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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster theory

• Katy Stickland
• July 20, 2021

Racing turned cruising sailors Liz Rushall and her husband Mark go back to school to brush up on their Yachtmaster theory

Although accomplished sailors, Liz and Mark found their rusty knowledge was hampering their cruising enjoyment. The Yachtmaster theory course revealed a number of areas in need of a refresher. Credit: David Harding

Liz Rushall shares tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster theory course

‘Why on earth are you guys doing your Yachtmaster ?’ was the question our friends repeatedly asked. ‘Surely, you know all that stuff?’

We’ve both sailed since childhood, competitively racing dinghies, then keelboats. Sailing is our work and life.

Liz Rushall has won national dinghy and keelboat titles, but currently cruises a 28ft classic Honeybee called Ragdoll

Mark is a British Sailing Team coach, we’ve both won championships together and with others, and raced keelboats offshore.

In between times, since 2000, we’ve cruised Ragdoll our 28ft classic Honeybee, from Emsworth, having slow adventures around Brittany, Normandy, and the West Country.

Generally, we’ve arrived on the day we had planned, if not quite always at our estimated time.

Although I did my Yachtmaster theory some 20 years ago, it’s just like I have a Maths O-Level. It’s still a mystery to me.

Sitting the course at night-school, during an intensely busy job, with a bunch of powerboaters talking jargon knowingly, it was as if I was reliving the horror of maths at school.

Needless to say, as with my maths, I battled through the exam and unfortunately not much of it stuck.

Meanwhile, Mark learned his navigation on the hoof, cruising on friends’ boats during his student days and he is self-taught.

Good at all things involving science and numbers, he was always a bit dismissive of things like compass deviation.

We had a little hand-held GPS, a Walker trailing log, and more recently a very small detachable Garmin chartplotter and Simrad AIS. It all seemed to work – we were fine.

What could possibly go wrong?

You never stop learning

The real answer to the question ‘why do our Yachtmaster ’ was a wake-up call that came last summer.

We’d had a hectic few months, working late and trying to fit in our summer cruise around Mark’s Olympic coaching commitments.

We were both tired and needed a break.

Mark plotted our Channel crossing.

Normally I try to get involved and have a crack at the passage plan too, but it takes me ages.

Making sense of passage planning, including tidal heights and gates, is much easier once you’ve had a refresher. Credit: Liz Rushall

I helped a bit with the tidal streams (which I thought I was good at) and had a quick, over-the-shoulder look.

We decided to head for Cherbourg, to have options.

We dismissed the idea of heading straight to Saint-Vaast, as we’d anticipated a four-hour wait for the lock gates – tedious after a long crossing.

We left Chichester Harbour early, although I wanted to go even earlier.

As soon as we had popped out of the harbour, the wind clearly was not as forecast. It was more WSW than west, so not the reach we had hoped for.

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We were keen to get to France, however, so we pressed on.

It was a big spring tide, so we expected to get swept hard eastwards and then back westwards.

We reefed early, anticipating the wind against tide effect as we got towards France.

But it was a horrible sea. Our little boat was sailing beautifully but struggled to keep to our estimated speed.

We were consistently too far east of our course, even after the tide had turned, and the tide didn’t push us as hard west to Cherbourg as had been expected.

Still behind schedule, the water didn’t flatten out when the tide turned east again.

How to calculate position, estimate time of arrival and course to steer is all easily forgotten in a digital age. Knowing how to extract this information from your chartplotter is also crucial

Now very tired from hand steering, less than two hours from Cherbourg we had to concede that we simply could not punch upwind, with or without the engine.

The whole day had been a domino effect of one little thing after another.

So, as the sun faded, a quick change of plan.

We altered course for St Vaast, rocketing down on the tide, arriving just as the lock gates opened at 2300.

In the end, it was a good result, landing in our favourite spot, although it had been a very long day on a little boat with no self-steering.

After two days’ sleeping, having a sailing coach on board and racing in our blood meant, of course, a thorough debrief.

Naturally, over some lovely seafood and French wine.

We realised that our brains were not getting younger, and clearly there had been some ‘gaps’ in our navigational planning.

For a long time, I’ve felt aware that I didn’t have a complete handle on chartwork, despite owning a certificate that says I do.

The decision was made. Let’s have a crack at our RYA Yachtmaster and find out what we do and don’t know.

A course in ‘Johart’s Window’

Stage one of our plan was enrolling on an Intensive RYA Yachtmaster Theory course with the Emsworth School of Navigation – six days completed over two weekends.

Using dividers to transfer a position line from a scale is easier on a small boat than lining up a plotter or parallel rules. Credit: David Harding

Compared to my memories of scary night-school, the experience was a refreshing change.

Karen Dorontic, the principal, turned out to be an amazing teacher, with astounding levels of patience and a gift for not making you feel stupid, despite most of us coming up with some bizarre calculations and answers.

Her empathy with our learning process, the pitfalls and the mistakes we would make as we progressed through the topics and papers, was clearly based on her own experiences.

We had an interesting, mixed group on the course; a couple refurbishing their yacht to cruise around the world, two people who take people sailing on club-owned yachts, a Solent based cruiser, and my brothers.

One who, like me, did his Yachtmaster theory exam many years ago, the other a confirmed dinghy sailor now doing a bit more yacht racing.

Straight into the first session, and many of us were picking up some great tips.

Frequently things that sounded obvious, although only once you had been told.

For us, it was time-saving things, such as using the dividers to transfer positions from the side of the chart rather than struggling with parallel rules, and unlocking the delights of a Portland plotter.

Both were far more useful for our tiny navigation table. Then, there were the really useful ways of remembering things.

Who knew the cones on cardinal marks point to the black section? Easy.

Bizarrely, one of the most entertaining sessions was learning the Colregs (collision regulations).

We were in hoots visualising all those bells and gongs going off in poor visibility.

Yet once again, Karen gave us really helpful tips for working out lights, especially for towing vessels, which initially felt like a sea of colour we’d never remember.

The intensive nature of the course means there is a vast amount of information to process but without the luxury of a few days to absorb and reread what you are learning.

Almost inevitably, that meant some of us ‘hitting the wall’.

By day two of plotting estimated positions and courses to steer, I could no longer figure out Variation and Deviation.

The phrase ‘Error East Compass Least’ rapidly became another maths maze. Plus or minus?

The more I tried to think about it, the more it went wrong.

One candidate put his dividers down saying: ‘I’ve completely forgotten what it is I’m trying to achieve’.

I began to wonder how we’d ever got our boats anywhere around the Solent, let alone to St Malo, Chausey, and Tréguier.

Homework humiliations

With a lot of exercises to practise before the second weekend, it was hard to cram our homework into a busy fortnight.

Somehow we did, although mealtime conversation got down to the level of ‘what do two red lights mean?’ Riveting stuff!

The family WhatsApp was busy that week with shrieks of frustration as we all made chartwork errors.

Back in the classroom, we all compared notes. Everyone had struggled with their homework.

Mark didn’t get a single question right first time.

Liz found it useful to identify areas of weakness ahead of her Yachtmaster Theory course. Credit: David Harding

Number blindness set in as we all plotted the wrong information, dates and data and tried to use the tidal height tables to calculate tidal stream rates. We’d done it all.

