DJANGO: Learning to sail

Exams, exams, exams

Boat Handling

— Links: https://www.sailingcourseonline.co.uk/Our-Courses/RYA-Coastal-Yachtmaster

In previous posts, I’ve acknowledged I’m not an experienced sailor.

My experience is limited to days out with friends and a crossing here and there.

Being responsible for my own sailing boat is completely new and somewhat daunting.

I have the basic skills but want to test my knowledge and make sure I’m ready for more adventurous sailing.

I need to be comfortable with theory and like everyone else learn through experience. I’m also bloody scared about parking / berthing her.

There’s a lot of options to choose from when learning to sail.

I quickly decided to do the RYA Yachtmasters course. It looked complete and allowed me to explore all the fundamentals.

I opted to use online courses rather than those that are class room based; limiting my time off work.

Courses

Here’s what I did:

• RYA Yachtmaster Theory by Urban Truant
• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical by Malta Sailing Academy
• RYA SRC/ Marine Radio VHF by Urban Truant (Course) and Malta Sailing Academy (Exam)

RYA Yachtmaster Theory by Urban Truant

This course promised to give me all the theory one would need. After signing up online I was connected with an instructor who was to be on hand for any questions I might have. I have to say the course was laid out well. The online experience was fantastic and the modules well presented and easy to use.

I quickly knuckled down and set out module by module. Terminology, Charts, Navigation, Tides, Passage Planning, Rules of the Road and Safety are all covered.

The guys at Urban Truant were great and helped me every step. After a couple of months of learning (night and weekends) I took the exam and passed.

I’m so glad I did this course and would recommend it to anyone that takes to owning a boat — any boat.

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical by Malta Sailing Academy

To get my certification I had a couple of choices. Continue with Yachtmaster or opt for Coastal Skipper. Given I owned a boat and wanted to use it I opted for the latter mainly for speed but partly as I didn’t think I was ready for the theory of Yachtmaster.

I joined a local sailing school and took a five day course covering all the practice modules.

I joined a boat with five other ‘sailors’ and hit the water. We mainly sailed, anchored and berthed. I guess that’s the plan but was surprised how much I actually knew and had experience with.

The instructor Matt was practical but thorough. He tailored all content to each individuals skill level and I thank him and every other sailor for passing on their knowledge to me.

Update: After a few seasons, I don’t regret the choice of Coastal Skipper. I now have more experience and crossings under my belt however I’m constantly learning about sea and weather. The truth is no qualification makes you a sailor only experience does.

RYA SRC/ Marine Radio VHF

This course is necessary and definitely a must for radio etiquette. It’s a couple of days learning plus a quick exam and a no brainier if you have your own boat.

Summary All in all I’m happy with what I’ve done. Now time to get on the water and get that experience.