Small-Boat Sailing and the Trail to Eagle
Small-Boat Sailing is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 9 main requirements for Small-Boat Sailing. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the most likely hazards you may encounter while sailing and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
- b.Review prevention, symptoms, and first-aid treatment for injuries or illnesses that can occur while sailing.
- c.Discuss the Scouting America Safety Afloat policy.
- 2
Before doing requirements 3 through 9, successfully complete the Scouting America swimmer test.
- 3
Describe the boat you will be using for the sailing requirement, naming all the major parts and the function of those parts.
- 4
Before going afloat, do the following: discuss the nine points of the Scouting America Safety Afloat plan, explain the rules of the road, explain water and weather conditions, discuss warning signs of inclement weather, prepare a typical float plan, and discuss proper clothing.
- 5
Discuss with your counselor how to identify the wind direction and wind indicators.
- 6
Following the Scouting America Safety Afloat plan, show that you and a buddy can sail a boat properly.
- 7
Demonstrate a working knowledge of marlinespike seamanship.
- 8
Describe how you would care for and maintain a sailboat and its gear throughout the year.
- 9
With your counselor, review sailing terminology and the points of sail. Discuss various types of sailboats.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Small-Boat Sailing, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Small-Boat Sailing is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 12 Small-Boat Sailing requirements for you.
Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Small-Boat Sailing merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Small-Boat Sailing is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Small-Boat Sailing merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Small-Boat Sailing in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Small-Boat Sailing merit badge?
Small-Boat Sailing is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Small-Boat Sailing can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Small-Boat Sailing merit badge have?
Small-Boat Sailing has 9 main requirements with 3 sub-requirements, for 12 items in total.
