All This Theory Talk Has Got Me Thinking

[Argonautical]

Now then.......... Having done some cruising in the company of some very experienced 'Old Salts' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It is fair to say that most of my experience has been very 'assisted' along the way, and as such although trying to pick up as much planning, understanding practical experience as possible, it has been hindered by elementary lazyness! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Now those guys who have helped me out have been incredibly patient indeed, but this summer I want to be able to do MORE, by asking LESS.

I did the day skipper course in 2007 when I had the first Targa, but the course progress was thwarted somewhat what by mechanical breakdowns and my own desire to really learn about using the boat, and not really doing much passage planning etc.

What really should I do? Is it worth enlisting on a Day Skipper theory course or should I seriously consider Yachtmaster to really gain some sensible practical knowledge of the sea?

Thanks again to Roger, Derek and Ian, all of whom have given me some invaluable pointers..............but this coming summer I want to be a lot more 'Savvy About The Sea'! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Jas.

 

[deaks]

Not sure how many sea miles you've done and the type of sailing you actually do but IMHO I would suggest taking your Yachmaster theory as opposed to your Day Skipper Theory. It will give you the push you need.
I must admit to starting my sailing a little ar*e about face in taking my Yachtmaster theory before I had even been on a yacht! It's the way things worked out!!
Ok I read the books but the 5 weekend course with lots of cramming inbetween focused my mind wonderfully....
Then of course actually doing it on the water is another thing and that is down to you to get stuck in and make mistacks and enjoy them, while you have someone there to double check what you are doing.
Then when I started to charter boats and became the skipper! that is another qautum leap.
You then find where the buck stops...Gulp.
And the Savvy bit comes on in leaps and bounds.
Good Luck

 

[Kawasaki]

I would think a bod of your hintellect and brainypower should go straight to Yachtmaster.
Snot like you are a newb.
Go for it get all the books etc you can lay your hands on etc.
You'l do OK.
Although at the end of the Course Yer head will feel like a piece of cheese and yer brain will think its a stuffed barbel. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[photodog]

Swmbo did Day Skipper Theory, I looked over her shoulder occasionally, and then went and did the Yachtmaster Theory... Its very simular... only more so!

If you have been boating for a while, and are relativley agile in the head for the maths, then you should be fine.

 

[hlb]

I cant say that I got anything much out of courses. Mind I'd been sailing about for a few years, before going on one.

I think more depends on your cruising ground, as they all present different types of problems.

YM sounds a bit over the top for driving a mobo about.

 

[alant]

Go back onto DS Theory.

If that is done thoroughly, thats all you will ever need.

CS/DS Theory will not teach you much, if you haven't conquered the basics. It is nothing to do with brain power, just getting as much as possible under your belt.

Alternatively, pm someone like Powerskipper & discuss your experience shortfalls.

 

[gjgm]

th YM theory is straightforward enough; go straight to that.

 

[coliholic]

Yup I agree with those who say do the YM theory. And to make it even easier for you, you can do it as a one evening a week course at Grafham Water

 

[powerskipper]

Can you do an EP, CTS and tidal heights calculation, do you know the col regs and some stuff on weather with out taking hours to work it out, if you can do YM, If not do DS, I f you struggle with them in a YM class you will be struggling to keep up as this is assumed knowledge before starting.