RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

an elementry course in basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology

The purpose of the RYA Shorebased Day Skipper course is to allow would be skippers and crews to learn about subjects such as navigation and meteorology, the principles of which are best taught in a classroom environment. The course is part of an overall scheme; we strongly recommend you consolidate your knowledge with a practical RYA course and experience. Below is a high level over view of the syllabus; a more detailed description of the syllabus is included in the RYA Cruising Log Book.
On Tuesday 23rd of Jan 2007 we have two places left on our Saturday 3rd to Wednesday 7th March Course, now at only £250 per person.

Experience Needed
This RYA Day Skipper course is an elementary course in basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology, suitable for beginners and people with little experience of yachts. Some practical experience of sailing would be helpful, but no prior knowledge is assumed.

Venue
Classic Sailing, Head Office, Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall TR2 5ET 01872 58 00 22

Start and finish times
Meet at 9am prompt on the first day of the course for registration. Expect to finish by 5pm on the last day of the course.

Overview of Syllabus
The purpose of the RYA Shorebased Day Skipper course is to allow would be skippers and crews to learn about subjects such as navigation and meteorology, the principles of which are best taught in a classroom environment. The course is part of an overall scheme; we strongly recommend you consolidate your knowledge with a practical RYA course and experience. Below is a high level over view of the syllabus; a more detailed description of the syllabus is included in the RYA Cruising Log Book.

· Parts of the Boat and Nautical terminology– The jargon de-mystified or how to tell a gooseneck from a goosewing
· Rope work – Types and properties of rope, knots, general rope handling techniques
· Points of Sailing – simple sailing theory, wind awareness, sail trim, using different types of sail
· Anchor work – different types of anchors and their application, setting up, selecting a suitable anchorage
· Collision Regulations – who gives way to whom?
· Navigational terms and definitions – Latitude and Longitude, position, course, speed, the knot
· Navigational drawing instruments – use of parallel rulers, dividers and plotting instruments e.g. Breton Plotter
· Charts – Information shown on a chart, navigational publications in use, meaning of chart symbols, chart updates
· Chart work – Working up a position from distance run, leeway and set - Dead Reckoning and Estimated Positions, Working out a course to steer
· Position Fixing – Sources of position lines, accuracy of fixing methods
· Tides and Tidal Streams – What are tides, what influences them, how do they affect me on a boat, how do I work out if there’s enough water to get my boat to that nice pub for lunch or that pretty, little creek?
· Compasses – Different types of compass, what are Variation and Deviation and how will they affect my navigation
· Safety – Equipment to be carried and how to use it, Fire precautions, personal safety equipment e.g. lifejackets, how to send a VHF distress message, Helicopter rescue procedures
· Visual Aids to navigation – Lights, Beacons and their characteristics
· Electronic navigation aids – GPS, limitations of electronic navigational aids
· Pilotage – Manoeuvring the boat close to land, entering and leaving harbour safely, use of transits , leading and clearing lines, IALA system of buoyage for region A
· Passage Planning – Purpose of Passage Planning, Key elements to include in a passage plan, What to do with it once you’ve prepared it
· Weather & Fog – Sources of meteorological information, terms used in shipping forecasts, Beaufort scale, interpreting forecasts for planning a passage.

What is included ?
On arrival you will be provided with course materials (chart pack and practice tide tables etc.) note pads, pencils, and a timetable for each day of the course.
The examination fee is included in the cost of the course.
Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be provided with suitable snacks.

Not included
Food and accommodation other than as mentioned above. Accommodation can be booked separately for Courses.
There will be time during the evening for eating in any of the local Inns, Snack bars, restaurants and Hotels. We will be glad to advise on the day.

Drawing and plotting equipment.
PLEASE BRING a Breton Plotter, dividers, calculator, pencil sharpener, rubber.

Accommodation. For local accommodation details click here

We hope all these offer great value for your visit and that you come back to the area to explore further, but if you are not happy with any of the above, please let us know, so we can investigate why.