RYA DAY SKIPPER THEORY
5 days of expert theory tuition
Introduction
The RYA Day Skipper theory course teaches you how to reach a maritime chart, gives you essential navigational skills such as planning a short passage and teaches you the key rules of the road, maritime etiquette and the various other rules and skills you will need at Day Skipper level. No previous knowledge is required, and you do not need any maths or technical skills. The instructor will be teaching you everything you need to know, from first principles.
Previous experience required
Some practical experience is desirable
SUMMARY
Duration
5 days (Mon - Fri)
Location
Ría de Vigo, NW Spain. Based in Monte Real Club Yates Baiona.
Price
500€
- No previous theory knowledge required
- Classroom-based
- Essential skills to skipper a yacht
- Required skills to pass Day Skipper practical
- All course materials, including course notes.
- Morning and afternoon tea.
What’s not Included
- Morning and afternoon tea.
- Lunch
All teaching is in a classroom, led by an expert JVN instructor. Class sizes are limited to 8 students, to ensure that you have proper levels of interaction with the instructor. Students come with all different levels of prior knowledge, but do not worry. The entire syllabus is taught from the beginning, and no knowledge of the syllabus is expected prior to starting.
Quality of the instructors
The simple truth is that shore based courses in the sailing industry are often taught by people who have done very little sailing outside of their local area. This hugely limits their skills and experience, beyond repeating the same anecdotes and lines lesson after lesson.
We are constantly learning, evolving and improving our approach to sailing and navigation. When you learn with us, you will be getting expert instructors teaching the latest approaches to the theory.
A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship.
Nautical terms
- Parts of a boat and hull
- General nautical terminology
Ropework
- Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use
Anchor work
- Characteristics of different types of anchor
- Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring
Safety
- Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8)
- Fire precautions and fire fighting
- Use of personal safety equipment harnesses and lifejackets
- Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone
- Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
- Steering and sailing rules (5, 7. 8, 9. 10 and 12-19)
- General rules (all other rules)
Definition of position, course and speed
- Latitude and longitude
- Knowledge of standard navigational terms
- True bearings and courses
- The knot
Navigational charts and publications
- Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
- Navigational publications in common use
- Chart correction
Navigational drawing instruments
- Use of parallel rulers. dividers and proprietary plotting instruments
Compass
- Application of variation
- Awareness of deviation and its causes
- Use of hand-bearing compass
Chartwork
- Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
- Techniques of visual fixing
- Satellite-derived positions
- Use of waypoints to fix position
- Course to steer
Tides and tidal streams
- Tidal definitions, levels and datum
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ANY OF OUR COURSES?
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
To provide you with all the information we can offer, this section contains answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What time does my sailing course start and finish?
Start: 09:00 hrs on Monday
End: 16:00 hrs on Friday
Do I need to book overnight accommodation?
Yes, unless you live nearby. These are not residential courses.
Is everything else I need included?
Yes, your course comes with all the course notes you will need. You do not need to bring any other equipment. Everything is provided.