The Day Skipper Theory course introduces the aspiring skipper to the wide range of subjects needed to take a cruising yacht to sea. It provides students with sufficient knowledge to undertake the RYA Day Skipper practical course and assessment, and is also ideal for any one contemplating a bareboat charter holiday or considering buying their own boat.

Towards the end of the course students sit an examination and have their RYA log books signed off and receive a RYA course completion certificate.

The course is held in our classroom at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, or Royal Geelong Yacht Club, and includes all course materials (RYA course notes, CD, exercises, practice charts & almanac included) and coffee and tea.

Duration 
Held over 1 x 2-day weekend, 1 X 1-day weekend, plus 3 evening sessions.

Previous experience required
Some practical experience is desirable but not essential.

Course Content 

  • The construction, parts and equipment of a yacht, mooring lines
  • The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
  • Chart symbols, distance measurement, bearings, position & speed
  • Tidal heights and streams, Tidal atlas & diamonds
  • Anchoring
  • Visual aids to navigation, buoyage, lights, beacons
  • Compass heading, variation, deviation, GPS basics
  • Dead reckoning, and estimated position, course to steer with leeway
  • Electronic aids to navigation, including GPS
  • Meteorology
  • Emergency and safety equipment and procedures (such as distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, and life jackets)
  • Pilotage and passage planning in restricted visibility