RYA Start Yachting

2 days in total. Can be undertaken on a weekend or on weekdays. Onboard accommodation is provided for the extent of your course together with diesel costs, berthing fees and all onboard meals. Special dietary requirements are catered for.

This course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course, participants will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board. Perfect for a complete novice to experience getting afloat and life onboard. Holders of a Start Yachting certificate can obtain a Competent Crew certificate by completing a further three days or two weekends of the Competent Crew course syllabus.

Course Structure

The Yacht

• Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails

Ropework

• Ability to tie knots; Figure of eight,

• Round turn & two half hitches, bowline

Underway

• Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail

• Can steer a yacht under sail or power

Rules of the road

• Can keep an efficient lookout at sea

Meteorology

• Knows where to obtain a weather forecast

Man overboard recovery

• Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard

Clothing & equipment

• Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids

Emergency equipment & precautions

• Is aware of hazards on board a yacht

• Knows the actions to be taken in the event of an emergency

Useful Information

October – March - £300

May – September - £330