It is very important to protect the eyes against Macular Degeneration, caused by the excessive exposure to UV to which you are exposed when out on the water. It causes blindness and there is no cure. A pink/brown tint is better than blue according to my optician. Don't forget the sunscreen either!
Newbie: Getting started
- Thread starter austenozzy
- Start date
It is very important to protect the eyes against Macular Degeneration, caused by the excessive exposure to UV to which you are exposed when out on the water. It causes blindness and there is no cure. A pink/brown tint is better than blue according to my optician. Don't forget the sunscreen either!
Paddingtonbear
New member
Totally and utterly true, so why do the half wits wear them on top of their head?
JumbleDuck
Well-known member
You won't enjoy The Lounge, then.
Rock Dodger
Member
It's to look "cool" PB.
Incidentally, In the film of the same name, Colonel Blimp was a brave, honest and decent man, just a little out of date. Maybe Admiral Blimp?
Not far from where I am based we have the RN (Romford Navy) many of whom wouldn't be seen dead in a yacht club and buy large noisy power boats which they thrash through moorings, irrespective of the speed limits. Some of them buy the boat as a status symbol and can't be bothered to do any courses.
My tip is to crew for someone a few times, good experience before doing the courses.
viago
Well-known member
i dont know, sounds like he would fit right on in there. more eeyore than paddington.
as for the op, if you're out bobbing about on the cornish main and see another vessel retrieving something from the deep, look the other way and carry on. best way to stay safe at sea over there.
welcome.
Paddingtonbear
New member
The Romford Navy sounds not unlike to the inhabitants of Brighton Marina except most of them no longer seem to be able to afford to run their big petrol V8s, thank god.
austenozzy
New member
Hello everyone
First off - thanks for all the replies! The YBW notification that I'd had some went into the junk folder where I've just spotted it, so it's a lovely surprise to find two dozen! Sorry for not having checked in - busy weekend with the two-year-old.
I think, from the consensus and knowing my own personality, that a bit of shore-based reading and a few afternoons out with my brother-in-law (the very experienced sailor), pootling up and down between the Fal and Helford is the way to go in the first instance. If I don't spend most of the time chucking up over the side, and decide it's for me, then I will probably look to go for a practical course, split over two or three weekends - probably day skipper. There are lots of training centres in Falmouth (nearest town) and nearby, so I'm sure I can find something suitable.
Another question (I promise I'll check back more!) - can you do the DS theory exam without having attended the class? I'm pretty good at theory stuff and exams, so if I can save a few hundred quid and get it done myself over winter, then so much the better. This summer is all about getting the new house sorted and pottering about with my BIL when time permits.
Cheers
Oz
First off - thanks for all the replies! The YBW notification that I'd had some went into the junk folder where I've just spotted it, so it's a lovely surprise to find two dozen! Sorry for not having checked in - busy weekend with the two-year-old.
I think, from the consensus and knowing my own personality, that a bit of shore-based reading and a few afternoons out with my brother-in-law (the very experienced sailor), pootling up and down between the Fal and Helford is the way to go in the first instance. If I don't spend most of the time chucking up over the side, and decide it's for me, then I will probably look to go for a practical course, split over two or three weekends - probably day skipper. There are lots of training centres in Falmouth (nearest town) and nearby, so I'm sure I can find something suitable.
Another question (I promise I'll check back more!) - can you do the DS theory exam without having attended the class? I'm pretty good at theory stuff and exams, so if I can save a few hundred quid and get it done myself over winter, then so much the better. This summer is all about getting the new house sorted and pottering about with my BIL when time permits.
Cheers
Oz
PaulMcC
New member
I felt the same and couldn't find anywhere that would just let me sit the exam so in the end I went for a correspondence course. About half the price of classroom lessons. And actually I'm very glad I did as I decided to go for the YM theory and found at the time that doing it theoretically (rather than with the benefit of much experience of 'in practice' nav) it was very easy to make a small mistake and not spot it. Attention to detail really is everything for doing paper nav.
austenozzy
New member
Hi PaulMcC,
I had spotted an online course, which seemed like a good compromise. I'll take another look.
Which one did you do, out of interest?
Thanks!
I had spotted an online course, which seemed like a good compromise. I'll take another look.
Which one did you do, out of interest?
Thanks!
Sandy
Well-known member
Non, as they say in France.
