RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Prep 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.

To attain the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore candidates must pass a practical examination of their  ability to skipper a yacht. A 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 Prep 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.

Early in the week 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. Before joining the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience outlined above, navigation theory to RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory level and a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations.

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.  This is arranged immediately following the course and will require the engagement of an RYA Yachtmaster examiner who will join the boat for those two days.  The cost of the exam is not included in the course cost.

We will supply navigational books, training charts and equipment for the preparation and exam, 100€ deposit (refundable after the exam) will be required from each candidate for these.

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.