Yachtmaster Preparation Course

Overview

Course Title: Yachtmaster Preparation Course

Cost: €875 + (RYA set Examiners Fee, £193 for Coastal, £224 for Offshore) + Examiners Expenses (roughly €30)

Accreditation: Royal Yachting Association

There are two levels of Yachtmaster qualification that you can be assessed for. Our preparatory week is designed to assist you to prepare for each assessment.

  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency, which is one of the most prestigious sailing achievements to gain.

Our preparation course is designed to ensure that those who choose to go forward and take the examination have the best possible chance of passing first time.  The intensive week is used to practise all manoeuvres both power and sail and also to hone all navigational skills by day and night.  There is a residential option if required.

To pass the practical exam, a skipper must display the capability to handle a yacht in all conditions and effectively skipper the boat avoiding all dangers and taking many variables into account.

Syllabus

  • Intricate Passage Planning
  • Preparation for Offshore Passages
  • Pilotage plans for entering into harbours and coves by day and night
  • In depth skippering including all responsibilities
  • Advanced Yacht Handling under power
  • Heavy weather sailing and preparation
  • Understanding how to abandon a vessel.

Our cancellation policy for this course can be viewed here.

This course is held on board either our Elan 36 ‘Beaufort Venture’ or our First 36 ‘Lulla Belle’. Both are 36-foot cruising yachts with 6 berths, full kitchen including stove and fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities.

We provide foul weather waterproofs from Gill Marine, though you will need to bring with you enough clothing for the course and a sleeping bag.

Qualification Pre-Requirements

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency

  • A Radio Operator’s Qualification: GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher
  • A valid first aid certificate
  • Sea time – 800 miles logged within 10 years prior to examination, 30 days living on board, two days as skipper and 12 night hours. Half of the qualifying sea time must have been accrued in tidal waters.

For holders of the Coastal Skipper Practical Course Completion Certificate the seatime requirement is 400 miles, 20 days living on board, 12 night hours and two days as skipper. Half of the qualifying sea time must have been accrued in tidal waters.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency

  • A Radio Operator’s Qualification: GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher,
  • A valid first aid certificate
  • Sea time – 50 days, 2,500 miles which includes at least 5 passages over 60 miles – with the candidate acing as skipper for at least two of these passages and two that have involved overnight passages. The candidate must have a minimum of five days as skipper. Half of the qualifying seatime must have been accrued in tidal waters.

Trainee candidates looking to build sea time are advised to undertake a coastal skipper qualification. Please ensure to have records of your qualifying passages ready in advance of the course commencement. Please see the RYA’s notes on Qualifying Passages.

Course Calendar

Course Date Spaces Left?

Prep Week 1: Monday 20th February – Friday 24th February, Exam: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th February

Monday 20th February 2023 - Sunday 26th February 2023

FINISHED

Prep Week 2: Monday 27th March – Friday 31st March, Exam: Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April

Monday 27th March 2023 - Sunday 2nd April 2023

4

Prep Week 3: Monday 16th – Friday 20th October, Exam: Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October

Monday 16th October 2023 - Sunday 22nd October 2023

4

Prep Week 4: Monday 30th October – Friday 3rd November, Exam: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November

Monday 30th October 2023 - Sunday 5th November 2023

4

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    Reviews

    star rating  My 12 year old goes to Saturday sailing club after doing summer camp. He’s hooked and absolutely loves it! The instructors are great and very good with the kids -... read more

    Gary C
    October 8, 2022

    star rating  I have just done the RYA Competent Crew course here, five-days aboard the 36-foot Beaufort Venture under the guidance of instructor Gary Curran. The whole week surpassed my expectations, and... read more

    PatrickKinsella
    June 1, 2017

    star rating  Very friendly staff and great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend for a day out or lessons. Paddle board and kayak rentals are lots of fun.

    Seandow103
    June 24, 2020