RYA Day Skipper Sail

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RYA Day Skipper Course

The RYA Day Skipper Practical is an introduction to taking charge onboard a yacht, allowing you to put your basic navigation, pilotage, and sailing skills into practice. It will provide you with an opportunity to take command, and to develop your leadership skills onboard, under the guidance of an experienced and friendly instructor. It is a very useful and popular Captains license for those looking to charter a yacht.

It includes 4 nights on board and food for Day 1. After that students are encouraged to take part in the provisioning and planning for the week.

Upon successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, you will be able to navigate and skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. This qualification is usually accepted when chartering a yacht as skipper anywhere in the world. Holders of the RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification can apply to the RYA for and receive an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for a small charge.

In many places it is also a legal requirement to complete the VHF/SRC Radio course as well. You can do this online with us before arriving and sit the assessment before or after your course.

You are strongly advised to be comfortable with Day Skipper Theory before attending this course and we often run the theory course just before the practical or you can do this online before coming. In addition we find that even Day Skipper candidates can benefit from some dinghy sailing to improve wind awareness, and dinghies can be rented with or without an instructor at the National Sailing Academy.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Sailing Practical Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

This course can also be done on your own vessel.

It is also a good course for friends and families to sail together privately, either all doing Day Skipper or with Competent Crew candidates.

The cost is US $1195 - please click the 'Training Dates & Booking' button to the right, to check available dates.

Duration:  5 Days usually 9am Mon- 5 pm Fri with 4 nights on board Max students : 5
Previous Experience: 5 Days onboard but would recommend 10 plus, 100 logged miles and 4 night hours.Basic knowledge of navigation and sailing ability. Candidates should have completed RYA Day Skipper Theory or similar Minimum Age: 16
Locations: Antigua. Caribbean Dates: All year

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor

NOTICE: We will resume all RYA Motor Cruising Courses in January 2024. Please contact us for more information.

The preparation method is normally 3 days onboard but as the examiner will expect a high level of mechanical knowledge of a general and vessel specific nature, then completing one of the Engineering courses is highly recommended. We can build a 2 day maintenance course into the prep.

During the exam you can expect to give the examiner a guided tour of your engine room. He/she will expect a detailed knowledge of your equipment and may ask searching questions about the operation of specific machinery and systems.

The same may be true of fuel switching systems between tanks and engines or the use of day tanks. Be aware of how much fuel you carry and your cruising range.  Make sure you can explain the oil, air, fuel, salt and fresh water systems and show the examiner where all the lines and hoses go.

You will be expected to be able to handle the boat efficiently in a confined area and be able to berth in a variety of situations. This may well include berthing on one engine (in a twin engine vessel) and berthing without the use of the bow thruster if fitted.

Under way you will be examined on your high-speed navigation. Make sure you know where you are and where you are going at all times. The power exam may well have more emphasis than the sail equivalent on GPS and radar navigation so make sure you are familiar with the equipment on the exam vessel.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Motor Practical Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

$1800usd pp. Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.

Duration:  5 Days plus maintenance course
(3 Days preparation, followed by a 2 day exam)		 Max students : 4
Previous Experience: VHF certificate, A Valid First Aid certificate,
50 days Onboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles, 5 passages over 60 nautical miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper. 		 Minimum Age: 18
Locations: Antigua Dates: This course is run all year round
Day Skipper Motor

RYA Day Skipper Motor

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RYA Day Skipper Practical Motor

NOTICE: We plan to resume RYA Motor Cruising Courses in early 2024. Please contact us for more information.

