Yachmaster Practical starts today. GULP.

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HLMJ

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Trying to figure out the weather forcast but it's covered in silly lines and circles. I think 958 is the number of Stugeron tablets required but I'm not sure.

Seriously, of all the weeks to choose YM practical, with an exam at the end, could I have chosen more bizarre conditions? Should be highly entertaining.
 
Relax.
It can be easier during bad weather, the examiner will be happy that you can do your short passage and boat handling / MOB safely and will be less inclined to be thinking up bizzarre exercise for you. The worst is in a flat calm.
I once took a group for there YM prep when it was 9's and 10's all week. I got letters of thanks sent to the RYA, a big tip and everyone passed.

Good luck and try and enjoy it.
 
I did YM practical in F8-9. It was, frankly, easier than had the conditions been quieter, because everyone was extremely aware and careful, and the examiner did not set any 'trick questions'.
 
I fully concur.

I was an examiner of sorts in the RAF, and bad weather usually brought out the best in candidates without having to introduce false difficulties.

Don't forget that the examiner is just as interested in the weather as you are, and is probably more concerned!

Pops
 
Go on! Enjoy yourself. The examiner might be looking for your sensible seamanship type answers in the prevailing conditions and anyone choosing to go to sea in the face of a forecast force 10 is bound to fail! BTW it reached 100mph along the south coasts of Cornwall and Devon last night!

Retired Examiner
 
Yea i wouldnt go, false stop.
There's a big difference of being cought out in the weather and going out in bed weather!
 
[ QUOTE ]
anyone choosing to go to sea in the face of a forecast force 10 is bound to fail!

[/ QUOTE ]
True... however you would probably still go out in a gale in the Solent

And of course ordinarily to set off into force 10 would be foolhardy to say the least. I should have mentioned that the course I referred to was in the Solent which is of course very sheltered. On the Monday morning we poked our nose out of the Hamble into a very sheltered Southampton water. Though still very wild the seas across to Cowes were not too bad so we motorsailed (could make no headway under sail) across there.
The whole week was about doing what we could when the wind dropped to an 8 or so and we managed to complete the syllabus.
For the exam the wind moderated to gale force.

I am told, though cannot verify, that candidates have failed for refusing to go out in a gale (in the Solent).

MY Instructor exam was carried out in a week of gales also, my MOB was done under trisail in F9 off Calshot Spit.

So, whilst I agree you would not go out in a forecast F10 I was attempting to make the point that you may go out if its very windy and that the exam would probably be easier.
 
Yes, should have added that my YM exam in F8-9 was also in the Solent, hence not nearly as rough as open water.
There was a conversation with the examiner before we set off, where we four candidates pointed out that we would not choose to set out in these conditions (then F7, forecast 8). He accepted our point and said that in his opinion the boat was up to it (a Westerly Falcon), he was up to it, and he expected that if we were realistic candidates then we should be up to it as well.
He was right, we were, and we had a great day. (Exam was over 2 days but next day was much more reasonable). We all passed.
 
Oh boy, did it ever BLOW all week :crazy:

We did it - sailed all week in 7's 8's and 9's ... including an F9 nighttime entrance to the Beaulieu beating upwind into wind with the tide against us too PLUS torrential rain coming in like stair rods. Effing great fun.

PASSED /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I really recommend John Goode's Southern Sailing School - truly top notch instructors - a thoroughly first rate operation!
 
Re: Oh boy, did it ever BLOW all week :crazy:

Let me be one of the first to congratulate you! It's on my to do list for 2007, so might just give those guys a call!
 
Re: Oh boy, did it ever BLOW all week :crazy:

Congrats! Its more fun with a bit of a real rather than artificial challenge!
 
Re: Oh boy, did it ever BLOW all week :crazy:

Congratulations.Its a lot of effort but worth it when the examiner gives you the good news. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifApparently the exam can be cancelled if its flat calm on the day. Not much chance of that lately. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: Oh boy, did it ever BLOW all week :crazy:

Well done, a proper test of your skills.

Another vote for john Goode's merry men, I did mine with them a few years ago and it's good (no pun!) to hear that they are still doin' the biz.
 
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