Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in small-boat sailing activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for the following injuries or illnesses that can occur while sailing: blisters, cold-water shock and hypothermia, dehydration, heat-related illnesses, sunburn, sprains, and strains.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Discuss the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy. Tell how it applies to small-boat sailing activities.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test. Note: See the Swimming merit badge pamphlet for details about the Scouting America swimmer test.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Describe the boat you will be using for the sailing requirement, naming all of the major parts and the function of those parts. Note: The skills may be demonstrated on any boat available to the Scout; sailboards are not acceptable. While no specific sail plan is recommended, it is suggested that the craft be smaller than 20 feet. The boat must be capsizable and have the capability of sailing to windward.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Before going afloat, do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Discuss the nine points of the Scouting America Safety Afloat plan.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Explain the rules of the road in general and any specific rules or laws that apply to your area or state.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Explain how water conditions, the hazards of weather, and heavy winds can affect both safety and performance in sailing.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 4.d
      Discuss the warning signs of inclement weather and what to do should heavy winds develop or a storm approach.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 4.e
      Prepare a typical float plan.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 4.f
      Discuss the proper clothing, footwear, and personal gear required for small-boat sailing in warm weather and in cool weather. Explain how choosing the proper clothing, footwear, and personal gear will help keep you comfortable and safe while sailing.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Discuss with your counselor how to identify the wind direction and wind indicators. Explain the importance of this task before setting sail.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Following the Scouting America Safety Afloat plan, show that you and a buddy can sail a boat properly. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Prepare a boat for sailing, including a safety inspection.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Get underway from a dock, mooring, or beach.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Properly set sails for a round-trip course approved by your counselor that will include running, beating, and reaching-the basic points of sail. While sailing, demonstrate good helmsmanship skills.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 6.d
      Change direction by tacking; change direction by jibing.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 6.e
      Demonstrate getting out of irons.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 6.f
      Demonstrate the safety position.
   7. # Copy link to requirement 6.g
      Demonstrate capsize procedures and the rescue of a person overboard. Note: Capsize procedures should be conducted under the close supervision of the counselor. A rescue boat should be standing by to assist, if necessary, and to tow the capsized craft to shore. Self-bailing boats are acceptable for this requirement. Extreme care should be taken to avoid personal injury and damage to the boat or equipment.
   8. # Copy link to requirement 6.h
      Demonstrate the procedure to take after running aground.
   9. # Copy link to requirement 6.i
      Accept a single line or side tow and maneuver the craft being towed safely for 20 boat lengths.
   10. # Copy link to requirement 6.j
       Upon returning to the dock, mooring, or beach, properly secure all equipment, furl or stow sails, and prepare the craft for unattended docking or beaching overnight or longer.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   Demonstrate a working knowledge of marlinespike seamanship. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 7.a
      Show how to tie a square (reef) knot, clove hitch, two half hitches, bowline, cleat hitch, and figure-eight knot. Demonstrate the use of each.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 7.b
      Show how to heave a line, coil a line, and fake down a line.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 7.c
      Discuss the kinds of lines used on sailboats and the types of fibers used in their manufacture. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Describe how you would care for and maintain a sailboat and its gear throughout the year.
9. # Copy link to requirement 9
   With your counselor, review sailing terminology and the points of sail. Discuss various types of sailboats in use today and explain their differences.