Irish National Sailing School
Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam 2
Overview
There are two levels of Yachtmaster qualification that you can be assessed for. Our preparatory week is designed to assist you to prepare for each assessment.
- RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency, which is one of the most prestigious sailing achievements to gain.
Our preparation course is designed to ensure that those who choose to go forward and take the examination have the best possible chance of passing first time. The intensive week is used to practise all manoeuvres both power and sail and also to hone all navigational skills by day and night. There is a residential option if required.
To pass the practical exam, a skipper must display the capability to handle a yacht in all conditions and effectively skipper the boat avoiding all dangers and taking many variables into account.
Bookings can only be made over the phone on 01 2844195 as we prefer to chat with each candidate prior to undertaking the programme.
Please note the preparatory week is designed to fine tune skills, not to teach new ones.
- Intricate Passage Planning
- Preparation for Offshore Passages
- Pilotage plans for entering into harbours and coves by day and night
- In depth skippering including all responsibilities
- Advanced Yacht Handling under power
- Heavy weather sailing and preparation
- Understanding how to abandon a vessel.
Our cancellation policy for this course can be viewed here.
Candidate Preparation
This programme culminates in a high-level examination of practical boat handling skills, theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to the circumstances you are in. The first things that we advise candidates to consider is whether their theoretical knowledge and skills are to the standard of the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course (syllabus outlined below). The Yachtmaster Examinations do not require a course completion certificate as proof of competency on this, instead you’ll be expected to demonstrate it.
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course Content
Position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer.
Pre-Requisites
Candidates need to have with them during the examination:
- A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
- An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.
- Photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license
Application Form…
You’ll need to complete the following application form before the examination, ideally before commencing the preparatory week. This requires a passport size photo:
- RYA Yachtmaster Examination Application Form
Please print and bring this completed form with you on the first day of the course.
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Hooked! - My 12 year old goes to Saturday sailing club after doing summer camp. He’s hooked and absolutely loves it! The instructors are great and very good with the kids - if you live locally with kids, it’s a no brainier! 
Gary C
08/10/2022
