Seeking Recommendations: RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course in UK or Warm Climates

[wonkywinch]

Out of interest, why is it no longer an issue?

Because the RYA qualification with/without the "tidal" suffix was scrapped some years ago.

As a Solent sailor, the fact Gib schools claimed to be tidal is no match for the range and currents found in the Solent. The Gib area coastline is like a cliff so even a 4m range would make little difference whereas half the Solent falls below the draft of the average yacht at low tide so planning is vital to avoid running aground.

The Solent currents, especially at springs will detemine your destination and whether you're turning left or right out of Southampton Water that day.

They say if you learn in the Solent, you can sail anywhere and having personally followed that path, I agree.

 

[Mark-1]

Because the RYA qualification with/without the "tidal" suffix was scrapped some years ago.

Ahhh, I see. I was trying to think of some apocalyptic event or epic civil engineering project that would have made Gibraltar significantly more tidal.

 

[wonkywinch]

Until recently lots of charter companies still insisted on the "tidal" version of DS even though it doesn't exist.

 

[MAGTRAD]

Hey everyone,

I'm on the hunt for some guidance! I'm eager to take the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course sometime in January or February. I reached out to Commodore Yachting in the Solent, but unfortunately, there aren't enough people signed up for the January course, and February doesn't seem promising either.

I'm exploring options both in the UK and potentially in warmer spots like the Canary Islands. Any leads or recommendations on where I might find a course that fits the bill? Your insights would be massively appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!

Rene

I can recommend Broadreach Sailing based in Gosport in the Solent. They currently have a space in March too. The price is all inclusive , the boat is extremely well maintained and a ratio of one instructor to four students. I have done several courses there and the Owner of the School is also an RYA Yachtmaster examiner. If you want any further details give me a shout.

 

[xyachtdave]

Hey everyone,

I'm on the hunt for some guidance! I'm eager to take the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course sometime in January or February. I reached out to Commodore Yachting in the Solent, but unfortunately, there aren't enough people signed up for the January course, and February doesn't seem promising either.

I'm exploring options both in the UK and potentially in warmer spots like the Canary Islands. Any leads or recommendations on where I might find a course that fits the bill? Your insights would be massively appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!

Rene

Elite Sailing are advertising one end of January.

Elite Sailing | Training and Adventure

They're on the East Coast based at Chatham Marina. Can be quite challenging out in the estuary at this time of year so will give your qualification some meaning.

No affiliation, just a previous customer many years ago, see them around and they still look like a sensible outfit, boats appear in good order too.

 

[Seven Spades]

I strongly recommend the south coast of the UK for the simple reason the tides are significant and if you lean to handle a boat here you are ready for anything.

 

[Dellquay13]

Elite Sailing are advertising one end of January.

Elite Sailing | Training and Adventure

They're on the East Coast based at Chatham Marina. Can be quite challenging out in the estuary at this time of year so will give your qualification some meaning.

No affiliation, just a previous customer many years ago, see them around and they still look like a sensible outfit, boats appear in good order too.

Hmmmm, I can’t agree about their course organisation or their boats, given my earlier post

 

[xyachtdave]

Hmmmm, I can’t agree about their course organisation or their boats, given my earlier post

Yes I saw that after I posted!

Thinking about it I heard the original owner retired, maybe he’s taken his magic with him or possibly you were unlucky or a bit of both.

 

[Daverw]

Did mine in Gibraltar, sailed across the straights and also up the coast, best thing was easy to get there and marina 5 minutes walk away. Best thing is the sun and warmer water in Feb when we did ours. Cost about the same as uk.

Allabroad RYA Sailing Academy

 

[TSB240]

Have a thought for the best training ground in the UK as defined by Lord Nelson.
North Wales Power and Sail | RYA Certified | Est 2001

Plas Menai also offer winter sailing courses.

 

[prestomg27]

Big thanks, @Sandy, for the warm welcome! Winter sailing truly has its magic. There's something special about having the waters all to yourself!

Yes winter sailing does have its magic. I keep Presto in the water for that reason through the winter. But........ i find that there are maybe only 4 or 5 days a month in dec, jan or february that i would be prepared to go out in the boat. That is a boat that has lovely warm heating and on a sheltered east coast river.

the problem with training with a school is that you book the date and that is it. You might be lucky and it could be magical or you could pick a few of the other 25 days of the month where it would be absolute misery.

I am not a huge fan of RYA qualifications and shudder when a prospective crew introduces himself as "i'm Dave, i'm a day skipper....." . I did, however, do an ICC practical one early April day about 15 years ago when it started snowing and a numbing notth east wind blew in. One of the most miserable days on the water ever.