Sea Knowledge And Training – Updated

 

Here’s the sea knowledge and training programme I’ve planned for the Can Opener – with updates: 

On the Water 

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

Theory

• RYA Yachtmaster Stellar Navigation theory – done!
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep Theory   done!
• RYA Day Skipper Theory   done!

Specialist 

• Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Marine Radio Short Range Certificate/VHF Operator – done!
• Sea Survival/ Emergency Preparedness
• Offshore Safety
• Veterinary Offshore First Aid
• RYA Offshore First Aid – scheduled 

Other

•  Courses run by manufacturers on servicing and maintaining their equipment – Feb 2013 – done!
• Electrical Systems and Solar 
• Spanish 

That should do it… till I think of something more to decree the Can Opener shall study.

The best thing about sailing is there is always something new to learn. Constant challenges and education. What could be better?

We’re getting there! 

Any other critical courses / topics to add to the study list? 

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Princess Anne Spotted!

Princess Anne Spotting!

Can you find HRH in the photo above?

There we were, just lounging on the RYA benches in the lecture space at the London Boat Show, soaking up all the wisdom on diesel engine maintenance when… the lecturer’s eyes bugged out, his voice went hoarse, his words trailed off dry as dust…

Why? 

Because Princess Anne, that well-known sailing aficianado, was strolling past our booth, hotly pursued and surrounded by her security scrum.

Instantly I required the Can Opener to stand guard over my lounging spot so that none of the wily diesel hangers-on would nab my place (and to take over photography duties).

Then I sprang into action (cue Mission Impossible music) and began scaling the canopy over the RYA lecture area. With absolute precision I lined up my quarry, then sprang-pounced from the canopy corner, and swan-dived directly into Princess Anne’s paper Primark shopping bags… 

(CO: You did not! Largely because I knew exactly what might whiz through your demented brain and instantly pinned you in a half-Neilson between my knees…

CC: O yeah? Explain the ‘Mission Impossible’ music then!

CO: …That, I cannot explain…)  

 

–Captain Cat 

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Sea Miles

So how many sea miles will the Spain to Greece delivery add to our nautical log?…

…About 1300 nautical miles!

Prerequisites to complete the RYA levels are:

• Day Skipper – 100nm
• Coastal Skipper – 300nm
• Yachtmaster Coastal – 800nm
• Yachtmaster Offshore – 2500nm

So we’ll have covered enough distance to qualify for all of the levels by the time we finish. 

We’ll keep working on getting even more sea miles in our log though. We need to keep gaining experience, building new skills – one of the beauties of the cruising life is the non-stop ride of continuous education. 

You can never have too much experience under your belt.

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Learn to Cruise

Previously:  Sailing Strength Training

The Plan to Get Trained

 <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Courier New"; panose-1:0 2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:0 5 2 1 2 1 8 4 8 7; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 256 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:595.0pt 842.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:194344016; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:109580346 67698693 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:36.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-18.0pt; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:1042901920; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1668839102 67698693 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:36.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-18.0pt; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l2 {mso-list-id:1922062895; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:541488198 67698693 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;} @list l2:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:36.0pt; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-18.0pt; font-family:Wingdings;} ol {margin-bottom:0cm;} ul {margin-bottom:0cm;} –>

Part 3 of Captain Cat’s Invincible Plan to Get Cruising:

How much education and training is enough before you shove off on your first really long term voyage? Offshore passage making certifications? First aid courses? Diesel maintenance? Celestial navigation?

It’ll never be enough!

But there are some fundamental courses the Can Opener absolutely must pass before we head out on our merry transatlantic.

Taking care of yours truly is our first priority. Making sure the Can Opener stays safe ranks right up there too. Someone’s got to cut open the clear packs and sauté the deli sausages for my breakfast!

Here’s the sea knowledge and training programme I’ve planned for the Can Opener:

On the Water

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

   

Theory

• RYA Yachtmaster Stellar Navigation theory – done!
  
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep Theory   done!
• RYA Day Skipper Theory   done!

Specialist Courses

• Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Marine Radio Short Range Certificate/VHF Operator done!
• Sea Survival/ Emergency Preparedness
• Offshore Safety
• RYA Offshore First Aid – scheduled May 2013

Other Study

• Courses run by manufacturers on servicing and maintaining their equipment – Feb 2013 – done!
• Electrical Systems and Solar 
• How to catch a fish

That should do it… till I think of something more to decree the Can Opener shall study. Like useful languages for shopping in island markets for breakfast treats… Or electrical systems…

The best thing about sailing is there is always something new to learn. Constant challenges and education. What could be better?

Any critical courses / topics to add to the study list?

