Yachtmaster Exam Preparation
To attain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore candidates must pass a
practical examination of their skippering ability. The certificate
is granted by the Royal Yachting Association in conjunction with the
MCA and is amongst the worlds most respected yachting
qualifications.
Many Yachtmaster candidates choose to book themselves into an RYA
training centre for some tailor-made tuition to prepare them for the
exam, but this is not compulsory. However it is possible to book a
Yachtmaster “preparation” or “refresher” course without taking part
to the exam as a candidate.
Exam preparations are conducted by our Principal Dominic Bridgman. During this 5 day course Dominic will assess your ability and coach you in all the disciplines required to pass from mooring under sail to “blind” navigation exercises.
Early in the week Dominic will give you an honest appraisal of your chances of success and will then address any weakness that may have been highlighted. During the course you will take command of the yacht on passages by day and night, and practice boat handling techniques under sail and power. Examiners expect a high standard of man overboard recovery therefore those drills are practiced intensively throughout the course. Other subjects covered include - passage planning and weather, preparation and safety at sea, maintenance, navigation, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations. Before joining the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience outlined below, navigation theory to coastal skipper shore based level and a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations, particularly lights, shapes and sounds.
At the end of the week Dominic will give you a debrief and leave you feeling confident in your ability. Normally you will have been sailing with fellow candidates for 5 days and you will have a solid understanding of Huff and her crew before the arrival of the examiner at the weekend. Each student is examined as they skipper the yacht on short passages and complete various demonstrations of skippering techniques. Dominic will do his utmost to prepare you for your exam so that you are relaxed and confident on the day.
| Pre-course experience |
50 days aboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles logged, 5 passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper. VHF radio operators certificate and a valid First Aid Certificate. |
| Exam paperwork | 1 passport photo with name and date of birth on the back, a First Aid at Sea certificate in date, a VHF radio operator certificate and your personal logbook. If you are aiming to become a commercial Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster you will also need a Basic Sea Survival course certificate, an MCA Medical Report Form (ML5 or ENG1), and an extra £20 fee. |
| Assumed Knowledge | You are strongly advised to arrive
for the course already having a thorough knowledge of the
Collision Regulations, particularly in relation to lights,
shapes and signals. The successful Yachtmaster Offshore
candidate is an experienced yachtsman who has a theoretical
knowledge to the level of the RYA Yachtmaster shore based
course
|
| Course content | Boat handling, navigation, pilotage, man overboard recovery and overall yacht management skills, Advanced skippering techniques in preparation for RYA/MCA exams. |
| Ability after course | By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines. |
| Duration | 7 days (Sunday to Sunday), 5 day
preparation and 2 day exam weekend with a maximum of 4
students. |
| Price | £600 + exam fees (£147) |
