Anglia Sea Ventures

The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster® Offshore certificate of competence is the most useful and credible of all yachting qualifications. As a yachtmaster you will be competent to skipper a yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour.

You will need to have gained a good deal of experience and knowledge and your navigational theory (chart work) and collision regulations will need to be to a high standard before taking the certificate of competence exam.

If you have the prerequisite experience then this brush-up course with one of our Yachtmaster instructors will prepare you for the exam which will be taken in the afternoon and evening of the 4th day. This course does not teach you to be a Yachtmaster but instead coaches you to reach exam level. Not all candidates are ready for the exam and if we believe you are not, we will tell you why and work with you on the specific areas that need development. There is an additional exam fee payable to the RYA (currently £155).

During your time aboard, you will be living in one of the most spacious and luxurious sea school yachts in the region. You will receive expert tuition from one of our experienced qualified RYA Instructors who is there not only to teach you but to ensure you have a most enjoyable time. Each night we will stay at a different location either in a marina, at anchor or mooring to a buoy. Domestic duties are shared by all on board and at the end of each course we ask you to help clean the yacht ready for the next crew.

The course fee is fully inclusive with no hidden extras (see below) so there is nothing else to pay whilst on board.

Click here to view the exam preparation check-list

Duration

5 days (mid-week) commencing 20:30 hours Sunday until 16:30 Friday.

Course start dates

Other dates may be available subject to demand so please contact us if your preferred dates are not listed.

Previous Experience

Radio Operator's Qualification - A restricted (VHF only) or Radio Operator’s Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate

First Aid - A valid first aid certificate.

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased certificate. Your chartwork and IRPCS must be to aVERY high standard.

Seatime - 50 days (75 days recommended), 2,500 miles (3,500 recommended) including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper (10 recommended). At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. It is worth noting that most candidates for this examination have substantially more than the minimum experience detailed above.

Location

Haven Marina, Ipswich, Suffolk, East Anglia

What's included?

Our courses are fully inclusive with no hidden extras such as enforced meals ashore, berthing fees or wet weather gear hire. The fee includes tuition, accommodation, all meals, berthing fees, fuel, harnesses and life jackets and wet weather gear. If you have any special dietary requirements please contact us. Sorry but dinner on the first evening is not included so please ensure you have eaten before joining the yacht.

Restrictions

To operate within the safety parameters of the life saving equipment on board the maximum chest or waist size (which ever is the greater) must be less than 50 inches (127cm). We are sorry but no smoking is allowed on-board.

Number on board

To ensure full participation by all, numbers will be limited to a maximum of 5 students per course (usually 4) who will be other yachtmaster candidates or crew. NOTE: We undertake not run skipper courses in conjunction with Yachtmaster preparation courses.

What to wear

Non-marking soft soled shoes (non black) or sailing boots (sorry but Wellington or garden boots are not suitable). Wet weather gear if you have any (we can supply some if you don't). A hat or cap. It can get chilly out on the water so several layers of clothing are best rather than fewer thick layers.

What to bring

Exam fee of £155 made payable to the RYA, passport style photograph, completed examination form, proof of mileage, VHF operators license, valid First Aid certificate. Sun block, sun glasses, camera, sleeping bag and pillow case (we provide a pillow), wash gear and bath towel, G15 log book if you have one. Please pack all items in a soft sports type bag that can be easily stowed

Other things you should know

An Exam fee of £155 is payable to the RYA in addition to the course fee above. If we have to cancel due to adverse weather conditions, you will be offered an alternative date. We recommend you take out holiday insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances, for example, having to cancel at a late date. Boating requires a degree of physical exertion so if you have any doubts concerning your fitness please make us aware. Please consult your pharmacist or doctor if you require seasickness medication. If you are taking a training course, please be aware that your instructor will need to be satisfied that you have demonstrated the appropriate level of competence before a course completion certificate can be awarded. Attending a course does not automatically result in a course completion certificate being issued. If for any reason you do not meet the required standard your instructor will provide you with an action plan identifying areas for improvement.

Payment

A £200 deposit per person is required when booking. The balance is due 4 weeks prior to the course date. To proceed, click the Buy and Book button above. If you have already paid a deposit and you wish to pay the balance, click here. We are sorry but vouchers, must be paid for in advance.