This RYA Day Skipper Motor course is intended to introduce you to cruising in a motor vessel.  It includes preparation for sea, boat handling, navigation, pilotage, passage making, meteorology, rules of the road, engines and emergency situations.  Part of the course will also involve night cruising.  You will learn how to integrate the GPS and radar systems into your navigation and how to keep track of your position at speed.  You are strongly advised to be comfortable with day skipper level navigation theory before attending this course.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Motor Practical Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

Upon successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, you will be able to navigate and skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.  This qualification is usually required when chartering a yacht as skipper anywhere in the world.  Holders of the RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
This course can be done on own vessel or Ondeck’s.  Generally this will be done privately or for family groups. It is also a good course for friends and families to sail together privately either all doing Day Skipper or with Competent Crew candidates.

If you are going to be chartering a yacht in the future we would also recommend the VHF/SRC Radio Course.

$1250usd pp Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.

Duration:  4 Days No. Students to Instructor: 5:1
Previous Experience: 4 Days onboard, 100 logged miles and 4 night hours.Basic knowledge of navigation and sailing ability. Candidates should have completed RYA Day Skipper Theory or similar Minimum Age: 16
Locations: Antigua. Dates: This course is run all year round

Yachtmaster Offshore Motor

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NOTICE: We plan to resume all RYA Motor Cruising Courses in early 2024. Please contact us for more information.

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore is one of the most highly respected and prestigious sailing qualifications in the world and we pride ourselves on training many high calibre Yachtmaster Candidates.

Exam Preparation Courses are delivered by one of our fully qualified and extremely experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructors. The week starts with an assessment day, when the instructor will gauge your strengths and weaknesses.

The rest of the time will be spent improving weak areas in order to prepare you for the exam. You will take command of the yacht on short passages, by day and night. You will be required to navigate in a seamanlike manner, with both efficiency and safety. Your instructor will give you guidance and coaching on boat handling techniques both at sea and in a confined space.

Examiners expect a high level of expertise, particularly in safety critical exercises such as man overboard, or sailing down wind. Your instructor will also ensure that the theory subjects, in particular meteorology, IRPCS, buoyage and passage planning are not new to you. At the end of the week, you will be given an honest debrief, leaving you confident in your own ability, taking the exam if you feel ready to do so.

At the end of the preparation course, the instructor will leave the process and an Independent RYA Examiner will come aboard to conduct the exam. Every student will be examined on how they skipper the yacht on short passages, and complete various other tasks.

The preparation is normally 3 days onboard but as the examiner will expect a high level of mechanical knowledge of a general and vessel specific nature then completing one of the Engineering courses is highly recommended.

During the exam you can expect to give the examiner a guided tour of your engine room. He/she will expect a detailed knowledge of your equipment and may ask searching questions about the operation of specific machinery. For instance, you may be expected to be familiar with the operation of a turbo charger and charge air cooler even if the exam vessel is not fitted with any. The same may be true of fuel switching systems between tanks and engines or the use of day tanks. Be aware of how much fuel you carry and your cruising range. Make sure you can explain the oil, air, fuel, salt and fresh water systems and show the examiner where all the lines and hoses go.

You will be expected to be able to handle the boat efficiently in a confined area and be able to berth in a variety of situations. This may well include berthing on one engine (in a twin engine vessel) and berthing without the use of the bow thruster if fitted. Under way you will be examined on your high-speed navigation. Make sure you know where you are and where you are going at all times. The power exam may well have more emphasis than the sail equivalent on GPS and radar navigation so make sure you are familiar with the equipment on the exam vessel.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Motor Practical Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

$1800usd pp. Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.

RYA Start Motor Cruising

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NOTICE: We should resume our RYA Motor Cruising courses in early 2024. Please contact us for more information.

This course is ideal for introducing friends or family members to crewing a motor boat, and for giving them an understanding of how they can assist the helm. We offer the course on a comfortable motor cruiser which has the added benefit of comfortable accommodation.

