RYA Sailing Training Courses

RYA Sailing Training Courses are administered by the Royal Yacht Association, and are provided by many companies around the UK. They vary from starter courses for complete novices, to Yacht Master courses for the experienced yachtsman or woman. All recognised schools and clubs have to meet high standards of quality of instruction and safety, and only RYA recognised Training Centres are permitted to display the tick-mark logo.

The RYA provides a list of all RYA accredited training centres. Visit their website (www.rya.org) for contact details of these schools.

RYA National Sailing Scheme

The RYA run a scheme called The RYA National Sailing Scheme. This has been designed to help you enjoy whichever aspect of dinghy sailing that appeals to you, whether that be gaining basic skills, sailing independently, cruising, racing or spinnaker and performance sailing. All courses in the scheme can be taken in a dinghy or multihull (single-handed or crewed). The scheme includes starter courses involvng the introduction of the basics to enable you to get afloat, multihull courses to introduce you to the art of racing, and advanced courses to improve your skills both in dinghies and multihulls. Most are 2 day courses, but some are longer.

RYA Sail Cruising Scheme

The RYA Sail Cruising Scheme is designed to encourage high standards amongst yachtsmen and women, not only in seamanship but also in navigational skills. A series of practical and shorebased courses are completed and certificates are given. Certificates of Competence are gained by practical examination. The scheme is aimed at improving the enjoyment of yachting to all that take part.

RYA Yachtmaster Certificate

The ultimate goal of many yachtsmen and women. RYA Yachtmaster Certificates are only obtained by independent practical examinations by an RYA Examiner. To take the RYA Yachtmaster exam you need a Marine Radio Operator's Certificate (SRC or VHF), a current First Aid Certificate and a minimum sea time of 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles, 5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 over night and 2 as skipper. The examination is essentially a test of ability to take charge of a yacht, so your experience as skipper is most important.

Yachtmaster Diary

An insight into the Yachtmaster Training Programme including Day Skipper Theory and Practical Skills can be found by looking at Catherine Price's Diary which can be found on her website www.catherineprice.co.uk

International Certificate of Competence

If you are planning to sail within Europe the RYA advises skippers to hold the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). In fact many countries require visiting yachtsmen to hold this certificate. The ICC can either be gained by taking practical and theory tests, or by completing a course of instruction. Everyone must then pass the Inland Waterways test on the European Code.The Royal Yachting Association has all the information in a book called " International Certificate of Competance".Check before you set sail..