Total novice

[Chris Atkin]

Hi
I am very keen to at last buy my own sailing boat but I have a couple of questions.
I currently have a fam klepper and have sailed lakes in Germany etc but I'm moving back to the UK and I'm keen to buy a boat and start coastal sailing

My main question is

Am I allowed to sail coastal without any formal qualifications.

 

[RichardS]

In the UK, yes.

No formal qualifications required for sailing any leisure craft. Licence required for VHF radio use I believe.

Welcome to the forum but it would be better to start such threads on the Scuttlebutt or PBO forums rather than Liveaboard.

Richard

 

[Chris Atkin]

OK thanks Richard
I just used this thread as will be liveaboard soon, and I'll use the threads you've mentioned in future.
Im going to do relevant courses with the RYA in the near future, but need to move (hopefully my new home) from where I'm making the purchase.
Thanks again Richard

 

[Tranona]

It may seem strange coming from a regulated sailing environment, but training and certification in the UK is carried out on a voluntary basis through the RYA schemes.

So, although there is no formal requirement for any form of qualification to use a private boat, many people do in fact undertake training to gain certificates appropriate to the type of boating they intend doing.

 

[Chris Atkin]

Hi Tranona
Germany is full of rules and regulations and even my Sailing club here on the lakes have multiple bylaws and rules to follow.
Hence why I asked about the UK etc
So looking forward to starting real sailing although obviously scarey at the same time, I'm going to join other boats that advertise for company or crew to gain confidence and experience and will definitely complete RYA courses.
Looking forward to it all very much

 

[jimbaerselman]

Here's one starting point for you: http://www.theca.org.uk/public/crewing

In addition, The Cruising Association has training affiliates operating in Limehouse, London (theory courses), and on the water locations for the Solent and Harwich.

 

[Chris Atkin]

Thanks very much Jim
A great link and definitely going to be looking for a place
Thanks

 

[mikenfi]

Take a dingy course and skipper your own yacht, complete the passage requirements for RYA, accreditations and take the paper tests. Done! The courses are over priced, if you can sail a dingy a yacht will be easy!!!