Day Skipper Combined

[Bristolfashion]

The combined courses should be a minimum of nine days.

Oh yes, our combined Day Skipper WAS 9 days, slip of the finger. Our tutor was excellent- I believe that she now works at the RYA in the training area. I liked the approach of learning the theory and applying it at the same time.

I found the Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper theory VERY long. The Coastal Skipper practical was a distinct step up from DS.

Cheers

Bristol

 

[capnsensible]

Thanks for responding. :encouragement:

 

[Triassic]

The OP doesn't say where they want to do the course but I did a combined one with Elite sailing who are based on the Medway. The theory course is on their barge in Chatham Marina and then you move onto a boat for the five day practical afterwards. As other have said I found putting the theory immediately into practice was a great way to learn, and the Medway/Thames estuaries and East coast have pretty much every challenge you are likely to need. I did mine a few years ago but a friend did his with them this year and had an equally satisfactory experience so we'd both recommend them to anybody.

 

[Skylark]

I’ve just taken the practical part of a combined course. I’m a relatively new CI, having qualified only after retiring from “a real job”.

I think that there are a few clear advantages in doing a combined course.

The Shorebased work is fresh and candidates are keen to practice.

Having worked together for 4 days, everyone already “jells” so teamwork is very good.

During the last day of Shorebased, everyone contributed towards making the passage plan including detailed pilotage for (pre planned) day 1 of the Practical.

Together, these really did “stack the cards in our favour”. We made a great start to the course which was very easy to build upon as the week progressed.

For all Practical courses I believe that there are two massive variables which can equally contribute toward or detract from the success of the course.

The first is the weather. Pretty much pot luck for any week in the U.K. The second is the entry level experience and capability of each candidate. Despite “self belief”, let me respectfully note that DS can be a stretch for some