RYA Sailing Courses

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"Learning to sail should be on everybody's list of things to do in a lifetime"
Nikki. Competent crew student and editor of Cornwall Today

A Unique Sailing School

Dates & Prices for 2012

Eve's Sailing School is a recognised RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Centre offering practical sailing courses like Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Start Yachting on gaff rigged wooden boats.

In 2012 we are now offering a Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate Preparation Course and exam on our classic boat (38' Eve of St Mawes) for the first time.

Two traditional wooden boats & unspoilt scenery

Our main teaching boat is 'Eve of St Mawes', traditionally built in 1997. Based in the seafaring village of St Mawes near Falmouth. Eve has easy access to the South Cornish Coast with infinite variety of sailing destinations. On her doorstep are unspoilt coves, wooded creeks, wild and windy headlands, fishing ports steeped in history. The Atlantic Ocean is not far away and brings an abundance of marine wildlife.

We will also be offering Competent Crew and Day skipper Practical courses on Golden Vanity in Devon.  Golden Vanity has quite a history and has taken thousands of people sailing since she was built in 1904.  She is gaff rigged like Eve, but has her own very different character.

Why Boats with Bowsprits are Better

The voyages are 6 days long rather than the minimum 5 days so you have more time to enjoy sailing a classic boat. The skills you learn combine traditional seamanship with modern technology like radar and GPS, with the added bonus of a holiday on a beautiful boat.

The advantages of sailing onboard a traditional boat are many fold:
Eve is great for beginners. With long deep keels Eve has a sea kindly motion, un-cluttered decks and high sides so you can walk rather than crawl down the deck in rough weather. 

Without the mechanical advantage of winches you are more aware of the forces of nature. You must work with the wind rather than fight it, so that you learn sail balance and trim more instinctively.

For skippers, the stable motion of a deep keeled vessel and a large chart table makes learning to navigate a lot easier than on many modern vessels. Manoeuvring under power you learn how to glide effortlessly and gently to a pontoon or quay.

Success aboard Eve comes with a sense of achievement unmatched on a modern yacht. Your colours fly just that little bit higher.

We can also offer the following;

• Fast Practical Pilotage Weekends
• Gaff Rig Master classes – big boat handling under sail
• Cross Channel watch leader opportunities on Annabel J
• Mates Training and voluntary mate berths on Eve
• 60 mile passages towards your Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying experience
• MCA / STCW 95 Eligible sea time for super yachts and tall ships
• Advice on Super Yacht / Sail Training Professional Career Path- from Yacht Rating - Officer of the Watch - Chief Mate - up to Master (yacht 3000 ton)

RYA Learning the ropes

"You are more aware of the forces of nature and how you must work with the wind rather than fight it"

RYA Competent Crew

Best for beginners covering the basics of sailing theory, rope and sail handling safety and knot work. Step aboard any vessel and become a useful part of the crew.
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RYA Day Skipper Practical

Are you hungry for command? This programme teaches skippering skills and the practical application of navigation theory. With the support of your instructor, you take charge of Eve for short passages.
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RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & optional MCA exam

6 days of intensive tuition on eve before you take your exam at the end of the week.  Pre exam requirements - see details

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Dates & Prices for 2012