Do I need Skipper

 I want to charter a yacht, which sailing qualification do I need?

The Day Skipper course will teach you how to skipper a cruising yacht on short passages by day and is accepted by most charter companies in the UK for anyone wishing to charter a yacht under about 40 feet. If you are chartering a yacht abroad you will also need to obtain an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). By successfully passing your Day Skipper course you will be eligible to apply for this (subject to the ICC terms and conditions). If you wish to charter a larger yacht you may need to prove that you are an experienced skipper or pass a Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

Do I need to take a Day Skipper theory course?

You will need to have navigation theory to the level of the RYA Day Skipper theory course. You can achieve this in several ways:

* RYA day Skipper theory course either over 5 days, 2 and 1/2 weekends, or evening classes

On-line Day Skipper theory course

* distance learning Day Skipper Theory course or Day Skipper correspondance course

These methods will enable you to be awarded the Day Skipper theory certificate subject to passing an exam and ensure that you are at the correct level to take the Day Skipper practical course.

* independant self study or previous navigation experience

You will not be able to take Day Skipper theory exam but should be able to take the Day Skipper practical course although the instructor may decide you need to do some more study before awarding you with a Day Skipper certificate.

Alternatively you can take our 9 day combined theory and practical course

What sailing experience do I need before taking the practical course?

We recommend that you take the RYA Competent Crew course. This 5 day course will give you the requisite mileage as well as all the skills you need to crew a sailing yacht. It is the perfect course for beginners learning to sail as well as providing a sound basis on which to move on to Day Skipper.

What sort of yachts do you use?

All our yachts are modern Bavaria cruising yachts less than 10 years old. Each yacht is designed for comfort first and has 3 or 4 comfortable cabins with on board toilet and washing facilities. The galley is well equipped with a oven and gas hob, fridge and plenty of storage.  The cockpit is spacious with wheel steering and plenty of seating for the crew. 

How many other students will be on the boat?

There will be a maximum of 5 students on the boat and a skipper.You will be accommodated throughout the course on a comfortable cruising yacht which can sleep up to 8 people in 3 cabins and the saloon. Occasionally you will be on a larger yacht with 4 cabins.

How can I be sure about safety?

All our yachts are coded by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and have to meet demanding standards of safety. In addition Commodore Yachting have added extra safety features such as crotch straps on life jackets for extra peace of mind. Our RYA instructors are all highly qualified and are expected to attend one of our ‘School Instructor Days’  led by the school principal just so we can be sure that they meet our high standards.

What  is included in the course fee?

The course fee is fully inclusive and includes:

* Accommodation on board the yacht throughout the course – even for 9 day courses

* Three meals a day (except for some weekend courses when we may eat ashore)

* Free hire of waterproofs

* All berthing fees

* All safety equipment

* Pillow and pillowcase

I would like my friend to come but she has never been sailing before. Can we do the course together?

The RYA Competent Crew course would be the perfect course for your friend. This sailing course is suitable for the complete beginner and teaches them the sailing skills necessary to become a useful member of the crew. We often have a mix of people taking the Day Skipper course and the Competent Crew course on the same boat and we find this works very well.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring a sleeping bag, towel and some warm clothing. It can sometimes be cooler on a boat even in the summer. You will also need some non slip shoes with non marking soles. You don’t need to buy special sailing clothes but if you want to purchase anything ‘You Boat’ just outside the marina offers our students a 10% discount off most items.

You may also want to bring any special snacks / drinks that you can’t live without as it is impossible to cater for everyone’s favourites!

 

 

skippered sailing charters greece 2015