Secondary Module 7: Radio Control Sailing

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Learning Objectives

  • Identify and explain key parts of a DF65, describe points of sail and basic course geometry, and summarise essential beginner racing rules.
  • Rig, operate, and maintain an RC DF65 safely by completing pre/post-sail checks, configure radio control and waterproofing, and de-rig for storage. 
  • Apply sail-trim and manoeuvre skills through dry practice (laminate boats + fan), and organise roles to communicate effectively as a sailing team.
  • Sail and evaluate performance in a windward–leeward miniregatta: execute a 2-minute start, record scores, reflect on teamwork, leadership and fair play.

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Lesson Description

This module is broken into five lessons :

Lesson 1 - Intro to DF65s, points of sail and sailing courses:
Students will explore the world of RC DF65 boats. Students will learn parts of this boat, points of sail and basics in course geometry. Students will learn the story of DF65s in the America’s Cup in the ‘STEM in Focus’ section.

Lesson 2 - Practical - Rigging, radio control and waterproofing:

Students will rig and de-rig the DF65s and get the boats ready for use including pre and post sail checks, waterproofing and battery testing.

Lesson 3 - Practical - Points of sail, manoeuvres and dry practice:

Students will prepare for sailing the DF65s in water by using laminate boats to show understanding of points of sail, sail trim and course structure. Students will also use a fan to practice trimming the sails and prepare groups and roles ready to sail on the water.

Lesson 4 - Practical - Sail & mini-regatta, derigging and maintenance:

Students will sail the DF65s in a nearby pool or safe body of water. Once safety checks have been completed, students will have a warm-up ‘free sail’ before sailing a windward- leeward course. Using a basic 2 minute Countdown, run a series of fun races, having a designated person record scores to find winning team. Students will demonstrate teamwork, communication, fair play and awareness of basic sailing racing rules. Boats will be de-rigged and properly maintained ready for their next use.

Lesson 5 - Optional 'Extra for Experts':
If time permits, students will begin the ‘Extra for Experts’ section. This is a series of application questions that are based on the reading and understanding of the entire module.

Please note Lesson times are a pacing guide. You can adjust the pace depending on your school's timetable/students' abilities.

             

Resources

Access resources here

  • Secondary Teaching Program (Linked to Australian Curriculum
  • Secondary Module 7 Teacher Guide
  • Secondary Module 7 Student Workbook 
  • Secondary Module 7 Student Workbook (Answers)
  • Secondary Module 7 Student PowerPoint
  • Secondary Module 7 Teacher PowerPoint
  • Secondary Module 7 Lab Request Form
  • Secondary Module 7 Assessment
  • Secondary Module 7 Assessment Answer Key

 

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Other Modules

Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5
Module 6 Module 7 Module 8 Module 9 Module 10