One man owned up to plotting the date as a position on his chart.

At least we were all suffering in the same boat.

Undoubtedly, it was a painful process to go through, as we all fell into the pitfalls and traps deliberately set in the exercise questions.

However, it was true that practice makes perfect.

Through comparing our random attempts with the answers, we were all learning from our errors.

The fog is clearing

With homework horrors behind us, our practice paid off as we went through our exam papers.

Everyone passing the Colregs paper was a confidence boost. Bang the gong!

While we waited to hear our results, the bemused conversation went along the lines of, ‘Were those yellow and red lights a Hovercraft that was fishing?

Or an air-cushioned, displacement fishing vessel?

Details of the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course

Officially speaking, the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course builds on that which is taught in the shore-based Day skipper course.

However, for most people who have sailed regularly, then jumping straight to Yachtmaster theory is unlikely to be a major problem.

The course covers advanced navigation techniques including: position fixing; course shaping and plotting; tidal knowledge including secondary port calculations; navigation in restricted visibility; Admiralty publications and electronic position-finding equipment.

Much of this will be familiar to even the most casual cruiser, but as Liz discovered, some of the specifics might well need a bit of study.

The meteorology tuition includes the taking and interpretation of forecasts, plotting of weather systems as well as weather prediction.

Further courses

Many people who jump straight into Yachtmaster Theory may find that it turns up a weakness or gap in their knowledge.

It can often be helpful to identify areas of weakness and consider a training course that might help raise your level ahead of a Yachtmaster practical exam.

Several schools offer courses on many of the subjects in a Yachtmaster exam and they can help you to improve your knowledge.

On the other hand, it might just be an area you devote more time to in the lead up to Yachtmaster Practical.

Know your COLREGS

The one area where there are no shortcuts are Colregs; you just need to know your stuff – and finding the time to learn isn’t difficult.

So far as the MCA is concerned, this is the crunch.

Examiners are encouraged to demand high standards in this subject, and there’s no reason for a candidate, knowing full well they are going to be grilled extensively on this, not to have the regulations solidly in their mind.

The best way to be exam-proof is to invest in A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road (Morgans Technical Books Limited (£12.50), available for modest money online or in any chandlery.

Place it prominently in the heads some months before the exam and devote five minutes of each day to digesting its contents.

The book makes it easy and should leave you with no excuse for not having a thorough working knowledge.

Aside from the certificate, we both got a lot out of the course. Mark felt that it reminded him what he did know and reinforced what he didn’t.

Liz found she had forgotten some useful shortcuts during her Yachtmaster Theory course and put these into practice during her Yachtmaster Practical assessment. Credit: David Harding

Learning the processes and the ways to remember them, was so helpful.

For me, cracking the tidal stream rates was a revelation, and fears of secondary ports and tidal height calculations are mostly gone.

It will definitely help us explore places we never felt confident to visit because we have a long keel.

Karen’s many wise tips such as not trusting the electronics unquestioningly, and rapid plotting techniques will be invaluable.

Pilotage plans for new ports will now be a joy rather than a scrabble around through the pilot books.

We love our little boat, we sail her well, yet she will never be anything like the quickest boat on the water.

She needs all the help we can give her, which includes accurate navigation to arrive on time.

Having returned to the Yachtmaster theory I now feel that my confidence is up.

Mark and I now can’t wait for our next big voyage, to see what we’ve really learned.

Now there’s the small matter of our practical exams on the horizon.

5 key points to take away from our Yachtmaster Theory course

• Quick Plotting Techniques: Karen’s quick plotting technique really helps if, like us, you have a very small chart table. Simply plot your latitude using your Portland plotter or ruler. Then measure off your longitude along the top line of the chart from the nearest major longitude line eg 002°. Move the dividers down to in-line with your latitude plot and draw an arc on your first line
• Deviation and Variation: In the end, I solved this by learning to literally translate ‘error east/compass least’ and ‘error west/compass best’ into plain English! In other words: Compass error West – compass will be bigger than True; Compass error East –compass will be less than True. Learning how to use a pencil mark on the error scale on the Portland plotter to avoid the mental arithmetic entirely was another gem.
• Extrapolating tidal streams : One particular ‘lightbulb moment’ was calculating tidal streams. We’d only ever interpolated the tidal streams, estimating the rate between the mean spring and neap rates shown in the tidal atlas. The exercises highlighted that a big spring tide will be higher than the mean rate, and extrapolating this accurately makes a big impact on your course to steer.
• Remembering lights: Learning the lights felt really complex, but Karen taught us to look for the patterns. Remember a clock face for the number of flashes of the N, E, S and West cardinals (E is three flashes, South six, West nine and North continuous) is a great tip. For remembering the lights for towing vessels, adding an extra masthead light to represent the vessel it is towing, plus another for boat length over 50m, and another for tow length.
• Templates for secondary port and tidal stream calcs:  Rather than working it out from scratch each time, Karen encouraged us to develop our own, or use standard templates for calculating tidal information. It helps reduce errors, speeding up the planning process and saving brain cells for other tasks.

Key information on the Yachtmaster practical and theory courses

Why yachtmaster.

Although a Yachtmaster qualification is required for anyone planning to become a professional, thanks to the continuing efforts of the RYA, Brits who sail for leisure still don’t have to carry any proof of competence in home waters.

The certificate certainly remains the logical target of many a self-motivated sailor, though.

It also represents the icing on the cake for those looking for the reassurance of an external assessment.

Theory and Practical

Yachtmaster training can take place on a boat or in a classroom.

A shore-based course, either at desks in a school or via the popular Internet distance learning programmes, ends with a theory exam.

Success in this will help a student in later qualification upgrades, but it is not officially recognised.

The only certificates accepted by the authorities are those issued after an at-sea examination. To become a fully-fledged Yachtmaster, this practical test is the one that counts.

Coastal or offshore

In recent years, the old Coastal Skipper has been superseded by the new Yachtmaster Coastal certificate.

The qualifying mileage for this MCA-recognised qualification is 800 miles, with passage and night-hour requirements being regarded as fairly relaxed in comparison with Yachtmaster Offshore, which keeps its 2,500-mile entry level.

Either will serve as a proper Yachtmaster qualification and can be described as such.

Only the often-dropped suffix distinguishes the two.

Apply for ‘coastal’ and the examiner, recognising that you have less sea-time, will be more inclined to cut you a bit of slack.

The RYA has noted that most candidates are really only making ‘coastal-status’ passages.

In real terms this includes an annual trip across the Irish Sea, the North Sea or the Channel in a calculated weather window.

Yachtmaster Theory Quiz

Test your knowledge with these 10 theory questions. The quiz is aimed at those planning to join us for a Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore preparation week. This is NOT an admission test, but it is meant for you to check your theory knowledge and identify any gaps, so they can be filled before you join us for the practical week. Remember, whilst we will also review your theory notions, there will be no time to actually study them if you don’t know them already. And these are only a small sample of what the Yachtmaster examiner may be asking! If your score is not good, please consider signing up for the Yachtmaster Shorebased theory course. Fill in your name and email and click on Start. Select your answer and move onto the next question. At the end of the quiz you will see how you scored and you will be able to review the correct answers.