We offer this course 'whole boat' privately to individuals, and friend and family groups

The ports, bays and harbours in our immediate vicinity are worth the trip in itself and if members of the group would prefer to relax rather than take the course we would love to have them onboard.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Motor Practical Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

Requirements & Outcomes

Pre-course experience None
Assumed knowledge None
Minimum duration 1 day as a stand-alone course, 2 days if accompanying another course
Minimum age 12
Course content Personal safety, seamanship, dealing with emergency situations, coming alongside, picking up a mooring, boat handling
Ability after the course Able to be a useful crew member and assist the helm

RYA Helmsman

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NOTICE: We plan to resume all RYA Motor Cruising Courses in early 2024. Please contact us for more information.

A two-day course covering basic boat handling, engine checks and safety. 

This course is ideal for new owners conscious of the difficulty and hazards of boat handling in the marina.

It is useful for crews as well as skippers. Apart from the obvious safety benefits of extra boat handlers on board, it adds interest if everyone can contribute to the trip.

Boat preparation, boat handling, types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship, rules of the road, securing to a buoy, berthing alongside, man overboard recovery.

This course is aimed at those wishing to increase their boat handling knowledge. You will be introduced to preparing the vessel for sea and instructed in close quarter maneuvering, berthing and picking up a mooring. The course also includes types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship and rules of the road. You will also practice man overboard recovery.

This course can be done on own vessel or Ondeck’s. Generally this will be done privately or for family groups; we offer this course ‘whole boat’ privately to individuals, and friend and family groups.

The ports, bays and harbours in our immediate vicinity are worth the trip in itself and if members of the group would prefer to relax rather than take the course we would love to have them aboard.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Motor Practical Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

$750usd pp. Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.

Pre-course experience None
Assumed knowledge None
Minimum duration 2 days
Minimum age 12
Course content Boat preparation, boat handling, types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship, rules of the road, securing to a buoy, berthing alongside, man overboard recovery
Ability after the course Competent to a handle motor cruiser of a specific type in sheltered waters

RYA Powerboat Level 2

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This is a popular course and very suitable for residents and visitors alike and is fully accepted locally and internationally for recreational boat usage as well as a requirement for those driving tenders in the yacht industry.

It will provide you with the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.

Please click here to see the progression of RYA Powerboat Courses and the recommended path for both theory and practical courses.

Other courses to consider alongside this course:

RYA Short Ranger Certificate - A license to operate VHF Marine Radio Worldwide.

RYA Dayskipper (Shorebased) or RYA Dayskipper (Online) - Developing on your Navigation Skills, Safety Awareness and Metrology Skills.

Outboard Engine Maintenance Course - Learn to diagnose problems and service your outboard engine

RYA Diesel Engine Course - Useful for those working on inboard engine vessels. Develop on your diesel engine skills, covering troubleshooting, servicing, winterisation and more!

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is one of the most useful and versatile of our courses for the following reasons:

1. It will help you, passengers and other users to become safer on the water.

2. Teaches you practical skills plus the basics of navigation, safety, rules of the road and much more.

3. It is accepted by ADOMS in Antigua & Barbuda as meeting the requirements of the Small Craft [Control] Regulations 2017. In short you now need a license to drive a pleasure craft by law in Antigua & Barbuda.

4. It is accepted internationally and for a small fee you can apply to the RYA for the ICC, International Certificate of Competence which is also a very useful international leisure license.

5. It is also accepted as a professional qualification and is sought by many people working on super yachts in order to be able to drive the tenders and support vessels. Not only that, it forms the basis for the Boatmaster 3 course for inshore small boat professionals here in the Caribbean.

6. You can arrange for the course on your own or Ondeck’s vessel.

7. It is 2 days and we can offer flexibility on dates during the week or weekends.

8. Excellent instructors who are informative and patient.

9. A good base course that can be followed up with more in depth driving, maintenance or navigation skills courses.

Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates, however, we also run the course in Antigua On Demand - Individual places available upon request at $550 per person.

Duration: 2 Days No. Students to Instructor: 3:1
Previous Experience: None Minimum Age: 12 - students under 16 will be given an endorsed certificate
Locations: Antigua Dates: This course is run all year round