There are two types of Yachtmaster qualification: Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore.
To obtain a Yachtmaster Coastal qualification you need the knowledge required to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but not necessarily the experience needed to undertake longer passages required for Yachtmaster Offshore. The theory is the same for both, however this course is suited to those with fewer hours of sea time.
To obtain a Yachtmaster Offshore qualification you will need to be ‘a yachtsman or woman competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage that can be completed without the use of astronavigation’. A Yachtmaster Offshore should be able to enter any well-charted harbour for the first time, with sufficient depth, by day or night.
With only 3 students on our 8-berth boat you will have a cabin all to yourself, ensuring a comfortable environment for all crew members aboard for the duration of the course.
As with any exam, the more practice you have beforehand, the more confident you will feel. Before your exam, be more adventurous than the usual weekend trip to your favourite anchorage. Enter some new harbours to refine your pilotage. Attempt the occasional night entry and be aware of the problems. This course will ensure that you receive specific tuition and preparation for your Yachtmaster exam.
Here are some of the things you could be tested on:
We endeavor to supply as much of what you need as possible. We supply pillows – but not pillow cases. We supply wet weather gear – but not footwear.
So here is a guide as to what you might bring:
Pack your gear in a soft bag or holdall, i.e. not a hard suitcase, as stowage on board is limited. We provide all safety equipment such as lifejackets and harnesses etc.