RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Sail

Whats included:

Your RYA Yachtmaster Instructor coaching

Hire of yacht for exam

Not included:

Accommodation

Food

Mooring / Marina fees away from Chiavari Marina (split between course attendees)

Examiners travelling expenses

Cost of exam

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Sail is not an exam in itself, but it is the best way in which to prepare for it and the vast majority of successful candidates choose a reputable RYA course provider such as Just Sailing to undertake such preparation before they launch into the exam itself.

Initially taking the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course in the classroom for 7 days,  not only to gain all the knowledge required for the practical exam and thorough understanding of the Collision Regulations but also achieving the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased certification vital for progression to further qualifications.

Then to attain the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore candidates must pass a practical examination of their  ability to skipper a yacht. A successful Yachtmaster is capable of skippering the yacht on extended offshore passages by day or night.

Previous Experience Required:

50 days aboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles logged, 5 passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper (Half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters). VHF radio operator’s certificate and a valid first aid certificate.

There is a minimum age of 18 to take the exam

For personnel with less experience they may undertake the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Examination:

30 days aboard, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles logged, 12 night hours (Half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters). VHF operators certificate, valid first aid certificate*.  If an RYA Coastal Skipper completion certificate is held only 400 miles required.

*STCW Elementary First Aid the course must have been completed within 5 years, the STCW Basic refresher does not include this.

Course Overview: 

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail includes revision of advanced skippering techniques, close quarters handling under power and sail, navigation and pilotage by day and night, man overboard recovery and overall yacht management skills.

The instructor will assess your strengths and weaknesses and coach you in the areas required to pass the examination.  We are likely to concentrate on the following areas: passage planning, man overboard recovery, close quarters handling, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations. The instructor will debrief you fully as the week progresses and ensure that you get time to ask about and practise on any weaker areas.

The examiner will ask each candidate to skipper the yacht on several short passages and complete various demonstrations of their skippering and sailing ability.

The Just Sailing Yachtmaster Prep course lasts for 4.5 days at the end of which you are able to complete the exam itself, which takes two further days.

The exam is arranged following the course and will require the engagement of an RYA Yachtmaster examiner who will join the boat for those two days. Each candidate will pay 250€ for the travelling expenses of the examiner.  The cost of the exam is £256 paid direct online to the RYA.

We will supply navigational books, training charts and equipment for the preparation and exam, 50€ deposit (refundable after the exam) will be required from each candidate for these.

If you only require the practical element of the RYA Yachtmaster programme and already hold the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Shorebased qualification please contact us for costs and availability.

Note: Commercial Endorsement of Yachtmaster Offshore can be completed with your initial application form upon passing the exam or at any time after receiving your qualification.

If you want to apply with your initial application please ensure you bring to your exam all the required documentation as per the RYA website.

https://www.rya.org.uk/training/professional-qualifications/commercial-endorsements

Course Dates

Checkout our full calendar for further dates beyond these.