RYA Yachtmaster Preparation

       

What is a Yachtmaster?
A Yachtmaster needs a wealth of knowledge and skills-not only to cope with plain sailing or motor cruising but also to be able to cope when things go wrong. Most skippers will tell you that this experience is gained not by sailing thousands of miles on passage, but by skippering yachts close to land, by day and night and in poor visibility; dealing with complex situations such as boat handling at close quarters, navigation in shoal waters in and out of harbour - and the negotiation of busy shipping channels.

Should I take pre-exam training?
Before attempting the exam, even if you have worked through the RYA courses, it is often worth receiving some tuition, if only to find out your strengths and weaknesses. At EastSail we offer this service. We would be happy to discuss your requirements.

Where can I take an exam?
Exams can be organised through us. We will arrange for an independant examiner to come and assess you and can provide a yacht for the exam if you do not have access to one.

What happens during an exam?
All exams are nerve-racking, even for highly experienced or professional skippers. Talking to the examiner prior to the assessment and making sure that you understand what is required will help you unwind. The examiner understands that the first hour or two is hard and will emphasise that the idea is to find out what you can achieve rather than pick holes. You will be asked to undertake a short passage, although you may have to plan a longer one. Discuss with the examiner what you are being asked to do. In general, you should skipper the yacht in your normal style.

Ability as skipper
The most important assessment on the day is whether you are fully in command of the yacht. Being in charge is not about shouting or giving a stream of commands. It is about leading the crew, communicating with them, making sure that they understand what is going on and listening to them when they have something to tell you. It is a quality sensed by the crew when they feel safe and confident that the correct decisions are being made.
Even the best skippers make mistakes, but the overall impression is one of quiet competence. The examiner is looking for this ability, which is based on experience and knowledge; hence the requirement for skippered passages before taking the exam.

Exam standards
The RYA distinguishes itself from its competitors by ensuring that a consistent exam standard is maintained across the world. This is acheived by:

• Rigorous training and careful selection of examiners - Examiners are hand picked yachtsmen or women who have usually had extensive instructional and commercial experience. Each examiner must undergo a selection and training course and their appointment as an examiner will be reviewed every five years by means of a practical re-assessment.
• Independence - RYA examiners are effectively “outside assessors”. An examiner may not examine a candidate that he has taught, examined previously, or is a personal friend. Examiners are appointed and paid by the RYA - not EastSail.
• Quality Assurance measures - An independent company is commissioned by the RYA to conduct QA, where candidates are telephoned and asked a series of questions about their training and examination. This information is sent to the MCA as part of the RYA’s commitment to the audit process.

Previous Experience Required: RYA Yachtmaster /Coastal Skipper Shorebased + Coastal Skipper Practical or equivalent. (Approx 50 days seatime - 5 as skipper, 2500 miles and 5 passages over 60NM (2 as skipper & 2 overnight) recommended)

Yachtmaster Preparation Course
This is an advanced skippering course for yachtsmen and women who have considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation and are usually aspiring towards the Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence. It is expected that you have attended the Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased theory and practical courses since your instructor will not have time to teach you theory during the week. Your instructor will fine tune your skills to prepare you for the Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence assessment. The course, like the Coastal Skipper, consists of skippered passages by each of the trainees in a whole variety of situations. It is a challenging but very rewarding week where your instructor will aim to fill any gaps in your knowledge. These offshore courses are taught aboard our Beneteau 40.7 and Beneteau 47.7 yachts.

Ability after Course: To be able to competently skipper a yacht on Coastal Passages by day and by night and to have the knowledge to pass a Yachtmaster Assessment. Your instructor will advise you on completion of the course whether or not you are ready to take the exam.

Duration: 5 Day live-aboard offshore course

Syllabus - revision of the following topics

Collision regulations Safety aspects Boat handling & berthing Person overboard Anchoring Towing Gear failure GPS

Ability as Skipper Preparation for sea Preparation for adverse weather                                                                          Passage planning & Passage Making Emergency and distress situations Pilotage & Port entries

Inclusions : Meals on board, Insurance, Safety Equipment, Wet weather gear and Course Completion Certificate

Cost: $1275 per person for 5 day offshore

Course Dates: Click here for course dates

Courses valid for 12 months, packages for 18 months from date of purchase. Prices are valid until 09/08. Refunds are not available. Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please call us on 02 9327 1166 or email us on eastsail@eastsail.com.au if you would like more information.