The sea is a beguiling place.

“An RYA Yachtmaster™ needs a wealth of knowledge, not only to cope with plain sailing or motor cruising but also to be able to cope in demanding situations.” Royal Yachting Association

 

Description

The course is a combination of a preparation course for your RYA Yachtmaster exam and the official exam itself. It starts with a training of the required skills under the lead of a skipper CCS who is also a certified RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and ends with the official exam under the lead and observation of a RYA-Examiner. The course takes place onboard a CCS sailship in the Solent (GBR).
 

Syllabus

Candidates will be trained with the aim to demonstrate knowledge or competence in a complete leadership on a cruising yacht. They should be able to lead a crew and a cruising yacht safely, also in very demanding situations.


In addition to the RYA Coastal Skipper, the following contents will be instructed:

  • Deep knowledge in International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
  • Safety equipment based on the RYA Safety Handbook and ISAF Special Regulations
  • Boat handling in complex situations
  • General seamanship, including maintenance
  • Responsibilities of skipper (communication, delegation, tactics, emergency, etc.)
  • Comprehensive knowledge in navigation and meteorology


Pre-requisites:

  • 2500 miles (at least 50% in tidal waters)
  • 50 days at sea (5 days experience as skipper)
  • 5 passages over 60 miles (2 as skipper, 2 with overnight sailing)
  • A GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate
  • A RYA accepted valid First Aid Certificate
  • Minimum age: 18

 

The CCS-RYA Shorebased Course is highly recommended, but not mandatory.
A passage should be non-stop by the shortest navigable route with no change of skipper. All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

 

Exam:

Practical exam, onboard the CCS sailship, under the lead and observation of a RYA-Examiner

The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals.

RYA Exam fee: GBP 210.00 (effective july 2017)
Successful candidates will obtain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Certificate Offshore Sail and can get a commercial endorsement.


Further informations:

RYA Website