Yachtmaster - pre test

Test your knowledge with these 10 theory questions. The quiz is aimed at aspiring RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore. Select your answer and move onto the next question. At the end of the quiz you will see how you scored and you will be able to review the correct answers.

Hi, welcome to our Yachtmaster quiz page, where you can informally test your knowledge before attending one of our courses. Please fill out the information below:

What vessel would show these lights?

What is the name of this buoy?

What is the meaning of this mark?

What is the name of the Angle of Heel at which a vessel will capsize?

What is the compass course to be followed to hold a True course of 145 degrees?

What additional lights does a pilot vessel show whilst on duty?

You hear three horn blasts from a big vessel. What is she communicating?

What happens to the wind after a cold front has passed (Northern hemisphere)

What is the name of the fog that typically forms at sea?

What is the name of the line that points from you to a target on a Radar screen?

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The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Online Course by Ardent Training is an advanced theory program focusing on navigation, safety, meteorology, and IRPCS. It’s tailored for those seeking RYA Coastal Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Qualifications.

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This course is a necessary precursor to the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical courses/exams. Successfully completing the course enhances prospects such as yacht chartering, insurance premium reduction, and offshore professional skippering. It’s ideal for experienced skippers looking to extend their voyaging capabilities.

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• Immediate access to the course modules and lessons via the website for 12 months. • Participation in the student forum and discussions for interactive engagement with peers and instructors. • Live support from RYA instructors through chat, email, phone, or your preferred method from 0800 to 2000 (UK time) 364 days a year. • The student pack mailed within 24 hours, equipped with charts, professional navigation tools, and more. • The RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Certificate after completing the course and assessment. • Access to a fully video-presented course and written content for 12 months. • There is over 27 hours of video content, spread across 89 lessons. The estimated study time (including exams) is 50 hours.

Course Delivery

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RYA Yachtmaster Theory Exam

Upon completion of the coursework, we assist students in preparing for the online RYA Yachtmaster Theory exam.

The exam comprises three papers and can be taken at home.

Examiner feedback is provided after completion.

There are no additional exam fees unless it needs to be invigilated for commercial MCA purposes*. Our instructors are committed to coaching every student to a passing standard.

After completing the online RYA Yachtmaster Theory qualification, students gain the knowledge to navigate a motor or sail boat in day or night, and in challenging coastal and offshore environments. Students earn the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased certificate. To receive the full RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaste r qualification, students must complete a practical course or exam at a practical center of their choice.

The Ardent Training RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course costs £345, inclusive of all expenses (postage, tax, etc.).

[More information from Ardent Sailing Here]

For those needing to use the RYA Yachtmaster certificate for MCA Large Yacht qualifications, an invigilated exam may be necessary, which might incur a small additional fee payable directly to the invigilator.*

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Everything You Need To Know About RYA Yachtmaster Theory

In last weeks blog we broke down RYA Day Skipper Practical and how it fits in to your learning progression. RYA Yachtmaster Theory is the next step in that journey and on its completion you opens up RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course as well as several other interesting optional courses you could take. This blog will tell you Everything You Need To Know About RYA Yachtmaster Theory.

What is RYA Yachtmaster Theory? 

Being a theory course its shore based in a classroom or online via zoom. It assumes you have completed RYA Day Skipper theory or possess a comparable level of knowledge as it teaches you more advanced navigation techniques. You will learn about navigating safely on coastal and offshore passages. If you plan to progress to Coastal Skipper practical, Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore then you should be taking this course.

What RYA Yachtmaster Theory teaches you?

The course in essence will teach you advanced theory of navigation and meteorology.  For those with extensive sailing experience with previous navigational experience, the course builds upon those basic skills. You will be developing a comprehensive depth of knowledge and understanding of navigation theories, techniques and practices.

www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/yachtmaster-theory-course

What can I expect to do?

RYA Yachtmaster Theory is an in-depth course with a wide subject field. But in short it will include position fixing, magnetic compass, tides, tidal streams, buoyage, lights, pilotage, and introduction to GPS and plotters, meteorology, collision prevention regulations, safety, navigation and passage planning among a lot more to numerous to go in-depth about in a short blog.

Where & When Can I take RYA Yachtmaster Theory?

There are three different ways you can take Yachtmaster Theory. We offer classroom based courses in our Southampton (Shamrock Quays) location and across London.  The classroom based course runs for 8 weeks ( 1 evening per week) and a weekend, or over 2 and a half weekends. If you have a suitable space we can also come to your office and run the program for your colleagues. Due to the impact of COVID we adapted our shore based courses for online zoom learning. This became very popular over the pandemic and the flexibility it offers means it has maintained it popularity. Like the in person course is typically run over 8 weeks however is sometimes compressed with multiple lessons a week. Finally we have a purely online version that allows you to dip in and out as and when it suits you. Support from an instructor is only a phone call or email away

What Equipment Will I Need?

No matter if you doing RYA Yachtmaster theory in a classroom, via zoom or online, each format comes with a extensive set of materials to make use of.  All students will receive a RYA work pack of charts, tide tables, port information and mock questions. A website with course slides will also be accessible after each lesson to help you refresh you memory. Those taking the Classroom or Zoom versions will also receive s Cockpit Companion.

To complete the course you will need a set of plotter and dividers. We can provide them to you for £20 to be collected at your first lesson. If your doing the Zoom or Online versions we will courier them to you. You can also opt to buy your own however they will likely be more expensive. If you have already completed RYA Day skipper theory or have the comparable experience you should already have everything you need.

Lastly If you haven’t already got a logbook you should make sure you get one. They are £7.49. The Logbook is a place to record your miles and keep your certificates. It outlines the whole RYA Cruising Scheme giving the course content for each course again if you completed prior course you should already have one of these.

What skills will I have after the course?

On competition of RYA Yachtmaster Theory you should now have the Background knowledge you need to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night. You can now develop your skills further by moving up a level and taking the RYA Yachtmaster Practical , which in itself opens up several more course options. You can find more information about course options by following the link below.

www.firstclasssailing.com/first-class-sailing-rya-course-progression-plan

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• RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster Theory

Written by Endeavour Sailing on 10 October 2017 .

RYA / MCA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Online Theory

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore theory course covers the theoretical knowledge required for the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course and the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Examinations.

The course works on your Day Skipper Theory knowledge moving you onto more complex coastal and offshore passages by day and by night.

Course must be completed within 12 months.

Advantage of studying online

• Complete the course at times that are convenient to you
• Progress at your own rate with regular tests
• Anywhere in the world
• Dedicated instructor support 365 days a year
• Multi device and platform compatible
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean SyllabusRYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Syllabus

Course Overview

• Charts and Other Publications
• Definition of Position, Time, Speed and Distance
• The compass (including allowance for deviation)
• Tidal Theory
• Tidal Heights (including secondary ports)
• Tidal Streams (including interpolation of rates)
• Estimated Position
• Course to Steer
• Visual Aids to Navigation
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Passage Planning
• Safety and Protection of the Environment
• The course is 40 hours plus exam time

The exam is divided into 3 parts: Chartwork paper – 2 hours; IRPCS paper – 1.5 hours & Passage Making – 3.5 hours.

