These theory courses complement the RYA practical courses, enabling the student to learn from years of experience but in a safe environment. Once the techniques are mastered, they can be put into practice at sea, with confidence.

The RYA examination is taken during the course. start with the:

DAY SKIPPER SHOREBASED COURSE

Previous knowledge assumed:
- none

You will be taught:
- seamanship, safety and "rules of the road"
- principles of coastal navigation (tidal waters)
- use of charts, pilots and almanacs
- interpreting weather forecast information
- short passage planning

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Now you are up and running, get in as mush practical sailing as you can the put your theory into practice by starting to skipper on our:

DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

Previous experience needed:
- 5 days' sailing to Competent Crew level
- basic navigation theory to Day Skipper shore-based level

You will learn
- the elements of skippering
- boat handling techniques (sail and power)
- pilotage in familiar waters

RYA completion Certificate requires:
- 10 days experience, at sea
- 200 sea miles
- 8 night hours
- no exam, instructor assessment

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Carry on sailing and building up those miles and experience keep the momentum going, extend that theory knowledge on our:

COASTAL SKIPPER/YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE SHOREBASED COURSE

Previous knowledge assumed:
- theory to Day Skipper shorebased level

You will be taught:
- advanced chartwork and use of modern aids
- coastal and offshore navigation techniques
- meteorology, forecasting and interpretation
- pilotage and passage planning & making
- IRCPS rules and safety at sea

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With the right experience it's time to learn more practical skills on a Go Sail:

COASTAL SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

Previous experience needed:
- practical sailing/navigation to Day Skipper level
- theory to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shore-based level

You will learn:
- overall high standard of seamanship
- sailing in restricted waters
- 'blind' navigation
- crew management
- passage making and night pilotage

RYA completion Certificate requires:
- 20 days experience, at sea
- 400 sea miles
- 12 night hours
- instructor assessment

There is the option of taking the RYA / DoT practical examination.

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When you think you are ready, there is the "big - one", the:

YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE PRACTICAL EXAM

Previous experience needed:
- 2,500 miles at sea, 50% in tidal waters
- theory to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster offshore standard
- five 60-mile passages (two as skipper)
- VHF Radio Certificate (restricted)
- current First Aid Certificate.

We are always pleased to advise and undertake the practical preparation of potential candidates on an individual basis, offering:
- improvement of specific skill areas
- practice of examination techniques.

Practical Examination
- Conducted by an independent RYA/DoT examiner during 8-10 hour on-the-water session.

and you thought you'd finished!

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Now prepare for your first Trans - Atlantic:

YACHTMASTER OCEAN

Previous knowledge assumed:
- theory to Coastal/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased level

You will be taught:
- use of sextants and their adjustments
- astro navigation calculations for all heavenly bodies
- world wide meteorology and route planning
- yacht preparation and resource management

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Or try something different and Team Up with:

GO SAIL RACING

The Go Sail racing programme is unique, developed primarily by ourselves for you, utilising our extensive practical race experience - inshore, offshore and ocean.

The progressive structure of this training means that it is suitable for both beginner and experienced sailor alike, and is capable of being tailored to your needs. It will open up a new dimension to many a sailor's yachting experience and answer those numerous questions on boat speed and technique.

Hard work, but fun!

Previous knowledge assumed:
- none/intermediate racing experience.

You will be taught:
- yacht preparation for racing
- rig types and set-up procedures
- sail materials, design, construction & handling
- optimum sail trim, according to conditions
- improved efficiency of basic manoeuvres
- racing rules and tactics
- crew co-ordination, distribution and responsibilities
- standard sail handling/setting techniques such as:-
  - head sail peels
  - spinnaker sets/drops
  - spinnaker gybes/peels
  - gybe sets
  - float drops
You will be able to join the Go Sail team at any one of the prime race events entered during the year, putting it all into practice. Full details on request.

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Leaning to sail is a wonderful and rewarding experience. The skills acquired and developed will be with you for life…start the right way with Go Sail, try our:

COMPETENT CREW COURSE

Now you need to get more sailing experience and learn some theory why not book a Go Sail shorebased course during the winter (or anytime) in Cowes ...