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.

CC FlowchartCourse 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