Preparing for your RYA Day Skipper Practical Course

The following information is intended to help ensure you are suitably prepared for your Day Skipper course.

Good preparation ahead of a skippering course significantly increases the likelihood of a pass. For this reason we have prepared a revision check-list to help you get the most out of your Day Skipper Practical. A lot of the information can be found by referring to your day skipper theory notes. We also recommend obtaining a copy of the excellent RYA Day Skipper Practical course notes.

We regularly run 1-day shorebased Navigation brush-up courses and 2-day practical skills brush-ups. Contact us for more information.

Start your revision a few weeks ahead of your course so that you are not rushed.

Pre-requisites

First of all, you must ensure you have the pre-requisite experience as listed on our web site and in the RYA G15 log book. Please fill out and return the Sailing Log which we will send you with your joining instructions. Also bring your G15 log book or similar proof of sea miles and days at sea to the course.

Pre-course preparation

Preparation for your course is critical. Do not leave revision until the night before! Ahead of your course you should be revising the following:

 1. The yacht

• Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails

2. Ropework

• Ability to tie the following knots: figure of eight, round turn and two half hitches, bowline, reef knot, single and double sheet bend, rolling hitch
• Securing a rope to a cleat

3. Navigation

• Reading a chart, chart symbols, plotting a 3-point fix
• Working up DR and EP
• Reading a tide table
• Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
• Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
• Knowledge of IALA buoyage and lights

4. Pilotage

• Can prepare a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour

5. Passage making

• Can plan a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew

4. Rules of the Road

• Day shapes and lights (Anchoring, motor sailing, fishing, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, constrained by draft, NUC, towing)
• Sound signals in restricted visibility
• Sound signals when manoeuvring
• Stand on/give way rules for motor and sailing vessels

5. Meteorology

• Knows where to obtain a weather forecast and can interpret a weather forecast.

Common reasons for not passing a Day Skipper Practical

It is rare not to pass first time but if you are unlucky enough not to make it through your instructor will suggest areas for development

Here are some of the reasons candidates do not complete the course successfully.

a)       Poor practical sailing skills, i.e. cannot steer, does not understand basics of sail trim or wind awareness.

b)       Unable to demonstrate sufficient navigational knowledge including chartwork, tides and IRPCS.

c)       Inability to take command or organise crew

Remember the vast majority of students pass and tell us that their Day Skipper course was one of the most enjoyable things they have ever done.

Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.