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Part 4 of Captain Cat’s Invincible Plan to Get Cruising is: The Plan to Find a Boat that Fits.

How to Cruise
Next: Cruising Courses – Cost Survey for 3 Countries
Previously: Sail Training – Where to Get It

Cruising Courses – Quick Cost Survey for 3 Countries

There are literally 100s of sailing schools in England and 1000s in the USA. All prices in this quick survey are roughly eyeballed averages of 5-10 representative schools in each country (except for the top level offshore courses where it was more difficult to find courses offered). 


Prices seem pretty consistent across south England and across Canada. The US schools have a fairly wide price range. The numbers below are a bit painful at first glance – but sailing is never/rarely cheap. It would be quite a feat to take all of these courses in one year, so you can count on spreading the cost over 2 to several years.


And the cost of gaining the skills necessary to keep yourself safe, healthy and alive to continue enjoying life in paradise is infinitely cheap compared to the price of not being prepared when you desperately need to be. Sail training is something that can’t be emphasized – or valued – highly enough. 


This short survey is meant only as a rough indication of prices for learn to cruise courses. It is a place to begin from.

In the UK       

If you live in the UK, it makes sense to follow the Royal Yachting Association Learn to Cruise certification levels. These seem to be run primarily by commercial sailing academies – and there’s a lot of choice.


Smaller less visible companies often charge slightly less for each course. If you can get a group together of 10-15+ people together, say, through a yacht club or at your place of work, you can often find rates offered at a 10-20% discount and get yourself thrown in for free too. Off-season (October to April approx) also seems to bring a 10-20% discount. Can these be combined? Everything’s negotiable.

About how much does it cost roughly on average in the UK to complete the tests in 2011? (in £, VAT included in price)


On the Water

• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Preparation (5 days, live-aboard) £520
• RYA Coastal Skipper  (5 days, live-aboard) £520 
• RYA Day Skipper  (5 days, live-aboard) £520
• RYA Competent Crew  (5 days, live-aboard) £520

Theory 

• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Preparation Theory £350
• RYA Coastal Skipper Theory £350 
• RYA Day Skipper Theory £350

In the USA

It’s easy to find commercial schools that teach the beginner and intermediate levels of American Sailing Association cruising standards, especially in major ports. It was harder – but not impossible – to find Advanced, Offshore courses and Celestial Nav courses. 


But while the ASA curriculum might be standardized, the prices charged and length of courses at various schools are anything but. 


Bigger cities usually meant bigger prices. More days in a course sometimes meant higher prices – but just as often not. I can only assume the discrepancy is caused by the size/age of the yachts and equipment provided. A few schools offered discounts for couples. The prices below are very roughly eyeballed ranges. 


So, about how much does it cost roughly on average in the USA to complete the tests in 2011? (in USD$)


On the Water 

• Offshore Passagemaking (ASA 108) (8-10 days) $3300-4000
• Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) (2-5 days) $600-995
• Bareboat Chartering (ASA 104) (3-4 days) $695-1395
• Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) (2-4 days) $495-850
• Basic Keelboat (ASA 101) (2-4 days) $400-$695

Theory

• Celestial Navigation (ASA 107)  $400-600
• Coastal Navigation (ASA 105)  $250-400

In Canada

Venues that teach Canadian Yachting Association Learn to Cruise levels are harder to find at all levels. There only seem to be few – if any – commercial schools and they are only found in the larger cities. Some boat clubs will offer theory courses if there is enough member interest. 

I could only find the highest level CYA Offshore Standard course offered in Vancouver, although an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Preparation course can be found near Halifax.

About how much does it cost roughly on average in Canada to complete the tests in 2011? (in CAD$, HST not included in price)


On the Water 

• CYA Offshore Standard  (7 days, live-aboard)   $1500 
• CYA Advanced Cruising (5 days, live-aboard)   $1050 
• CYA Intermediate Cruising (5 days, live-aboard)   $950
• CYA Basic Cruising Standard (28 hours)   $525

Theory 

• CYA Celestial Navigation  $350
• CYA Coastal Navigation  $340
• CYA Advanced Cruising Theory (18 Hours)   $200
• CYA Intermediate Cruising Theory (12 Hours)   $180
• CYA Basic Cruising Theory (12 Hours)   $150

How many tests do I need?

• Theory knowledge has to be demonstrated (usually by taking and passing the relevant theory course/s) before the on-the-water test/s can be taken.
• The pace of the theory courses usually allow you enough time to learn the material over the duration of the course before the exam on the last day. 

