Course in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers
Online 300-hour course in sail planning for competition cruisers. 6 modules covering ORC Rating Systems, IRC Rule and ORC VPP. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the inventory limitations in rating rules.
Draw sail crossover charts from the VPP.
Select sails according to the course and weather conditions.
Plan sail changes during the race.
Optimise the inventory against cost and rating.
Organise sail maintenance and rotation.
Propose a complete sail plan for a competition cruiser.
Who it's for
- Racing trimmer wishing to specialise in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers.
- Sailmaking technical adviser wishing to specialise in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers.
- Racing cruiser skipper wishing to specialise in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers.
- Navigator wishing to specialise in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers.
- Racing team manager wishing to specialise in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers.
- Rating measurer wishing to specialise in Sail Planning for Competition Cruisers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter sailmaking lofts.
What you'll work with
- ORC Rating Systems
- IRC Rule
- World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS)
- World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations
- World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Types of racing cruisers and their use1.2Inventory limitations under ORC and IRC1.3Upwind sails: mainsail, genoa and jib1.4Downwind sails: symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers1.5Code zero and reaching sails1.6Storm sails and safety requirements1.7Rating penalty per sail1.8Inventory for coastal and offshore racing1.9Sail lifespan and rotation1.10Case study: inventory audit of a First 40
2.1The concept of the crossover chart2.2Apparent wind angle and sail use2.3Wind ranges per sail2.4Building the chart with the VPP2.5Validation at sea2.6Overlap zones and doubtful decisions2.7Sail changes and associated losses2.8Adapting to waves and crew2.9Using the chart during the race2.10Practice: crossover chart for a 45-foot yacht
3.1Maximum dimensions under the rating rule3.2Area versus rating penalty3.3Shape and depth by use3.4Materials by durability and weight3.5Roller furling sails and batten sails3.6Headsails on a removable and fractional forestay3.7Technical dialogue with the sailmaker3.8Budgeting a complete inventory3.9Sails for reduced crews3.10Workshop: specification of a genoa for coastal racing
4.1Course and Weather Analysis 4.2 Selecting the Inventory for each event 4.3 weight and stowage of sails on board 4.4 sailing change plan by leg 4.5 sails at starts and finishes 4.6 Two-Person Crew Races 4.7 Offshore Racing in Bad Weather 4.8 Coordination between tactician and trimmers 4.9 Usage log for each Sail 4.10 Laboratory: Sail Plan for the Copa del Rey
5.1Hoisting, lowering and changes underway5.2Peeling and spinnaker changes5.3Code zero furler and furling5.4Reefing techniques and sail reduction5.5Washing, drying and storage5.6Inspection of seams, corners and leech5.7On-board repairs5.8Annual service at the sailmaker's loft5.9Hours-of-use monitoring5.10Case study: peeling manoeuvre protocol
6.1Yacht and race programme6.2Analysis of the current inventory6.3Analysis with the VPP6.4Sail crossover chart6.5Inventory proposal6.6Impact on rating6.7Usage plan per race6.8Maintenance plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ORC VPP, Sailcut CAD, Expedition, Microsoft Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical exercises are based on real procedures: drawing a sail crossover chart, planning the inventory for a season, and assessing the impact of a sail on rating. Assessment is continuous across modules, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the inventory limitations in rating rules.
Draw sail crossover charts from the VPP.
Select sails according to the course and weather conditions.
Plan sail changes during the race.
Optimise the inventory against cost and rating.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with ORC VPP, Sailcut CAD, Expedition and Microsoft Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry of Education qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Insurance for Autonomous Test Vehicles
Online 300-hour course in insurance for autonomous test vehicles. 6 modules covering DGT Instruction 15/V-113 (authorisation of automated driving vehicle testing), Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1426 (type-approval…
Real-Time Route Monitoring Course
Online 300-hour course in real-time route monitoring. 6 modules covering SOLAS Convention, Chapter V, Regulations 19, 19-1 and 34, Resolution A.893(21) Guidelines for voyage planning and…
Course in “hidden-until-lit” Interior Finishes
SEIUM's course in “hidden-until-lit” interior finishes is a 100 % online, 300-hour programme structured into 4 modules and 24 submodules.
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships