Online / Correspondence Dayskipper

[flaming]

SWMBO is interested in using this lockdown and long dark evenings to do her DS theory.

Does anyone have any recommendations or "avoid" for companies offering this?

Thanks in advance

 

[LittleSister]

I don't, I'm afraid.

However, when the First Mate went to do her Dayskipper Theory (at evening classes some years ago) she found the first couple of classes unchallenging and felt she knew much of it (just picked up from sailing with me) and other parts seemed blindingly obvious. She managed to swop to do Yachtmaster Theory, caught up OK, found that more interesting and challenging, and passed comfortably. Depending on your SWMBO's aptitude and existing knowledge it may be worth considering doing that instead.

Of course, it cuts both ways, and the Yachtmaster Theory could well intimidate and completely put off someone who didn't already have some knowledge and could pick things up fast.

 

[capnsensible]

Navathome. I got insider information. ?

 

[st599]

There were quite a few centres offering courses on the cheap at the start of last lockdown. Check Facebook RYA Instructors groups.

Did YM Ocean in Lockdown 1.

May try and do one of the online instructors courses this time.

 

[flaming]

I don't, I'm afraid.

However, when the First Mate went to do her Dayskipper Theory (at evening classes some years ago) she found the first couple of classes unchallenging and felt she knew much of it (just picked up from sailing with me) and other parts seemed blindingly obvious. She managed to swop to do Yachtmaster Theory, caught up OK, found that more interesting and challenging, and passed comfortably. Depending on your SWMBO's aptitude and existing knowledge it may be worth considering doing that instead.

Of course, it cuts both ways, and the Yachtmaster Theory could well intimidate and completely put off someone who didn't already have some knowledge and could pick things up fast.

SWMBO has become a very useful member of a full racing crew, so when she gets to practical she won't be at all phased by heavy weather or sail handling. But she has done very little cruising etc, so her knowledge of pilotage, tides etc is not exactly extensive. The goal of this is to increase her overall confidence for cruising sailing. If it's too easy then in this case I think that will be a good thing...

 

[Moodysailor]

My SO has also decided to do her Day Skipper Online whilst we can't actually practice on the real thing ;-)

She started during the November lockdown as it gave her/us enough time to have it comfortably completed by spring without any time pressure. I'm also following it with her to touch up on some of my 'rusty' theory....

We chose Navathome from recommendations here (and others) and from plenty of googling. We have found that the course is good, although not always clearly intuitive (some of the answers needed aren't actually provided in the theory), but this is good in one aspect as it forces you (as with real life) to use multiple sources to find the answer needed, and it promotes validation and proper understanding in the same way.

As well as the course pack provided, we also use the 'real' almanac & charts, my YM notes, YouTube and some experience.

All-in-all it's a good course that I would recommend with the caveat that you need at least some experience, or someone else with experience to be able to talk to throughout - I am aware that this is the point of DS as you are supposed to have some basic knowledge to at least CC level, but I'm also aware that some people want to come straight into DS. The course was evidently created by very knowledgeable and experienced sailors and it shows

 

[lustyd]

Get rya navigation handbook and complete yachtmaster and read both cover to cover, both are really easy to digest and get you all the info you'd need and more. Beyond that it's mainly practice but I don't think you'd learn more on a course specifically. If you want to go on to Astro then avoid courses and books and go to YouTube, there's a guy on there who makes it much easier than any book I've ever read as he starts from the end and works backwards so you're never bored.

 

[TernVI]

It's a long time ago, but my wife did Coastal Skipper theory from basically nothing years ago.
I did YM theory at 18 having sailed dinghies and done an OYC type trip.

In the long run, it should not be necessary to go through multiple stages of shore-based theory, until you get on to YM ocean, which is a totally different syllabus?
I would seriously advocate looking at the syllabi and jumping in at a higher level if possible.
Particularly for someone who has a reasonable network of yachting contacts who can help with any bits which don't come easily.
I suspect YM offshore theory would be attainable, if the hours are available?

I am open to being told I'm hopelessly out of date on this!

