Overview
The RYA Yachtmaster theory is a 6-day advanced course for skippers and navigators building on the RYA Day skipper theory. After completing this course, you will have a thorough knowledge of all the theory required to complete an offshore passage.
This course is essential for anybody working towards their RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificate of Competence. The Yachtmaster Theory Course is a comprehensive look at all the navigation areas, from basic chartwork to secondary port calculations providing the Navigator with a real understanding of how to navigate on Coastal or offshore passages. The topics covered within the RYA Yachtmaster theory course will be consistent with the subjects covered during your RYA Yachtmaster practical exam.
Completing a shore-based course means you learn with a group of like-minded people. All our Instructors have a huge depth of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the subject. They can pass on the top tips, with real-life stories and ways to overcome common issues. You have access to all the publications, VHF radio’s, books, charts, and publications.
Being based an RYA Centre based at Cowes Yacht Haven, we have access to our Motor boat and RIBs so you can see the safety equipment and traditional and electronic equipment we use for navigation.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is a requirement for anybody working towards their Officer of the Watch certificate.
If you require accommodation for the duration of your training, please advise a member of the Flying Fish team at the time of booking.
- The RYA Yachtmaster Theory pack and training almanac
- All instruction and assessments
For the Yachtmaster Theory course you would have completed RYA Day skipper theory or have an understanding of:
- Chart work, Estimate position, tidal calculations, course to steer and symbols used.
- Can interpret a weather forecast from a weather chart, highs and lows, how a sea breeze develops and terminology used in a forecast.
- Sailing and collision regulations, lights and shapes.
- Passage planning and pilotage.
We will provide Portland plotters and dividers, used during the course. You can purchase your own Portland plotter and divider kit. if required for further practice
The course is a classroom based intensive course covering all aspects of navigation. You will cover the following subjects, not necessarily in this order:
Day 1
- Introduction, tools of the navigator, charts, almanacs, time zones, 5011, chart corrections.
- Tidal theory, tables, springs and neaps, tidal diamonds.
- Raster and vector charts.
- Tidal heights.
Day 2
- I.R.P.C.S
- GPS, electronic aids to navigation and their limitations.
- Tidal streams, EP and CTS, Leeway and ETA calculations.
- International Maritime Regulations
Day 3
- Tidal streams, EP and CTS, Leeway and ETA calculations.
- Quick plotting techniques.
- Meteorology, world weather, terminology, GRIB files and how to interpret a forecast
- Safety, seamanship and environment.
- Passage planning
Day 4
- Pilotage and passage planning.
- Visual aids to Navigation, leading lights and clearing bearings
- Buoyage.
- Meteorology, passage of frontal depression. Sea breeze’s and Fog
Day 5
- Chartwork exercises/revision.
- Tidal stream exercises.
- IRPCS, leading lights and clearing bearings.
- Meteorology
Day 6
You will sit three exams during the day, Chart work, IRPCS and Meteorology. You will be awarded the RYA Yachtmaster theory certificate on successful completion of all three.
What our previous students have to say
I recently completed my training with flying fish. From booking the course all the way through to receiving my certificates the team made it an effortless process and were always on hand to help.
Daisy
I completed the Superyacht Deckhand course with Flying Fish in January 2023 and I highly recommend anyone interested in starting a career in yachting do their training with Flying Fish.
Niall
Book RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course today!
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory is an advanced course for anybody who wants to master offshore navigation.
6 day(s)
£380
Cowes, Isle of Wight
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