The exam if taken online will be classed as being not invigilated. If you require this as part of a commercial endorsement it will need to be invigilated, we can arrange for this to be done just prior to your course with us.

Previous Knowledge

•   Day Skipper Theory level
• Student pack: RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Handbook, RYA Training Chart 3 and 4 and the Training almanac
• Online tutor
• RYA Certification on successful completion of the course.

Not Included

• Delivery: UK delivery is free. European delivery is £20 and outside of Europe delivery is £40
• Course Plotter and Chart Dividers, these will be needed to complete the course and can be purchased when you place your order.

Recommended supplementary reading

• RYA Yachtmaster Handbook (G70 or E-G70)
• RYA Navigation Handbook (G6 or E-G6)
• RYA Weather Handbook (G133 or E-G133)
• RYA International Rules for Preventing Collisions (G2 or E-G2)
• RYA Stability & Buoyancy (G23 or E-G23)

You can purchase the above as either books or Ebooks on the  RYA Website

Enrolling in our courses is a simple and straightforward process. First, select the course you're interested in and fill out the form provided along with the payment.

After this, you will receive a username and password, and a dedicated online tutor from our trusted supplier, Skippers Online. Additionally, your course pack will be shipped to you as part of the enrollment fee.

With these steps completed, you'll be ready to start your learning journey with us.

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Ideal for candidates for the Coastal Skipper practical course & Yachmaster Offshore exam. Some revision of the Day Skipper shorebased course plus more advanced skills in offshore & coastal navigation by day & night, pilotage & meteorology.

Knowledge to the level of Day Skipper Shorebased.

40 hours plus exam time

Position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer.

Background knowledge to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day & night.

This is a shorebased course that can be taken in the classroom, online or by distance learning.

RYA Navigation Handbook 2nd Edition

£19.99

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• Practical Boat Owner's Reader to Reader

Yachtmaster Past Papers

• Thread starter plumrock
• Start date 22 Dec 2015
• 22 Dec 2015

Hi, I can see this topic has been broached a few times before... I've been hunting all over the web for a series of Yachtmaster past papers . Does anyone have a handy link - or even better - a batch of pdf's. Thanks, Pip Thornton - (North Cornwall)  

Well-known member

Active member.

Suspect You run into RYA copyright challenges I suspect, though I trust we are talking about YM Theory papers? However, you can buy the mock charts and question book from RYA  

• 23 Dec 2015

prv said: It's a practical exam http://www.rya.org.uk/coursestraining/exams/Pages/howtopassyourexam.aspx Pete Click to expand...

duncan99210

I've always understood that there's the shore based Yachtmaster theory course, which ends in a written examination and the Yachtmaster practical examination which is conducted afloat by a RYA appointed examiner. No matter what the Croatian authorities may or may not accept, it is the paractical examination which leads to the Yachtmaster qualification not simply passing the theory exam. There was a thread recently started by someone complaining that the RYA wouldn't give him an ICC on the strength of his theory certificate: it was pointed out that this was because whilst he had demonstrated his ability to sit in a classroom and regurgitate knowledge, he hadn't shown anyone he could actually handle a boat at sea.  

At the end of the Theory courses (DS, YM(Coastal and Offshore) you finish up with a course completion certificate, not a certificate of competence  

Its amazing what a simple question stirs up... I think it is obvious to ALL - that the YM Theory course doesn't make you a Yachtmaster... OF COURSE there is a practical element. I was just asking for some Past Papers to help self study for the theory prior to sitting an exam at a recognized ctr (to enable commercial accreditation). The RYA have been running courses for decades - so there will be loads of interesting questions lying around. In the RYA's typically 'stuffy' approach to learning (our way or no way) they don't make them available. I've just helped my sons through 'A' Level Maths... with loads of practice (past) papers EASILY available.  

RichardS said: It's the same qualification that the Croatians accept as equivalent to ICC (as discussed on the other thread) Click to expand...

RichardS said: I'm not sure why you say that. I've a certificate which says "RYA Yachtmaster" and I didn't have to go anywhere near a boat to pass that examination, just spend 100 hours sitting in a classroom and doing homework questions. Click to expand...

Gladys said: At the end of the Theory courses (DS, YM(Coastal and Offshore) you finish up with a course completion certificate, not a certificate of competence Click to expand...

rogerthebodger

plumrock said: you don't say... Just seems strange that the RYA don't have a supply of past papers (must have years and years of them). Would greatly help with self study for the theory ... Click to expand...

• 24 Dec 2015

NickRobinson

Rogershaw said: Our examining agency have 4 different exam papers that they randomly select so will not allow you to keep then otherwise they will have to keep on setting new exam papers which means work !!! Could RYA operate in a similar way hence no past papers available Click to expand...

NickRobinson said: 5/6/8+ years ago now but my RYA DS and then YM Coastal exams ended with the instructor/invigilator collecting in the papers and declining a request by one student to keep it, so yes. Click to expand...

RichardS said: One gets you a certificate as Yactmaster (Theory) and the other gets you a certificate as Yachtmaster (Practical), although neither of them specifically say this on the certificate. The Theory was far more valuable for me as I could have easily obtained a Day Skipper, Yachtmaster or ICC based on my practical experience. However, I could never have passed the Yachtmaster Theory as that required a much deeper level of knowledge of so many nautical subjects. However, this is merely re-hashing the previous thread where I listed the Yachtmaster areas of knowledge. Richard Click to expand...

RichardS said: I'm not sure why you say that. I've a certificate which says "RYA Yachtmaster" and I didn't have to go anywhere near a boat to pass that examination, just spend 100 hours sitting in a classroom and doing homework questions. It's the same qualification that the Croatians accept as equivalent to ICC (as discussed on the other thread) Having a boat certainly helped though! Richard PS I don't think I've any of the papers but I'll look later. In the meantime the attached might be helpful https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nt1h29mji9gxgbm/AABjzUaRH0rR6gZVyautfWNfa?dl=0 I wrote the three spreadsheets during the course of my Yachtmaster to help me understand the theory and have something potentially useful. The ColRegs chart was written by another Forumite. Click to expand...

• 25 Dec 2015

YM Theory is three assessment papers now, Chartwork, General and Col Regs. The reason the papers aren't available is that questions are recycled between the years. It took a couple of years to sort out the 2007-15 papers, the syllabus changes from Jan 1, as DS changed last year to introduce more use of electronics - I believe (I haven't taught the latest syllabus yet) that candidates are able to use the new RYA Plotter to do their chart work, although they still have to answer certain questions in pencil on the chart.  

Blue Sunray

• 26 Dec 2015

IMHO not been able to review the exam papers both question and answer after marking prevents the you from determining what you did wrong in the answers that were marked wrong. I have always found this very usefull as I tend to remember the answers I failed on than the ones I got correct. There was a question asking to describe the isolated danger buoy which I got wrong, but will never forget now.  

Elecglitch said: Thank you those look useful. Nice to see someone helping out rather than point scoring. Click to expand...

