instructor alignment

If you're coaching toward Kites & Wires or preparing for SBSS Advanced Instructor assessment, focus on:

Teaching Methodology

Assessment Criteria & Sign-Off

Students must demonstrate:

  • Consistent competence: Able to repeat skills successfully in appropriate conditions (not just once)
  • Independent operation: Can perform tasks without prompting or constant supervision
  • Safety awareness: Recognizes hazards, communicates effectively, makes sound decisions
  • Equipment knowledge: Names parts correctly, rigs/de-rigs without errors, performs maintenance checks
  • Adaptability: Adjusts technique for varying wind/sea conditions

Common Faults & Corrections

Symmetric Spinnaker:

  • Pole too high: Clew flies higher than tack → lower pole with downhaul
  • Pole too far forward: Bottom luff curls first → pull guy to move pole aft
  • Sheet over-trimmed: Spinnaker stalls, no visible luff curl → ease sheet until curl appears
  • Twisted spinnaker: Lines crossed around forestay → check pre-hoist; may need to drop and repack

Asymmetric Spinnaker:

  • Sailing too low: Spinnaker collapses or wraps → head up 10-20° to optimal reach angle
  • Sheet too tight: Sail stalls, no forward drive → ease sheet, look for slight luff curl
  • Poor gybe: Spinnaker fills behind mainsail → bear away more before gybing; time boom cross with spinnaker movement

Trapeze:

  • Hooking on incorrectly: Hook not fully engaged → practice on shore; check audible click
  • Body position: Leaning back too far or not enough → body perpendicular to boat, hips out, knees bent
  • Slow transitions: Taking too long to come in/go out → practice sequence; use both hands on handle initially
  • Not responding to conditions: Too far out in lull or not far enough in gust → watch wind, communicate with helm

Debrief & Progression

For full SBSS instructor competencies, refer to the SBSS Advanced Instructor Handbook embedded in the Introduction section above.

Quiz — Kites & Wires































































This guide is based on the Irish Sailing Kites & Wires V2 syllabus with step-by-step procedures to help you achieve each learning outcome. For exact assessment criteria and official wording, always refer to the PDFs in the Overview section above. Test your knowledge with the quiz below.