RYA DAY SKIPPER THEORY

• 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.

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 on the boating industry are often taught by people who have done very little sailing outside their local area. This greatly 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’ll get expert instructors who will teach you the latest approaches to 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. Patented dividers and 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