Sailing Scoutcraft Badge

Sailing is a rewarding water activity that combines skill, teamwork, and an understanding of wind and water. The Sailing Scoutcraft Badge introduces Scouts to the fundamentals of sailing, safety, and seamanship while developing confidence on the water.

As a member of a sailing crew, you will learn how to rig and handle a boat, work effectively with others, and respond safely to challenges such as changing weather or capsizing. The focus is on practical experience, responsibility, and enjoyment.

Badge Requirements

Sailing

1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
   Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft Badges and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements:
   • Swimming Scoutcraft Badge
   • Watermanship Scoutcraft Badge
2. Water Safety
   1. Identify at least five local signs of approaching bad weather and three signs of fair weather.
   2. Explain when not to enter the water and why.
   3. Demonstrate the correct selection, fitting, and use of a personal flotation device (PFD), and explain the rules and good practices applicable to personal buoyancy.
   4. Explain the basic boating safety rules applicable to your area and how they are applied in practice.
   5. Demonstrate how to conduct a pre-sailing safety and buoyancy check on a small sailing boat.
   6. Explain the basic right-of-way rules between powered craft, human-powered craft (including canoes and rowing boats), and boats under sail, and how these rules help prevent collisions.
3. Types of Sailing Craft
   Identify and describe at least five types of sailing boats, and explain one key use or feature of each, including:
   • One dinghy
   • One keelboat
   • One catamaran or multi-hull
4. Parts of a Sailing Boat
   1. Identify and point out the main parts of a sailing boat (e.g. hull, mast, boom, rudder, centreboard) and explain their basic function.
   2. Identify the main parts of a mainsail and foresail and explain the function of each sail.
   3. Identify key standing and running rigging and explain their basic function.
5. Rigging and Boat Preparation
   As part of a sailing crew, prepare a sailing boat correctly and safely for use by:
   1. Rigging a sailing boat for sailing, including:
      • Stepping and checking the mast (where applicable)
      • Attaching sails and rigging correctly
   2. Conducting a pre-sailing safety check using a simple checklist that you have created.
6. Sailing Skills and Crew Work
   Function effectively as part of a sailing crew, and, as a crew member:
   1. Demonstrate correct roles (e.g. helm, crew, lookout).
   2. Explain basic wind direction and sail trim.
   3. Sail on the basic points of sail (beating, reaching, running).
   4. Assist with tacking and gybing safely.
   5. Take the helm and sail the boat on a simple course around markers, and demonstrate the following:
      • Getting under way
      • Coming alongside
      • Making fast.
   6. Show good communication and teamwork throughout.
7. Care of Equipment
   1. De-rig and store a sailing boat correctly after use.
   2. Demonstrate basic care of:
      • Sails
      • Ropes
      • Safety equipment
   3. Explain why proper care extends equipment life and improves safety.
8. Sailing Log and Practical Experience
   1. Build experience by completing a minimum of three hours of sailing, logged over at least three separate sessions. Note: The Log must be signed by a Water Activity Licence holder.
   2. Record in a simple log:
      • Date and location
      • Role on the boat
      • Skills practiced
      • Weather conditions
9. Capsize and Rescue Skills
   1. Carry out a capsize drill, including recovery of the boat.
   2. Demonstrate how to assist a conscious person in the water using safe methods (reach, throw, tow).
10. Sailing Knots
    1. Demonstrate the following knots and explain a practical boating use for them:
       • Carrick bend
       • Anchor Bend
    2. Be prepared to demonstrate and explain the 'Ropework for Water Activities' knots in the Watermanship Scoutcraft Badge requirement.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Sailing Scoutcraft Badge (PDF)

What You Need First

The following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

• Swimming Scoutcraft Badge
• Watermanship Scoutcraft Badge

Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads

Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:

• Helmsman Scout Interest Badge

Last Update

May 2026

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