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RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster ™ Offshore Theory (Online)

• This course looks to refine the techniques learnt in your RYA Day Skipper Theory course
• International Maritime Law
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology
• Environmental care

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory is a more advanced course that builds on the knowledge gained at the RYA Day Skipper Theory level. Its aim is to take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical course.

This course is open to anyone who has already completed Day Skipper Theory, and ideally has some practical boating experience. You should be comfortable applying concepts such as tidal heights and streams and interpreting weather information. You will be familiar with pilotage and passage planning. You will feel at ease with the practical and thorough application of the IRPCS. You will understand how to fix position using a variety of methods. Your knowledge of safety systems and practices will be substantial.

Your full training pack contents include:

• Two RYA practice charts
• The RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster course notes
• The RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster exercises
• The RYA Training Almanac

Please note: Your online course is provided by Navathome. Booking conditions are not the same as for courses delivered by Andrew Simpson Yachting.  

Notes on shipping of training materials.

All training materials for the online courses are shipped to you the buyer. Please be aware of the Navathome policy relating to shipping. This forms part of their terms and conditions.

• Navathome is unable to ship to addresses which contain PO Box Numbers. A physical address will be required.
• Buyers must provide a valid contact telephone number at the time of booking
• Packs being shipped to Russia must be delivered to a business address.
• All packs must be signed for, so the buyer must ensure that there will be somebody available to accept the package
• Navathome will not accept responsibility for packs sent to marinas, or c/o addresses. If the pack goes missing after it has been signed for, the buyer will be liable for the cost of the replacement pack. 

Course Outcomes

• With this qualification combined with additional practical experience, you should be equipped with the knowledge required to consider the RYA Yachtmaster ™ Coastal or Yachtmaster ™ Offshore examination.

To book this course please call or email our friendly team who will set you up with everything you need to get learning. Phone: +44 (0)2392 522777 Email: [email protected]

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RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory

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Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. It will equip you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Coastal Skipper course and Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.

Additional Info:

Course Title: RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory

Course Cost £435 Included: RYA Northern Hemisphere Student Pack includes assessment papers, course notes, practice charts, training almanac and certificate of completion.

The Portland Plotter and Dividers (7" divider) Kit are an additional cost and can be secured at the time of your booking, should you wish to do so via the Club. These will then be handed out with your materials on the day. The cost runs approx. £26.50.

Course Duration: 48 guided learning hours either as evenings and/or mixed in with weekends. NOTE : a minimum of 1.5-2 hours homework per week will be required between sessions.

Core hours are from 19:00 - 22:00 except for the first evening where registration will start from 18:30pm. Those unable to make an earlier slot can complete registration post 22:00.

On most evenings the instructor will be in from 18:00 for anyone needing to catch up hours or for some additional review.

It will be the responsiblity of the student to catch up any missed dates. We suggest no more than 2 dates are missed.

Course Description: Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills. The course is taught over 48 hours with three exam papers. Content covers position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer and by observation, IRPCS and customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad.

Prior Knowledge/Experience: Min requirement of RYA Day Skipper Theory or equivalent knowledge. If it is a while since you took your Day Skipper or equivalent please ensure that you feel reasonably comfortable with nautical charts, plotting positions, EPs CTSs, tidal curves and have a basic knowledge of Col Regs. If in doubt, please email our admin office who can put you in touch with the Instructor for a brief chat.

Next Steps: RYA Coastal Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore, Cross Channels, Cruising further afield and Racing with LCSC.

Ability after the course: The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course will provide you with the theoretical knowledge to become an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore sailor, or give you the confidence to sail your boat on coastal passages by day or night.

All courses are bookable via the online calendar

By signing up to this course, you are confirming you have read, understood and accepted LCSC's Standard T & C's for Shorebased Courses - please find a copy below.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings + weekend day(s)

February: Tues 13th / Thurs 15th / Sat 17th / Sun 18th / Wed 21st / Thurs 22nd / Thurs 29th

March: Sat 2nd / Sun 3rd

Should a course be non-bookable i.e. waitlist is full, please email the office to note your interest.

All group bookings, please email the office to coordinate dates.

Last updated 10:35 on 18 February 2024

• "Fantastic Course to do. It gave me excellent knowledge of navigation using charts and all the inputs that go into ensuring safe passage on the sea. It was delivered the content in a clear and practical way and was of great asssistance all the way." settings Mark Wharton settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "I've found the training with Above & Beyond Boating really helpful, you can never be too prepared when you head out to sea and their training has helped every step of the way." settings Richard Harris settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "Fabulous! Neil is a great teacher; he made the course enjoyable and the whole learning process was very well supported. Neil also provided support in preparing to go cruising for the first time - very practical and reliable in advice and support. Highly recommend!" settings Jennie Fogarty settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "As a sailor who's cracked the podium at World Champs in SB20, 18 and 14 ft skiffs, won Cowes Week in the IRC1 and Extreme 40s and been in boats since overnighters with the folks on Lake Rotoiti as a 5 year old...I'm here to thank Neil for teaching me the many previously unknown facets of the Yachtmaster programme." settings Grant Rollerson settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE

RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Course Information

This e-learning course has been developed by Above & Beyond Boating. The course content covers the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Syllabus.

There are 12 course units, comprising of lessons and activities. Lessons are structured with dynamic content and quiz exercises, which provide immediate feedback, to test your knowledge. On completion of the course units, you will be required to complete some online assessments to receive your certificate.

The RYA course framework has been used with Australian and International scenario based case studies to ensure you finish the course with confidence to undertake coastal passages.

Course Study

The course takes around 40 hours in total to study. The self-paced e-learning structure allows you to log in and work through the course material in your own time.

Qualification

RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate.

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore course builds upon the navigation, meteorology, and passage making that is delivered in the  RYA Day Skipper Theory Course . This RYA training course will introduce new topics and develop a deeper understanding of familiar topics. All units of this course have an assumed prior knowledge of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course.

Above & Beyond Boating is here to help! If you are not sure which course is best suited for your skills and future boating aspirations, please contact us today to discuss your pathway.

Once you have completed the twelve units of study, there are three assessment papers to complete in the online course. There is a Chartwork assessment, IRPCS assessment, and a Passage Making assessment.

When you have submitted an assessment attempt, it will be marked by a course instructor, and you will be provided with feedback. If you do not pass your assessment on your first attempt, we will provide feedback to help you prepare for another attempt. You can re-sit an exam again when you are ready.

A formal exam invigilation is required if you intend to gain an MCA large yacht qualification, such as the Officer of the Watch or Master 3000. Should you require a formal exam, we can assist with finding an RYA Training Centre in Australia, or internationally, to invigilate.

Learning Online

Our courses have been specifically designed for an online learning experience. Enrolment in an online course presents a flexible opportunity to work at your own pace. Our team can provide feedback, instruction and personal support to help you get the answers you need. 

Supporting Materials

How do we maintain our 99% course completion rate.

RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Certification

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory Course is an advanced training course covering extensive theoretical knowledge necessary for offshore skippering skills, boat handling, seamanship, navigation, safety awareness, collision avoidance, meteorology, and the use of technological aids. Once you have this prestigious coastal skipper licence, the oceans are yours to explore.

