Day Skipper Practical

Located in Courses | Practical Sailing

RYA/YA Accredited

This is a beginners skippering course which does for skippers what the Competent Crew does for crews.  It concentrates on the two most difficult aspects of skippering a yacht for the beginner, pilotage and boat handling.  People who have never skippered a yacht, however experienced they might be as crew, should attend this course.  All skippers know that there is an immense difference between being the mate and being the person in charge.

This is a 5 day or 3 weekend course.  The minimum age limit for the award of a certificate is 16 years old.  The suggested precourse experience is that which would be gained on the Competent Crew course.

  • 5 days sea time
  • 100 miles
  • 4 night hours
  • The assumed knowledge is defined as basic navigation and sailing ability equivalent to Day Skipper Shore Based.
  • The navigation ability should be that required to;
  • Draw an EP
  • Have a reasonable idea of tidal heights and tidal streams
  • Basic chart work
  • Seamanship

The Day Skipper Shore Based Course obviously gives ideal training.

Sailing ability can be defined as being able to sail a boat around a triangular course one leg of which is to windward.  Gybing should not be a surprise.

Course Content:

  • Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below
  • Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions
  • Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and can take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to a buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or an alongside berth
  • Is proficient in chart work and routine navigational duties on passage including:
    • Taking and plotting visual fixes
    • Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
    • Use of waypoints
    • Working up DR and EP
    • Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
    • Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
    • Knowledge of IALA buoyage
    • Maintenance of navigational records
    • Use of echo sounder and lead line
  • Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from the harbour.
  • Understands the use of leading and clearing lines
  • Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage
  • Knows sources of forecast information
  • Can interpret shipping forecasts and use a barometer as a forecasting aid
  • Has a working knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
  • Understands and is able to carry out maintenance tasks
  • Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes
  • Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and to bleed the fuel system
  • Understands how to victual a yacht
  • Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard
  • Understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft
  • Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message
  • Understands how to secure a tow
  • Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
  • Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
  • Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing
  • Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew
  • Has experienced sail cruising at night, including leaving and entering harbour.  Understands the special considerations for pilotage plans, keeping a lookout and identifying marks by night

Included in the course:

  • All accommodation and meals on board
  • RYA/YA Day skipper Certificate on successful completion
  • Tuition
  • RYA Log book
  • Minimum 100 miles of sailing
  • 4 hours night sailing experience
  • Use of wet weather gear and personal safety equipment

The course is recognised by Yachting Australia and the Royal Yachting Association.  Certificates are recognised overseas and this course will enable you to charter yachts with most charter companies’ worldwide.  It will build your knowledge and competence as a safe skipper and enable you to undertake practical navigation by day.

Instructors are qualified to at least Yacht Master Level and aim to provide an enjoyable and fun experience as well as quality tuition. This course is a foundation to complete Coastal Skipper.