Learn the basics of sailing larger yachts and have fun at the same time – it’s sure to be an appetizer for more! Receive a RYA Start Yachting certificate on successful completion.
Holders of the “RYA Start Yachting” certificate can progress to the RYA Competent Crew certificate by completing; both our“Boat Skills “ course together with the “Passage making course”. Or if they wish enjoy the 5 day live-aboard RYA Competent Crew course.
Course content: RYA Start Yachting
Duration: 2 Day weekend, or weekday by arrangement
By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
- The yacht: basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a yacht, her rigging and sails.
- Yacht underway: experience sailing on all points of sailing.
- Sail handling, use of halyards, sheets and winches
- Rules of the road: keeping an efficient lookout
- Clothes and equipment: wearing of safety harnesses and lifejackets
- Emergency equipment and precautions: hazards on board, actions to take in event of an emergency
- Ropework: tie key knots, secure a rope to a cleat, how to use winches and jamming cleats
Course content: Boat Skills
Duration: 3 half days on a twilight basis or weekend by arrangement
By the end of the course you will have gained greater experience and confidence in handling a yacht under sail and power.
- Basic boat handling under power, berthing and use of dock lines.
- Sail handling, raising and changing sails, reefing, sail shape control
- Helming under sail, balance, and sail trim. MOB simulation under sail.
- Safety equipment and radio operation
- Basic navigation, compass, variation, deviation and buoyage.
- Communications and general duties.
- Anchoring, and Tender usage
- May also be taken as a stand alone course to hone your skills
Course content: Passage Making
Duration: 2.5 Day weekend (inc night sailing) weekdays by arrangement.
- Basic passage planning and pilotage , rules of the road.
- Understanding and interpreting weather forecasts
- Advanced sailing and helming, MOB under power
- Manners and customs
- Sailing after dark, inc buoyage and lights
- Sailing in tidal flow, course to steer
- May also be taken as a stand alone course to hone your skills