Irish National Sailing School
Day Skipper
- Preparation of a yacht for sea
- Reefing
- Anchoring
- Navigation to include
- Position Fixes
- Course to Steer
- Dead reckoning and Estimated Positions
- Pilotage
- Interpreting Shipping forecasts
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- Basic Engine Maintenance
- Can handle a yacht under power
- Can handle a yacht in close quarters under sail
Pre-Requisites
To qualify for this course:
- You must have taken the Competent Crew Course with us or have spent at least 5 days on a yacht acting as an effective crew member.
- Have navigation and theory knowledge to Day Skipper Shorebased Theory level, either by completing the Theory Course and passing the assessment or by knowledge and ability self-taught/learned in other ways. Please be aware that the instructor will test you on this level of knowledge. Without this you cannot successfully complete the Day Skipper Practical course.
Once candidates have successfully completed this course, they will receive a certificate and be eligible to apply to Irish Sailing for an ICC (International Certificate of Competency), which is recognised in many countries as evidence of competence to skipper a small vessel in coastal waters.
Participants are recommended to have the following experience:
- Minimum 5 days at sea
- 100miles logged
- At least 4 hours sailing at night.
There are two options for the 5-day courses.
- Option 1: Weekdays from Monday to Friday
- Option 2: Over two weekends. Generally, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the following Saturday and Sunday.
Where to meet
All courses meet at Dun Laoghaire Marina at 9.30am on first day of course. The finish times of the course each day will vary depending on destinations and weather conditions.
Sleeping arrangements & berthing port overnight
We will aim to berth overnight in Dun Laoghaire each evening, so that you will be free to head off home and re-join the boat in the morning. Alternatively, you are welcome to stay on board if you are not living locally. There will be one late evening sail which will be agreed with the Skipper at the beginning of the week.
We do not supply sleeping bags or sheets for the bunks, we require clients to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow for all courses.
The Boat
This course is held on board our Elan 36 ‘Beaufort Venture.’ It is a 36-foot cruising yacht with 6 berths, full kitchen including stove and fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities.
Gear Provided
We provide foul weather waterproofs and lifejackets.
