Failed US sailing written exam but passed practical test what to do?

[cruisernewbie]

Well I am a pilot and learning to sail ranks up there with aviation as two very difficult hobbies to master. It took me almost a year to earn my private pilot license so becoming solid sailing would take me at least six months to master the basics.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

But to teach someone to sail well and safely takes much longer.

My dad used to say: "You can teach someone to sail in a weekend and if they keep up on it they'll be good in about twenty years."

It's really not that far off. I'm on year ten of keelboats and it's shocking the amount of things I keep figuring out. I've got Navy sea time, a USCG master's license, and about 8k miles on my boat.

It amounts to something to be sure, but it's hardly enough to walk around feeling like you've got it all figured out. The sea is perhaps more humbling than wet.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by cruisernewbie

Well I am a pilot and learning to sail ranks up there with aviation as two very difficult hobbies to master. It took me almost a year to earn my private pilot license so becoming solid sailing would take me at least six months to master the basics.

Yes, just the basics. I was a mariner before I took up sailing. Still learning, cruising presents many challenges.

[knotnow]

Originally Posted by cruisernewbie

Well I am a pilot and learning to sail ranks up there with aviation as two very difficult hobbies to master. It took me almost a year to earn my private pilot license so becoming solid sailing would take me at least six months to master the basics.

Getting your private pilot licenses is permission to continue to learn with some one else in the cockpit. I’ve got gobs of hours in both. Thousands of hours in the air and 10’s of thousands off shore miles. Still learning.

[cruisernewbie]

Agree and thanks mates for the encouragement. Sailing and aviation are both lifelong pursuits that demand continuous learning and skill development. Sailing requires quite a bit more fitness however and is very demanding physically. I realized how out of shape that I was in the class. All my back and arm muscles are sore.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Yes and is not taught on a 7 day course. I've done those US sailing exams. They are not difficult with any sort of prep work.

I'd say to the Op. get more sailing in first chasing certs without some experience offend products bad results
Dave

Best advice here... You wet your feet.... You are now aware of "what you need to know"...

Go sailing... Lots.... Retake your tests after, and you will not have to think about knowing a significant portion that you were unsure of before...

[jackdale]

A tip on studying for the exams - flash cards.

I am assuming that exam is based on the US Sailing knowledge standards.

On the front of an index card write down the standard. On the back write the answer(s) to that standard.

I have flash cards for all of the exams that I have to write. As an instructor I have to get 90%. I am about to build a set flash cards for the ASA 214 (catamaran) standard.

Completing your own flash cards to 90% of the way there. Review the flash cards occasionally before taking the test.

Happy's advise is the best "Go Sailing!" That was what I was told after I completed my first certifications. I waited 7 years before taking my next course.

[cruisernewbie]

Thanks, I will go join a crew as rail meat and get some sailing experience while mastering tying the knots and being able to efficiently sheeting the mainsail and jib under pressure effectively and quickly for tacking and jibing maneuvers. My other skills such as docking, mooring and anchoring are pretty good. I will study and pass the two written exams that I failed.

[jeremiason]

Most US Sailing Schools offer free re-tests for written exams...

I am curious why you came on here to ask the question to begin with?

US Sailing tests are graded on the spot, when you complete the exam, so someone should have explained to you what your options were.

[zeehag]

i have been sailing deep keeled sailboats for 60 years and still learning...and i had a goood teacher...
there is always learning involved in sailing. even more in cruising

[cruisernewbie]

Spoke with US Sailing and will retake the tests locally here in SF at OCSC where I plan to do my sailing out on the west coast. Will join a crew to build skills and become solid in time. Need to master the basics first.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by cruisernewbie

Spoke with US Sailing and will retake the tests locally here in SF at OCSC where I plan to do my sailing out on the west coast. Will join a crew to build skills and become solid in time. Need to master the basics first.

Great

I started sailing on a race crew (Tartan 10 - Galveston Bay). We all start as rail meat and grinders, but work our way up. I ended up as a chute flyer.

I think it was an old Porsche ad that said "Racing improves the breed."

Cruising is a bit more relaxed.

Have fun.

[cruisernewbie]

Yeah being rail meat sucks but good way to learn after classes.