RYA - Dayskipper course

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baffled

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For the princley sum of £310 my localish college is running the above course. Two hours a week for thirty weeks.

Is it worth doing?

I have just bought a boat, although it is lame at the moment, initially I will be taking the wife and kids out around North Wales, long term - after the 100% property rises predicted in the papers today - I will have a fairline in sunnier climes.

Will the Dayskipper be far too much theory for my current needs and would I be better getting out and about as much as I can with a view to starting a formal qualification later.

Alternatively I could become a drummer. £80.

David
 
I believe there is nothing wrong in learning the theory before getting too much experience.... like learning anything, if you've not done it before you will learn easier and haven't got the bad habits to get rid of.

I would say that I think £310 is probably a little on the steep side for an evening class at a college.... I only paid £330 for a full-time week at a sailing school.

All in all though, I would personally say it is worth doing...... sits back and waits for the posts against the value of qualifications /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Good luck with it.
 
It really depends on how much you like learning in semi formal environment.

Without a doubt, it will help you a great deal in boating long term, but how much navigation, weather and general boating skills do you already have? Are you coming at this as complete novice, or someone that can read a map and weather chart to some degree already
 
First, it's well worth doing the course. You will learn a lot with a like minded group around you - good fun too.

Unfortunately, the cutbacks in funding mean that around £300 is the going rate, up from £150 a few years ago. Adult Education is taking a very low priority because funds are being allocated to school leavers who did not achieve the required level at school!

However, 30 weeks is way too long for this course. The RYA requires 40 hours plus 3 hours assessment for Day Skipper. Find another centre, if you can.
 
I did the shore based course as a complete novice - learnt a lot, then got a boat for the practical side!

Arse about face, I know, and not good. The son has just done his Dayskipper course in NZ, thinking he knew it all, then admitted it was very worthwhile as most of the asides from his knowledgeable and experienced teacher were worth more than the course itself!! Daughters next; she and HHMBO want to do the course as a result...

I'd say do it - everything you learn is a bonus and adds to the confidence you will definitely need...
 
If you are that level, you should find the course of use and interest. Self study is fine, but the interaction with tutor and other course members will teach you loads more.
 
I really should not comment, as I had a terrible experience of doing the night school course. Maybe it was because we had already done trips to Ireland etc. Or maybe the teacher was crap. You also seem to have to have quite an accademic brain, which I have not.

Having said all that. I wish I had followed it up with the practical, whilst what bit that had gone in was still fresh, if only that I would now have some bits of paper to give to the French or who ever.
 
Cos you,ve got the boat in Deganwy might I suggest the same course over 2/3 days with Sea Training International in Port Dinorwic or one of the Outfits in Conwy. The Day Skipper course (Or Dazed Kipper) as it has been Christened on The Forum is a great springboard for Motor Boat (Or raggie) enjoyement. I believe you already have PB 2 qualification? This combined with Dazed Kipper is the way forward. No commercial connection with aforementioned outfit in P D just know the guys and have found them "Proper" Go for it. Plus Dazed Kipper on the water and the classroom is a bit more fun and more realistic , if you get my drift. Oops no pun intended! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
The "Frogs" only want an ICC don.t they? In fact that,s all the "Daygos ,Waps ,,Eyties" and the rest of our "Continental" friends require isn,t it. Although I do remember a a thread, was it Magnum.? Something about cowtowing, grinning and bearing, free drinks, hows The Wife and Family, Donation to the Cause. Bowing and Scraping etc etc. Should have one for Wales---- I.C.C. Infusing. Cash. Cymru. My Bank Acuont details are----- /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Yep. But I have not even got an ICC.

I work on the principle of.

F3. Boat floats along

F4. Boat bounces a bit.

F5 Boat bounces and bangs a bit.

F6 Boat bounces and crashes a bit.

F7 Boat bounces, crashes and bangs.

F8 Boat crashes and bangs.

Is there anything else to know. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Speaking of wales. The Kids are getting me an ensign for my birthday. Do I need a Welsh courtesy flag for the front. Missus is Welsh so it might earn me brownie points as well.

Good god, That means the kids are half Welsh.
 
Me and my Brother did the night school course, towards the end one guy on the course suggested booking a practical course, 4 of us did this and Southern gave us a discount!. We had a good tutor, whole thing was very worthwhile.

Sailing would worry me (more) if I thought there were basic things that I didnt have the grasp of!
 
Yep "Ddraig Goch" Welsh Dragon, cos you already got one! Plus you need a Formurite Ensign and a Red Duster , Complete set of Signal flags. Plus I,m at anchor having a sarnie flag. Need a tow flag cos me gearbox is bollocks, Run out of ale and whitewine flag, bloody real important. ENGLAND flag cos, you,ve got to. I support The Lifeboat Flag , cos one day you.ll need em. In fact a complete area of stowage will be needed for all the cloth you will need to comply with Flagging responsibilities which your business will require cos your boating will overtake your work ethic , plus a white flag to wave at the Tax Man! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
From your info I guess you are thinking of Warrington College ?

If so myself and Nautorious took course about 5 years ago, I dropped out but Nautorious completed it.

Lots and lots of theory - mainly geared towards sticky boats, this was backed up with some practical experience on a boat in Liverpool Marina.

Its a good start but would go straight on to do day skipper practical on a powerboat.
 
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