• For the (advanced level) on the water practicals, however, you need to get the necessary boat-handling skills before you even start the course. If you haven’t already got this, you’ll need to factor in the cost of getting enough on the water experience.  
• Practical courses tend to run for about 5-7 days straight, all day, every day.
• You can jump in at any level of theory or practical if you think you’ve got the knowledge and skills to pass. (If you don’t, you will have to redo the course to progress).

How much does on the water pre-test training cost?

• Volunteering as crew for cruising in the UK, USA and Canada, you’ll usually be asked to cover your own cost of food and alcohol. Pitching in for the captain’s alcohol is pretty standard too.
• In the USA and Canada, if you are looking for racing training, it’s pretty much the same as above. In the UK, however, plan on paying on average £100+/day for ‘race fees’.
• How much does it cost to locate a crew to volunteer for? Free if you use crew bank sites online, for example on Facebook. Or you can join a sailing club with a crew bank. Then you’ll need to factor in the cost of club membership fees.
• Or you can pay for training weeks at a sailing academy which is charged at about the same rate as the test weeks as listed above.

The grand total?

So. If you took all the practical and theory courses from beginner level right up to the top yachtmaster/offshore level, what would it cost?

• In the UK: £3130 (VAT sales tax already included in price)
• In the USA: USD$6140 (no sales tax on services, prices at bottom of price range used)
• In Canada: CAD$6032 (after 15% east coast HST sales tax added)

Ever taken a cruising certification course? Where did you study?

Comments on the experience? Would you take another course from this provider?

Guest post by

—The Can Opener

(supervised and approved by Captain Cat) 

How to Cruise
Next: Why Get a Yachtmaster Certification?
Previously: The Plan to Get Trained for Blue Water

 

Why Get an RYA Yachtmaster Certification?

Naturally I, Captain Cat, have already got all the training I need to lounge behind our dodger, managing the Can Opener as he sails our yacht from England to infinity and beyond. But I am a cat. 

The Can Opener on the other hand, still needs to achieve his RYA Yachtmaster level and a few related certificates before I’ll let him loose on the high seas.

Why do I insist on so much training? Well, let’s see… Would anyone get in a car and drive it around the world saying, “We’ll just learn how to drive as we go…”? How about taking off in an airplane and figuring on “just picking up the details on flying on the way, how hard can it be…”? I thought not.

Boats may have steering wheels, but they are not cars. Buying a car does not automatically confer the knowledge of how drive it. Inconvenient but true – in the middle of the Atlantic there are no warm B&Bs to pull into to wait out storms with 60 knot winds and 20 foot high waves. 

You might make it through. You might not. You might endanger others who try to rescue you from a situation you could have been – but are not – prepared for.

Sailing is beautiful. It also comes with risks that rarely happen. Fortunately, there is much you can do to mitigate some very low frequency but extreme possible results.

  
Learn, train, provision, plan against the risks with as much knowledge and equipment as you can acquire. Then go sailing knowing that you have done everything you can in advance. The most painful and unfixable errors begin with “If only…”

 

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

How to Cruise
Next: Sailing Strength Training
Previously: Cruising Courses – Cost Survey for 3 Countries

 

The Plan to Get Social

 

Part 2 of Captain Cat’s Invincible Plan to Get Cruising:

Captain Cat: Right. So. Why did my financial wonder cost-watcher blow the bank on a yacht club of all things? Do you know how much caviar that would have bought us?

Can Opener: The Red Tabby Yacht Club made sense for big reasons, Captain C:

1. it has people who are passionate about sailing like we are
2. a cruising section
3. club-run lectures, RYA Yachtmaster theory training and review
4. club-owned training yachts
5. it was nearby.

At a yacht club, we can volunteer to crew on a bunch of different yacht types while deciding which one is the yacht design of your dreams. And we’ll meet the boat owners in advance so we’ll know ’em before we get to the dock. It’s good karma.

Captain Cat: What happened to the Rockin’ Ocelot Race Committee? They’ve got Dee Cafari and she’s a babe.

Can Opener: That’s true… The Red Tabby was just the best mix of what you were looking for. And we can see Dee speaking at the Rockin’ Ocelot open lectures. London boat clubs are friendly that way.

Captain Cat:  In time, I may forgive you.

Can Opener:   The Cost so far

• yacht club membership is £950/year ($1564/year), no joining fee as part of a special offer.

Compared to the cost of training in the UK at a commercial sailing academy or race crew fees, both at about £100+/day, it began to make sense.

Captain Cat:  I will never forgive you.

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Next up:
i) Part 3 of Captain Cat’s Invincible Plan to Get Cruising is: The Plan to Get Trained.
ii) A Visit to the Red Tabby Yacht Club