The Investment

Access to the course is open for the lifetime of the product. Your course support will remain active for 12 months from the time of enrolment. If life gets too busy and you need more time, you can pause your course support for up to 6-months, and then continue when you have more time. 

Enrol in the course now!

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RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster offshore

Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.

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• Certificates of Competence

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme and Logbook (G158) available from the RYA webshop.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal practical exams can be taken under sail or power and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. You or a training centre provide the boat and the RYA provides an examiner. Note: All qualifying sea time and passages must be gained on vessels appropriate to the type of exam i.e. gained in sailing vessels for a sail exam and power vessels for a power exam.

The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology and signals. You will be set tasks to demonstrate your ability and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal level.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam pre-requisites

Boats used for exams.

You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.

The boat used must be between 7m and 18m LOA and be in sound, seaworthy condition, equipped to the standard set out in the RYA book Cruising Yacht Safety (code C8). The boat must be equipped with a full up to date set of charts and navigational publications and be efficiently crewed, as the examiner will not take part in the management of the boat during the exam.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• can provide a boat (either your own or a training centre's boat)
• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold an SRC (Short Range Certificate) or higher level GMDSS radio operators qualification
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in the RYA Logbook (code G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

• laminated or waterproof charts
• GPS set (may be hand held)
• tide tables
• pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
• plotting instruments.
• Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed .

Useful links

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RYA Day Skipper Theory/Shorebased – Your Questions Answered

What is the rya day skipper theory course.

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is a theoretical-based course aimed at prospective yacht skippers and keen crew to aid them in making better decisions on board. 

It provides basic knowledge to help in the skippering of a small vessel in familiar waters by day.

What Does the RYA Day Skipper Theory Allow You To Do?

The RYA Day Skipper Theory sets you up to be ready for your RYA Day Skipper Practical Sail or Motor course.

The course will also provide you with the relevant nautical theory knowledge to help progress you on your maritime journey.

Who Can Do an RYA Day Skipper Theory?

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is open to anyone. Some practical experience is desirable, but not required. There is no age limit.

If you are a complete novice to nautical sailing, then you may also want to consider the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course. However, the RYA Day Skipper Theory course is also suitable for novices.

Can You Go Straight to the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course?

A practical experience in line with the RYA Competent Crew course is desirable but not required.

Anyone, can indeed, go straight into an RYA Day Skipper Theory course.

Where Can I Take This Course?

There are many thoughts on where is best, but to be truthful, it is what works for you best. 

Your 2 main options are in a classroom course or via an online provider. The 2 different types of learning suit different types of people.

Classroom courses benefit from listening to and talking to other students as well as having the instructor in front of you. Online courses benefit from being able to work at your own speed, repeat lessons and get a more in-depth learning experience as you are not working to a tight timetable.

At Ardent Training we pride ourselves on bringing the best of both of these worlds together with built-in discussions, live events, and student forums on our online platform. Also, every single lesson is recorded in video format as well as visual and text, to really bring the subjects to life.

You can take a free trial of our online RYA Day Skipper Theory course and see what it is all about for yourself:

FREE TRIAL – NO CARD DETAILS REQUIRED – ACCESS THE RYA DAY SKIPPER THEORY COURSE TODAY

How Long Does The Course Take?

The RYA Day Skipper Theory is suggested to take a minimum of 40 hours of learning, plus exam time. 

How this time is shaped can vary. In online courses, you can generally work at your own speed. In classroom environments, anything from evening classes of 2-3 hours a week to 3 weekends in a row, to a 5 or 6 day course over a week is possible.

Is There a Set RYA Day Skipper Theory Syllabus?

There is indeed a syllabus. Each of the following topics represents a specific part of the learnings that will be covered on an RYA Day Skipper Theory course in varying levels of detail.

Nautical terms, introduction to navigation, position fixing, ropework, tidal heights, anchorwork, chartwork, IRPCS, meteorology, safety, pilotage, passage planning and marine environment detail the various aspects of the syllabus.

Read on to learn in a little more detail about how each of these is covered in a little more detail.

What Will I Learn in an RYA Day Skipper Theory Course?

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course covers a wide range of topics and introduces many topics and important knowledge that will be useful not only for completing an RYA Day Skipper Practical Course but in all sailing beyond this too.

You will begin with learning some general nautical knowledge and boat terms that will lay the foundations for further learning.

Navigational instruments, aids to navigation, charts and publications will then all be introduced which will allow you to begin your positional plotting.

Further topics will be introduced to help build on these skills such as compass awareness, latitude and longitude, tidal theory, understanding tidal streams and how we plot our course will all be taught to gain a greater understanding of chartwork. Ropework and anchorwork, while mainly practical subjects will also be touched on at this stage, allowing you to understand the principles of these.

You will learn about the rules of the road at sea, how we can tell if a risk of collision occurs, what we should do about it and even how to tell different boats from one another at night time. 

In meteorology, we will learn about the basics of weather, where we can get this information from and what it all means.

You will also learn all about safety onboard a vessel, both personal and the various safety items we have at our disposal on board and when we should use them.

As the course progresses you will learn how to bring all your newfound knowledge together in what is known as a passage plan, taking into account pilotage techniques and other navigational aspects we need to be aware of. Finally, you will learn about the responsibilities we have at sea and why we should be thinking of the marine environment when onboard vessels.

How Much Does an RYA Day Skipper Theory Course Cost?

As ever, many schools differ in price and it is important to understand everything that is included within your course such as materials, available content and instructor help. As always, the cheapest is not often better. At Ardent Training, our online RYA Day Skipper Theory is priced at £315 and that includes everything. A unique student pack with Ardent Training extras, free worldwide postage, access to materials and instructor help and of course, your end-of-course certificate.

What Is the Pass Mark for the Day Skipper Theory Exam?

There is no specific pass mark as such. This is more of a learning experience than a test. The instructor’s aim is to bring you up to a level where you have a satisfactory level of theory knowledge across the subjects covered to be able to put your new learnings into practice during your RYA Day Skipper Practical course.

What Comes Next?

After your RYA Day Skipper Theory, we suggest progressing on with your RYA Day Skipper Practical Sail or Motor course as soon as possible. That way, all your recent learnings are still fresh in your mind and you can use the practical tasks to consolidate all your knowledge.

Releated Posts

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor – Everything You Need To Know

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail – Everything You Need To Know

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• Yachtmaster Quiz RYA magazine Summer 2020 Questions

Our first Yachtmaster Quiz copied directly the from RYA magazine Summer 2020. This magazine is free and one of the many benefits you receive when you join the RYA.

Yachtmaster Quiz – Summer 2020 – Questions

1. When trying to clear a riding turn from a winch, what is likely to be the best knot, bend or hitch to take the load off the working end of the line?

2. What is ‘tinned wire’ used for?

3. Why should diesel tanks be kept reasonably well topped up?

4. What is achieved by washing or soaking sheets and halyards in fresh water on a regular basis?

5. Name three settings for a radar screen orientation.

6. When stowing wooden bungs on board for use in an emergency, what is good practice?

7. In the context of a hurricane, cyclone or TRS, what does the term ‘dangerous semicircle’ refer to?

8. What does the term ‘bunkering’ refer to?

9. When trimming a headsail, what effect will moving the jib car aft have, and when might this be done?

10. At sea at night you spot a vessel displaying an all-round red light over an all-round green light. What does this indicate?

