Yachtmaster Theory


Sail Training

Sail Training...

Introduction to Sailing
$440
1 live-aboard weekend

Competent Crew
$880
2 live-aboard weekends

Yachtmaster Practical
$440
Exam Coaching live-aboard weekends

RYA Theory...

RYA Yachtmaster Theory
$990
3 weekends 8-4pm

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
$990
10 4-hr standalone modules

Ocean Sailing...

Mate of Watch Course will be available on the
Sydney-New Caledonia passage in September 2023
And again on the New Caledonia-Bundaberg passage in October

Yachtmaster Ocean Qualifier will be available on the
Sydney-New Caledonia passage in September 2023
And again on the New Caledonia-Bundaberg passage in October
* See pricing note at foot of page


Important Information

Sailing Calendar

What you get for your money

Training weekend information

Student reviews

Global Ethics

Training enquiry form


RYA Yachtmaster - Professional worldwide qualification

Call our Sailing Coach, Peter Edington, on +61 405 430 525 to chat about becoming a Yachtmaster

Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Theory
£560 - $990AU

A rolling programme of 10 stand-alone modules. Run by Peter Edington Sailing at their RYA shore-based sailing school in Sydney Australia

This page is currently being updated.

Module 1: The Magnetic Compass

Using a Chart:
• Chart types
• Chart symbols
• Keeping your charts up to date.

Magnetic Variation:
• Explanation of Variation and how to convert between True & Magnetic
• Allowance for Variation
• Change of Variation with time and location

Magnetic Deviation:
• Explanation of Deviation and how to convert between Magnetic & Compass course
• Explanation of causes of Deviation
• How to 'Swing' a compass
• Introduction to the Deviation curve

Exercises in class plus some homework

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Module 2: Tidal Streams
Navigation in restricted visibility

Tidal Streams
• Tide tables and atlases in Almanacs
• Computing Course To Steer
• Tidal rips, overfalls
• Observation buoys & beacons

Fog
• Precautions to be taken when navigating in poor visibility
• Limitations to safe navigation
• Strategies in poor visibility

Exercises in class plus some homework

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Module 3: Your Position

Calculating your position
• Dead reckoning
• Estimate position;


Fixing your Position
• Fixes by radar
• Fixes by observation, mixed position lines, accuracy and uncertainty
• Fixes from mixed position lines
• Accuracy and uncertainty

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Module 4:Tides

Explanation
• What causes the tides
• The reason behind 'Springs' and 'Neaps'
• Explanation of tidal datums

Calculations
• Using tide tables
• Using RYA method for calculating Height of Tide at Primary ports
• Using RYA method for calculating Height of Tide at Secondary ports

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Module 5: Meteorology

Terms, Air masses, Clouds, Weather patterns with pressure/fronts; Land & sea breezes;
Fog, Use of the barometer as an aid

Meteorology

• Terms
• Air masses
• Clouds
• Weather patterns associated with with pressure systems & fronts
• Land & sea breezes
• Advection & Radiation Fog
• Use of the barometer as an aid to understanding the weather

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Module 6:Interpreting forecasts
Safety at Sea

Interpreting forecasts

• Forecast sources
• Interpretating what you read

Safety

• Understanding stability & your vessel's capability
• Life-jackets, harnesses & lifelines
• Fire fighting
• Distress signals
• Preparing for heavy weather
• Life-rafts & helicopter rescue

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Module 7: Pilotage

Pilotage

• Harbour regulations, signals & radio frequencies
• Methods of pre-planning
• Clearing bearings
• Distress signals
• Transits & leading lines


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Module 8: Passage planning

Passage planning

• Preparation of charts & notebook for your route
• routine for navigation in coastal waters
• Strategy for course laying
• Use of Waypoints & Routes
• Use of weather forecasts for passage planning strategy


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Module 9: Buoyage, Lights, Rule of the Road, Protecting the Marine environment

Characteristics, Ranges, Rising and dipping, light lists in Almanacs
Sound knowledge of International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
Responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment

Entering Port

• IALA system 'A' and system 'B'
• Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
• Customs regulations
• Sources of local and national regulations

Lights

• Characteristics
• Ranges
• Uses of rising and dipping lights
• Light lists in Almanacs


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Module 10: GPS & chart plotters
Depth sounders, Speed logs, and the Deck Log

Principles and limitations of gauges
Characteristics, Ranges, Rising and dipping, light lists in Almanacs
Sound knowledge of International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
Responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment

GPS

• Way-points & fixes
• How GPS works
• HoDP


Chart plotters

• Raster -v- Vector electronic charts
• Understanding the need to confirm using paper chart methods

Depth and Speed instruments

• How they work
• Their uses and their limitations

Keeping an up-to-date logbook

• Importance of logbook
• What to record
• How often to record it


Back to Yachtmaster Training Page


* See pricing note at foot of page

2023
Ocean Sailing

Sydney - New Caledonia

22nd September - 6th October
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New Caledonia - Bundaberg

28th October - 10th November

14 day RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Qualifier - $2100 AUD

Fun Sailing
Sail Training

Sail The Pacific Lagoons of New Caledonia

8th - 27th October

3 x 7 days cruises of fun sailing, mile-building and maybe some training - $1150 AUD

-----
Sail The Great Barrier Reef

14th - 30th November

2 x 7 days cruises of fun sailing, mile-building and maybe some training - $1150 AUD

Coastal Sailing

Mackay - Southport

2nd December - 8th December
-----
Southport - Sydney

9th December - 16th December

2x 7 day RYA Yachtmaster mile-builders - $1050 AUD

* See pricing note at foot of page