Security Note: The secure parts of this site use certificates from InCommon, which should be trusted by your web browser. If you have problems, please contact the webmaster.

Ratings

Ratings are the way that the Staff knows how much you know about sailing. There are a lot of ratings at the MIT Sailing Pavilion because there is a lot to know about sailing and many types of boats at MIT.

The table below lists all the current ratings. The table is ordered somewhat in the cronological order you would get a rating, but not necessarily. The level column indicates the proficiency level in sailing for that test. The boats colum indicates the boats you can use with that rating. The wind column indicates under what wind conditions you can use the boats.

The Guide column provides a link to study guides and/or a checkoff sheet that the the staff use to determine if you are ready for a rating.

Rating L Description Boats Wind Guide
Swim 0 The most basic rating needed to take out a boat. It indicates that you have either passed the MIT Boating Test (at the Z-Center pool), or that you are over 21 and have indicated you know how to swim to the same level. Tech Dinghy Low n/a
Provisional 1 Involves performing basic sailing maneuvers, demonstrating rigging and unrigging, and showing an understanding of safety precautions and right-of-way rules. Tech Dinghy
Lynx Catboat
Laser
Sailboard
Medium PDF
Crew 2 Involves demonstrating general nautical knowledge, terminology, knots, splices, etc. Our booklet, Sailing the Tech Dinghy, covers the crew test (as well as the material in the provisional). PDF
Helmsman 3 Requires a solo sailing demonstration in a Tech Dinghy in a strong wind — 18 to 20 knots. The Helmsman involves sailing upwind showing good hiking technique and use of the tiller extension, followed by a series of jibes going down wind, as well as demonstrating the man-overboard procedure. Tech Dinghy
Lynx Catboat
Laser
FJ
Strong
Lynx 2 Allows you to sail the Lynx Catboats in medium-strong winds, as well as during moonlight sails. You need the Lynx rating, plus experience, to lead a Harbor trip. Lynx Catboat Medium-Strong
Laser 3 There are two Laser ratings: basic and advanced. Laser Strong
Firefly 3 There are two Firefly ratings: basic and advanced. Firefly Medium-Strong
420 3 There are two 420 ratings: basic and advanced. 420 Medium-Strong
Moth 3 There are two Moth ratings: basic and advanced. Moth ratings can only be assigned by the Dock Master. Moth Medium-Strong
Bluewater 2-3 There are two bluewater ratings: crew and skipper. The crew rating shows mastery of skills such as helmsmanship, sail trim, line handling, and docking. Those with a skipper rating may schedule trips and captain MIT's bluewater sailboat in Boston Harbor. Bluewater Boat All Crew
Skipper
Board Sailing 2-3 There are three levels of board sailing ratings. The beginner rating is received after completion of the introduction to wind surfing class. The basic rating is for those who can handle winds up to 15 knots. The advanced rating is for those who have shown ability to sail upwind and in strong wind conditions. Sailboard Medium-Strong
Sailing Team Tech Dinghy
FJ
420
Firefly
Laser

MIT
Updated: 2016/02/08 13:30:43
MIT
Updated: 2016/02/08 13:30:43