Related Posts

Yachtmaster Quiz RYA magazine Summer 2020 Answers

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Great Course

Day skipper theory course was very good - well explained and clear. There was help on hand when needed but working it out for yourself was great instruction in itself! I would certainly do another course with Navathome and would recommend it to others.

Comprehensive course with helpful feedback

I recently took the Coastal/Yachtmaster theory course with Navathome, and happily I passed. There is a great deal of information to cover, and trying to fit this round a day job meant I needed an extension to the time to go through the course, but they kindly granted me this, and provided helpful and constructive feedback at every point. The exam itself probably needs several days, especially if you are as slow at plotting fixes as I am. Think of a number and double it is useful in terms of time needed. The final paper is really an all-day job, so make sure to allow yourself a clear block of time when you can drop everything else and give it your undivided attention. Overall, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience, and I now feel far more confident that I have decent knowledge to back up the practicalities of sailing.

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The day skipper theory course from…

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Comprehensive and high quality on line learning

A very comprehensive course giving time to complete all the exercises at your own pace, build confidence and commit everything to long term memory. I found this far better than creaming everything in over several weekends but be warned this is not the easy option. Fortunately great instructors available when required and instant feedback aids learning. Highly recommended.

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Great course, super concise and well structured. I was able to sail through my practical assessment without any issues. (Dayskipper and Diesel Engine)

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One of the best online courses I’ve done, in any field. A great combination of text, diagrams, videos/animations, use of practical and physical components (charts, books, almanacs), quizzes, tests and full-on assessments. And there is always help from real people, who care about getting you where you want to be.

Very nice and helpful instructors

well structured course, with explanations for everyone. the instructors who are there for the student, helping him whenever he needs it.

Steve SP REPAIRS

Great Day skipper theory course fit in with my spare time.

Working so many hours I was able to fit the course in around my spare time.. the lessons were great and explained well with videos and graphics. The language was straightforward and although required some good concentration at times it was made even easier with how quick the reply to email questions would be.. I mean, literally a few minutes! This is a real professional set up with a real family/ kind feeling and atmosphere. Obviously you never meet the teachers apart from email but you can get a good sense that NavAtHome.com want you to pass vs just doing their jobs.. thank you NavAtHome.com, Jackie, Salomon and others that came back to my questions over the last months, look forward to doing the coastal course next year!

A very enjoyable course to do

The course was very easy to navigate and friendly to do. There are a few typos, but nothing to make anything ambiguous. I restarted the course this year after having to suspend doing it when I started caring for my mother a few years ago. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. I certainly will do another course in the future if I think it necessary for my level of sailing.

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Course Information

• What's Included
• Topics Covered
• Pre-course Requirements
•     RYA Training Charts 3 and 4
•     RYA Training Almanac
•     RYA Yachtmaster Course Notes
•     RYA Electronic Chart Plotter Booklet
•     RYA Yachtmaster Exercises Book
•     Nomad Sailing Course Notes and exercise answers
•     Access to online training aids, downloads and mock exams
•     Free access to invigilated exam sessions (evenings or weekends)
•     Exams (Chartwork, Passage Making and IRPCS) and Certificate
•     Position fixing
•     Course shaping and plotting
•     Tidal calculations at primary and secondary ports
•     Use of almanacs and admiralty publications
•     GNSS and electronic charts
•     Interpretation of forecasts and the synoptic chart
•     Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
•     Collision regulations
•     Passage appraisel, planning, execution and monitor
•     Pilotage in good and restricted visibility
•     Safety and Stabilty
•     London North Greenwich SE10 0BW
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•     Gosport Marina PO12 1AH

How do I Book?

Check out the available course dates and then contact us or book online. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Lou or Jim for more information.

Testimonials

Our Yachtmaster online theory course is unique, presenter led, with support all the way

Presented by Duncan Wells, author of the Stress-Free series of sailing books and creator of MOB Lifesavers. Start when you like and go at your own speed. 

*you will be asked in your course confirmation email which book you would like, stress-free sailing or stress-free motorboating. please email us with your choice and we will include it with your westview sailing/rya pack - we won't send the pack out until we know which book you would like..

You are not alone

"it is exactly the same as our classroom course, only without the classroom".

The course is video led and presented by Duncan Wells, author of the Stress-Free Sailing series of books. Indeed, every new sign up gets a signed copy of Stress-Free Sailing or Stress-Free Motorboating. Start when you like and go at your own speed. 3 months is the ideal time frame for Yachtmaster but you can go faster or slower. You have access to the course for 1 year. All the material and learning is online. With the Westview Sailing RYA Yachtmaster online theory course you are not alone. I monitor your progress and you submit assignments so we can see how you are doing. And you can contact me at any time on email if you have a question.

Try before you buy!

Take your time, "you may have done your day skipper many years ago, so…".

We go back over all the fundamentals that we covered at Day Skipper just to make sure that everything is tickety-boo. And once you have remembered all the basics you will then start to fly. This online theory course follows a logical, structured order. And remember there’s plenty to do on a Yachtmaster course! The RYA state that it should be taught over 40 hours and it needs this. The beauty of the Westview Sailing online theory course is that you can do it to suit your available time. I wouldn’t rush it, however. Realistically I would allow 3 months.  Emailed questions get an immediate answer. We also integrate traditional navigation with the modern electronics and thanks to a tie-in with nauticalsoftware.com we are able to include real RADAR demos, integrated with MARPA to give you a really good understanding of how they work and what they do.

A Learning style to help you remember

"above all yachtmaster study should be fun and i hope that is what i manage to convey.".

I have always believed that one of the best ways of retaining knowledge is through quizzes and so we have multi choice answer quizzes as we go, with fun answers alongside the correct answers and devices that help us to remember. You will never be overcome with a fit of the vapours at the thought of Secondary Ports – as many are – as I talk you through them step by step and we do our time and height interpolations on our ‘Crocodile’ diagrams. And of course, the lessons being videos you can watch them time and time again. Check out the Free Preview module where you I take you through some of the lessons and you can get a feel for the thing.

Assessment & Certification

Shorebased course rya/mca coastal skipper & yachtmaster offshore certificate..

Once you have been through the course you will be able to take the three assessment papers – a Chartwork paper, a Collision Regulations paper and a Passage Planning paper  and on achieving the standard you will receive the ‘SHOREBASED COURSE RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore’, certificate.

With the Westview Sailing online theory courses you are not alone. I am there in front of you, teaching you, encouraging you. Duncan Wells

Navigational Instruments

The right tools for the job.

The Yachtmaster Pack NOW comes with our FREE ‘Lights, Shapes and Sound Signals at a Glance'

‘lights, shapes and sound signals at a glance’ has all the collision regulations on two sides of laminated a4 card. an essential aide for yachtmasters who need to achieve that all important passmark in the colregs paper. it’s handy too as a cockpit card, course highlights.