It's a Course Attendance Cert, AFAIK.
winsbury
New member
Just finished the 12 sections of an online DS theory which Ive gently plodded through over several weekends; it is based directly on the RYA shore based DS coursebook and I'm about to sit the end of course test for which I believe there is a certificate at stake. I read plenty before embarking on the course but still found a couple of hard bits: a) remembering all the lights and sounds and b) not missing some vital detail in the wording of the practice questions - they are deliberately devious at times! We're booked on the DS practical in Teneriffe shortly (to get the tidal version of the ticket and ICC ) which I'm looking forward to immensely. We sail regularly and have our own small boat and lots of dinghy experience but I just want to ensure I know how to do it right and to charter to experience warmer waters occasionally. Personally I don't think you can have too much learning behind you; if anything, the more you know before the course the more likely you'll pick up extra tips and details that would be missed by a complete novice.
Ravi
Active member
I can recommend the Centaur Sailing correspondence course. I think that they have a fast-track option for people who are advanced but want the qualification. I did their day regular Day Skipper correspondence course and a couple of friends did their YM course.
They are a very good organisation but have very high standards and you won't be 'passed' unless you know your stuff. But, that is the whole point isn't it? The course is very much 'self paced' so it may suit you.
Incidentally, I did my DS practical before my DS theory (because I had a bit of experience and was more attracted by the practical side of things). I think that was a mistake as it was only after I did the DS qualification that I realised how much I didn't know.
Like other people I think that the best advice is to to get as much sailing experience with different people on different boats as you can. Sailing with the brother in law will be excellent experience but it is amazing how much you can learn from different boats and people.
Happy sailing.
Uricanejack
Well-known member
I'm not entirely certain of all the RYA processes having never taken part.
As far as I can tell. All the RYA yachtmasters exams can be challenged.
The day skipper might be different.
Having been an instructor for a different organisation (CYA).
I probably. Think differently to the RYA. Which spears to be very exam based. I am not usually impressed by exams. Of course I have never been very good at exams.
I will quote Dillan sailing is safe and easy.
You don't need fancy qualifications to sail.
Unlike Dillan and others I recommend a basic course like day skipper over sailing with brothers, chums or chaps from the bar.
The course covers all the basic essentials in a logical format. Sailing with friends you get bits and pieces sometimes important pieces. Get missed. Or are just not explained well.
Go sailing with your brother to find out if you like it. Read books, do online or take a theory as it works for you. The exam is just a nice piece of paper for your help wall. The knowledge you pick up from the book or on line will give you an advantage on a course which will give you a well thought out good practical experience and confidence to set out on your own and gain more.
The course I taught was conducted in two different. Ways.
One over 7 lessons over 5. Days over 3 or more. Weekends on 3 or 4 different boats plus a practical exam( I never failed anyone)
Or on a 5 day cruise on one boat the last day being the exam.
Each had its advantages.
I used to really enjoy the day lessons. Used to get me out on the water all winter.
PaulMcC
New member
I did mine with a guy from Yorkshire based down in Plymouth who sails a cat - Jim Durnden (probably not how you spell his surname!) Search for Top Cat sailing school and you'll find him. I ended up doing my practical exam on his boat too which was excellent.
oldbilbo
...
I've been sailing now some 45 years, raced and cruised fairly successfully, have acquired along the way all the bits of paper, and have taught this RYA stuff for a decade.
The Ravi guy has it about right.
Listen to all. Use your own judgement.
Edit: I've just noticed where you keep your boat. A superb cruising ground, and a superb local club. And Murphy's.....
What more could a man ask for?
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austenozzy
New member
Thanks again, everyone.
The plan: Get out on the boat with my brother in law a few times in various conditions, and see if I like it as much as I remember! Then I'll look at doing the DS theory via an online course through the winter, with a view to perhaps getting a cheeky 21 footer in the Spring next year. Falmouth have a substantial price break at 6.5m, so that's my limit I think.
Cheers - I expect I'll be back with more daft questions once we've relocated to pasty-land.
Oz
The plan: Get out on the boat with my brother in law a few times in various conditions, and see if I like it as much as I remember! Then I'll look at doing the DS theory via an online course through the winter, with a view to perhaps getting a cheeky 21 footer in the Spring next year. Falmouth have a substantial price break at 6.5m, so that's my limit I think.
Cheers - I expect I'll be back with more daft questions once we've relocated to pasty-land.
Oz
Russ the Diver
Member
Hi. If you PM me Ill give you the contact details of a very good skipper who is RYA approved. Has just moved his boat to Torpoint in Cornwall.
