| Sailing has been a hugely popular pastime, as well as | | | | As the next level up, you will ordinarily have to |
| method of travelling, exploring and invading, for many | | | | complete the Competent Crew and theory tests |
| centuries. Today it continues to thrive, with interest | | | | before being able to start the Day Skipper course. |
| being sustained by the promise of escapism from the | | | | Once again, it's a five day teaching process where |
| hurly burly of modern life. | | | | you'll get some real hands on experience of piloting a |
| But if you're just starting out and are looking to find | | | | yacht and dealing with the complete maintenance and |
| your sea legs, what is the best course to take? | | | | safety of the vessel at sea. |
| Where should you start? Well the good news is, | | | | RYA Coastal Skipper |
| particularly for those living in coastal areas, that there | | | | Whilst the two previously mentioned courses can be |
| is no shortage of sailing schools offering professionally | | | | completed over a couple of weekends if necessary, |
| run courses designed to take you from beginner to | | | | the RYA Coastal Skipper course must be done over |
| seasoned sailor. | | | | the course of five consecutive days. It involves a far |
| RYA accreditation is the recognised standard for | | | | more intensive training, including the first introduction |
| sailors of all levels. So when you're looking for a sailing | | | | to sailing overnight. It refines the skills developed in |
| school, you should always look for those that are | | | | the earlier courses for use in the more confined |
| able to offer a full range of RYA courses. There are | | | | coastal waters. |
| five unique practical levels currently available, which | | | | The Coastal Skipper course can then be followed up |
| are: | | | | by a RYA/MCA exam, which will result, pending |
| RYA Start Yachting | | | | successful completion, in a Certificate of Competence |
| This is very much the introductory course for those | | | | from the aforementioned governing bodies. |
| who are new to yachting. It takes participants | | | | RYA Yachtmaster Offshore |
| through the fundamentals of seafaring and the boat | | | | Last but by no means least is the MCA/RYA |
| itself. This will include an insight into the various parts | | | | Yachtmaster Offshore exam. This is the very |
| of a yacht, how to steer it and what you should be | | | | pinnacle of seamanship and is only available to those |
| keeping a lookout for. This generally takes two days | | | | with significant experience; including 50 days seatime, |
| and will allow you to move on to the next level. | | | | five spent as skipper, five journeys over 60 nautical |
| RYA Competent Crew | | | | miles including two overnight and the same number |
| This five day course is a slightly more comprehensive | | | | as skipper. As the highest attainable qualification there |
| version of the RYA Start Yachting induction. This is | | | | are a number of courses dedicated to helping you to |
| also a great place for novices to start, particularly if | | | | develop the skills needed to succeed at this level. |
| you have a little previous experience or are looking | | | | So when you're plotting out which course you want |
| to learn as quickly as possible. There are a good deal | | | | to take, make sure you pick one that suits your |
| more tasks involved in the completion of this practical | | | | standard and experience. RYA provides the most |
| segment. You'll learn the fundamentals of sailing, | | | | widely accepted definitive yachting standard for |
| including dealing with ropes, maximising your sail usage | | | | competence on the water. Their exams and training |
| and mooring techniques; teaching you everything | | | | provide the starting point for anyone looking to get |
| you'll need to know to form part of a yacht's crew. | | | | into and enjoy yachting. |
| RYA Day Skipper | | | | |