In a previous blog, we discussed what the first steps are when you want to learn to sail. It pointed towards RYA Competent Crew & RYA Day Skipper Theory being the perfect starting place for a beginner just setting off on their sailing adventure. So you’ve completed both beginner courses. What’s next? The answer is to take a step up and complete your RYA Day Skipper Practical.
Do you actually need to have completed the prior courses to do RYA Day Skipper Practical?
The Short Answer is no. If you possess a comparable level of skill as someone who has completed competent crew then you should be okay. With Day Skipper Theory, the same idea applies. If you have comparable navigational knowledge you should be okay. However, it never hurts to formalize your qualifications. The only thing we need from you is to know you’ve completed 5 days, 100 miles and 4 night hours of sailing.
What RYA Day Skipper Practical teaches you?
Over five days our experienced instructors will teach you the ins and outs of how to skipper a yacht correctly and safely. But just as vital you will be taught what to do when things go wrong. You’ll be guided through a short passage with the safety net of your instructor. You sleep and eat on board. Like Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical can be done over two weekends or five consecutive days so there is a bit of flexibility. For specific course content please see the link below.
www.firstclasssailing.com/first-class-sailing-rya-course-progression-plan
What can I expect to do?
During the course, you can expect to be manoeuvring the boat under engine on and off pontoons. You can also expect to plan and conduct a short passage. Typically you’ll be up and having breakfast at 8 am (tide depending). At the end of the day, you can expect to be moored at a marina ready for a hot shower and dinner. Sometimes you may drop anchor for the night or tie on to a buoy. One evening during your five days you’d normally go sailing at night in the dark to get so night hours under your belt. The course is taught on a cruising yacht (7 to 13m LOA). The aim is to teach pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the standard required to skipper a small cruising yacht safely.
Where will we be Sailing?
You will mostly be sailing in The Solent, it provides perfect sailing conditions while being a fantastic place to teach. Due to its many harbours, bays, rivers, marinas, and anchorages, The Solent allows us to teach you all the sailing skills you need all in the same area. The Solent is big enough that you won’t be sailing to the same places twice over the five days. The Isle Of Wight gives some protection from the worst of the weather from the English Channel which keeps The Solent reasonably calm compared to being in the open sea. However, the complex tide tests your sailing and navigation skills.
Will I Need To Bring Any Equipment?
If you are a seasoned sailor, or have completed Competent Crew you should already have everything your going to need. Just remember First Class Sailing will provide you with state of the art Waterproofs free of charge alongside safety equipment such as lifejackets and harnesses. If You want to make sure you have everything covered you can find a full list of equipment you may need for your course on each course information page. Items range from simple such as clothing, sleeping bags, and pillows. To more specialist equipment such as Non-slip/non-marking waterproof sailing boots.
What skills will I have after the course? RYA Day Skipper Practical. What Does It Teach You?
On competition of RYA Day Skipper Practical, you will be able to Skipper a Yacht in familiar waters by day. You’ll also be able to charter boats in a place such as The Mediterranean. You could also obtain an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) by sending your certificate to the RYA with your application form. Finally, you can choose to develop your skills further by moving up a level and taking the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course, which in itself opens up several more course options. You can find more information about course options by following the link below.
www.firstclasssailing.com/first-class-sailing-rya-course-progression-plan
Want to get started?
If you are interested in taking RYA Day Skipper Practical click here to see availability and dates.
Find out more about this course by following the link below.
www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/day-skipper-theory-course
RYA Day Skipper Practical. What Does It Teach You?