 

[Andibs]

I found Navathome very good

 

[newtothis]

My crew did DS and YM theory last lockdown with First Class Sailing; it's not so much a correspondence course, more an virtual classroom using Zoom or similar. Worked well for her. Even managed to get the DS practical in during the easing of restrictions back in August.

 

[fien397]

Get rya navigation handbook and complete yachtmaster and read both cover to cover, both are really easy to digest and get you all the info you'd need and more. Beyond that it's mainly practice but I don't think you'd learn more on a course specifically. If you want to go on to Astro then avoid courses and books and go to YouTube, there's a guy on there who makes it much easier than any book I've ever read as he starts from the end and works backwards so you're never bored.

Which youtube channel do you recommend for the astro stuff? i keep meaning to have a go.

 

[lustyd]

Tippecanoe Boats it's long but he does it the "right" way around with terminology at the end.

 

[Airscrew]

Flaming,

I used NavAtHome, and would recommennd.
Day skipper theory (done some years ago with NAH, and like your better half, using this current lockdown time and now part-way through YM theory.

But it might not suit everybody.
I think the student would have to:
a) be indepdendant and self motivated
b) have a good handle on the basics of nav and met and vectors. I can imagine some people just 'not getting it', and those people would likely benefit more from a classroom and a tutor at the shoulder.

But with that proviso, my expereince with NAH was:
very quick response times
clear guidance on errors (yes we can all make simple stupid errors), and even better advice on tips and improvements
the website and s/w are very good
and it was an enjoyable experience
cheaper than classroom, but thats not the motivation nor benefit.

Hope that helps.
.

 

[fien397]

Tippecanoe Boats it's long but he does it the "right" way around with terminology at the end.

Great stuff. Thanks

 

[Skylark]

I would not recommend that someone with little prior knowledge signs-up to the YM Shorebased course, skipping the DS step.

A few years ago RYA revamped the YM course and most people who have done it since say that, now, there is a big jump between the two courses. (I’m a Shorebased instructor).

Best advice would be for flaming’s parter to discuss her requirements with a school principal/instructor or, alternatively, consider buying both of the accompanying Shorebased Notes from RYA bookshop. They are not expensive, they are a good resource and should help to determine which level is most appropriate.

 

[capnsensible]

Yeah, there is good advice about course levels on the RYA website plus all Recognised Training Centres offer the same in their advertising too.

For lots of people though, nothing beats a call to a real, experienced person who can guide them to the right course. I think practical schools are gonna be extremely busy once the covid war is won judging by the number of people using lockdown to learn new skills via online training.

 

[Never Grumble]

Like driving lessons I wont be teaching my wife to navigate etc either.

 

[flaming]

Back when I was young and not really sure what I wanted to do with myself I did qualify as a cruising instructor and taught a few courses before I realised the instructor life wasn't for me. So I'm quite happy that DS is what my wife needs to do, and also extremely aware that I am completely the wrong person to attempt to teach her...

 

[Barnacle Bill]

There is complete coverage of all the theory you need to know on my Aztec Sailing website.

At the moment I am re-drafting the whole thing, and the new 'beta' version is now available on Aztec Sailing Home The intention is to update it and make it slightly more user friendly for small screens.

The content is free to access and free of advertising. Subscriptions via Paypal are welcome. I would also welcome feedback and constructive suggestions on the relaunch site - direct to me by email if you don't mind!

All the material is clearly explained and there are questions to test yourself. If anyone has any difficulty they are welcome to contact me.

 

[boomerangben]

I’m currently doing the Navathome course for coastal skipper/yacht master and bought the day skipper refresher as an add on. I don’t hold any quals apart from a sepia toned competent crew and a SR VHF course. I’ve always had an interest so had an understanding of tides, secondary ports etc. The day skipper add on has been useful and not having too many problems doing the CS/YM content. My only comment would be they don’t seem to make use of useful rhymes eg “if to starboard, red appears, ‘tis your duty to keep clear”, aide memoirs like the black cones on a cardinal buoy point to the black stripe on the buoy and Cadbury’s Dairy Milk is Very Tasty etc to help in remembering stuff. But otherwise so far so good.