• Presenter led on videos
• Just like our classroom courses used to be – only all the resources are there online for you to access whenever you want.
• Start when you like. Take as long as you like or go as quickly as you want. We recommend you allow 3 months.
• A thorough grounding in all the traditional navigational disciplines plus integration with electronic navigation. Thanks to a tie up with nauticalsoftware.com we are able to include real RADAR demos, integrated with MARPA and real VHF/DSC Mayday demos to give you a really good understanding of how they work and what they do. And we have a video on working with a chart plotter, waypoint plotting and passage planning to give you a good insight of what is available.
• You are not alone. We will be with you all the way. In the videos, on email, on the phone. It is the most comprehensive Yachtmaster course there is. And presented by Duncan Wells, it is easy to understand.
• There are fun multi choice quizzes throughout.

Course Cost & Curriculum

• Introduction & Packs
• Module 1 – Chartwork, Projections, the Chart, Rocks Wrecks & Obstructions
• Module 2– Position, Distance speed and Bearings, Plotting a position
• Module 3 – Fixing a position
• Module 4 - Aids to Navigation 1, 2 & 3
• Module 5 - The compass, Magnetic variation, Deviation
• Module 6 – Tides, the Tidal hour, tidal diamonds & the Tidal Stream Atlas
• Module 7 - Dead Reckoning, Estimated Position, Computation of Rates, Leeway, Anchoring
• Module 8 - Course to steer, Time Zones, Colregs
• Module 9 - Weather 1 and Collision Regulations
• Module 10 - Weather 2 and Weather 3, Navigating in restricted visibility
• Module 11 - Tidal heights (Standard ports and Secondary ports)
• Module 12 - GNSS - Electronic aids to navigation 1 and 2, Radar, MARPA, a 3 point fix by radar range
• Module 13 – Pilotage, Passage planning, the running Fox
• Module 14 – Stability, Safety, Distress, Calling a Mayday, Man Overboard retrieval, Protecting the environment & Before we set sail.
• Module 15 Revision and pre assessment papers
• 3 x RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster offshore Assessment papers

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers.

We send it worldwide by post or courier.

This is free within the UK. But we charge for shipping to other countries. Please contact us for costs before booking onto the course.

You have unlimited access to the course for 1 year. But within that our Yachtmaster course is designed to be completed in 8 weeks – that’s how long a classroom course used to take. 

Over 3 months but we have had students who have concentrated on it and done it in 1 month. There is a lot to get through at Yachtmaster level.

Yes there are 8 assignments as you go through the course – Fixing a position, A Dead Reckoning and Estimated Position exercise, a Course To Steer, Interpreting the Synoptic chart, a Meteorology question, a Secondary Port tidal height, a Passage Plan including Appraisal and a Running Fix. There are also three pre-assessment assignment papers

Yes, there are.

There are 4 papers;

• Chartwork Paper – time allowed 2 hours
• IRPCS Paper – time allowed 1.5 hours
• Passage Planning pre assessment appraisal preparation. This is not a paper but prep for the Passage Planning assessment which is split into two parts. Students are encouraged to spend no more than 2 hours on the Appraisal preparation.
• Passage Planning A – Appraisal and Plan – time allowed 1.5 hours
• Passage Planning B  – Execute and Monitor – time allowed 2 hours

Shipping to Europe is extremely difficult at present, please contact us to discuss options.

Shipping to countries outside Europe is generally OK and you can expect to pay £38 to Australia, £34 to the north and south America. But please contact us before booking your course to check prices

Well no, not exactly. Once you have presented your pre-assessment assignments and you are ready for the final assessment you contact us and we will send you the papers one at a time. You complete them one at a time and submit them and we mark them. We may want to link up on Zoom to explain some of the answers, if necessary. Of course if you need a Commercial Endorsement then you will need to have the assessment papers invigilated and that means they must be completed in front of an RYA instructor.

No, not if you want it sent to the UK

Yes, if you want it sent to a country outside the UK

Only if you want to embark on MCA STCW training programme – for Officer of the Watch qualifications and beyond.

You do not need to show an invigilated Yachtmaster theory paper in ordet to do the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam as the theory is tested at the same time as the practical whe you do the exam.

The MCA STCW programme however want to know that you have the detailed theory knowledge, which is demonstrated by passing an invigilated assessment.

The papers must be taken in person in front of an RYA instructor.

Yes. There is a charge for this. There are 4 papers and they will be taken over 2 days and the charge is £150

Once you have received your certificate, which is sent to you by post, look after it. Keep it. Most students will stick it in their RYA Cruising logbook.

Recently we have had a spate of students who have mislaid their Day Skipper shore-based theory certificate and I know we are talking about the Yachtmaster certificate here, but it costs now £35 for us to replace certificates! We will write out a new certificate for you and post it to you. We can also scan it and send it via email. Better still don’t lose it.

Yes. We offer the Westview Sailing Handy (flexible) plotter and the Blundell & Harling 7″ one-handed dividers, which are solid brass with stainless steel tips. Price £25 plus delivery.

The benefit of the flexible Handy plotter is that being made of thinner plastic than  the Portland Plotter you are less likely to get reading errors due to parallax and the compass grid is easier to line up with horizontals and verticals on the chart. It is also easier to use when taking tidal directions from the tidal stream atlas.

Please go to the Thinkific site for details https://support.thinkific.com/hc/en-us/articles/360030354954-System-Requirements-and-Supported-Browsers

Essentially though;

In order to make sure Thinkific runs well, please make sure your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or smart device has the following:

• The most recent version of one of the web browsers listed below
• Javascript enabled
• Graphic and audio output capability
• Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
• TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Why choose us?

Presenter Led

At Westview Sailing our courses are presenter led and being on video you can start when you like and go at your own speed.

Classroom at Home

Learning with Westview is just like being in the classroom only you are at home. You get the very best of both worlds!

Monitored Progress

We monitor your progress and you submit assignments so we can see how you are doing, so we are in regular contact, encouraging you and supporting you.

24 Hour Support

All the learning is online but Duncan Wells and his team are available whenever you need them. With the Westview Sailing RYA Day Skipper and Yachtmaster online courses you are never alone.

Dyslexic friendly courses

So we have been told!

'Handy Plotter' as standard

We supply the more flexible, more accurate, ‘Handy Plotter’ with our Day Skipper plotter and divider sets, which are included in the course cost

Learning Aids

As well as a huge library of additional resources and access to a lifetime’s knowledge and experience from Duncan and his trusted training partners we supply our ‘Lights, Shapes and Sound Signals at a Glance’ card covering all the lights, shapes and sound Collision Regulations rules, free with our Yachtmaster packs.

Free 'Stress-Free' Book!

Free copy of Stress-Free Sailing or Stress-Free Motorboating when you sign up for RYA Day Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster online Theory before 31st April 2024*

*You will be asked in your course confirmation email which book you would like, Stress-Free Sailing or Stress-Free Motorboating. Please email us with your choice and we will include it with your Westview Sailing/RYA pack - we won't send the pack out until we know which book you would like.​*

What People Say About Us

Student testimonials, explore the 'stress-free' books, a wealth of accessible knowledge & skills​, explore our other learning resources.

RYA Day Skipper

Online theory course, rya src/marine radio vhf, radio course, tutorial video vault, video resource library.