OK - so how many of you have read the above by Peter Bruce and thought " this couldn't possibly happen to me"?. Good luck - thank God I'm too old to contemplate the Southern Oceans.
BT
Both are frightening but excellent guides to actions in heavy weather.
But the best guide is experience gained over a long period of putting to sea in heavier and heavier weather until full confidence is given by boat and individual.
That's why the RYA insists on minimum sea times and miles. But to many people have 1 mile repeated 2500 times rather than 2500 different miles before they go for yachtmaster tests. It is different experiences that count.
I think that's the reason for the requirement for five 60 mile trips. Apparently people who'd done one transatlantic (one port exit, one port entry and a pleasant trip between) were thought likely to apply for yachtmaster on the strength of it.
I've learnt that not everybody is able to connect with the address above. If it doesn't work try - http://www.adn.com/video/story/630925p-675183c.html. No yachts I'm afraid but they are seas that yachts want to be in!