A comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers.

• 40 hour classroom course (including 2 assessments)
• Conducted at Preston Marina in “The Lodge” training building.
• Includes RYA Course Pack (Day Skipper Shore Based Notes book, Excercise book and Practice charts)
• 12:1 Student:Instructor ratio

This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

We are continually updating our courses to take into account developments in technology and the electronic navigation aids now available on most cruising boats.

The course is taught over 40 hours with two exam papers. It can be covered as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course, or over 3 consecutive weekends.

Course topics include:

• the basics of seamanship
• the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage
• chartwork
• electronic charts
• position fixing
• plotting a course to steer
• weather forecasting and meteorology
• tides
• collision regulations
• construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat
• emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and life-rafts

This is a 40 hour classroom course, delivered either as a 5 day intensive course, or over 3 consecutive weekends.

Prior boating experience not essential but may be beneficial.

You will need a plotter and divider, available from our chandlery with a 10% discount.

Available by appointment – usually 2 evening sessions but special 1 to 1 appointments may be possible.

Session 1  All about navigation |  6.30 pm – 8.30 pm (approx. finish time)

Session 2 Syllabus excluding Navigation / 6.30 pm- 8.30pm (approx. finish time)