RYA Courses - Classic Sailing

RYA Courses A UNIQUE SAILING SCHOOL - LEARN ON TRADITIONAL BOATS

CLASSIC SAILING www.classic-sailing.co.uk

Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET

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Eve of St Mawes

Golden Vanity

Unique RYA Sailing School If you are looking for the perfect organisation to grow your sailing skills over a number of years then Classic Sailing offers far more than a conventional RYA sailing school. Yes we are a RYA recognised training centre but we are passionate about sailing and the sea in the widest sense. The company ethos has always been more than just learning to sail Our instructors appreciate wildlife and are passionate about our maritime heritage. We like to promote green ways of travelling, and connecting with the seafaring communities we meet along our stunning coastline is a strong part of what we do. We do offer RYA sailing courses which follow a nationally recognised syllabus but if you want something a bit different we have plenty of non RYA voyages that are rich in learning opportunities and range from day sails to tall ship races and round the world epics.

Our Teaching Vessels If you want to impress your friends with your holiday photos -all our sailing courses are on eye catching classic boats. Each has a bowsprit so they can spread their wings and set plenty of sail, but also can reduce down to 2-3 sails for practising close quarters boat handling. Eve of St Mawes is a 38ft wooden pilot cutter replica based in St Mawes, Cornwall with Falmouth Bay, and the Roseland and Lizard coasts on our doorstep and Mounts Bay and Scillies further afield. Golden Vanity is a 40ft historic gaff cutter built in 1908 for the artist Arthur Bristow. She is based in Brixham, South Devon near such delights as Dartmouth, Salcombe and Newton Ferrers. See our website vessel pages for more details on Eve, AJ or Vanity or ask us for a vessel brochure

Let us help you fit a voyage to match your free time, learning goals and aspirations.

“Success aboard cutters comes with a sense of achievement unmatched on a modern yacht. Your colours fly just that little bit higher.” Diggory Rose, RYA Yachtmaster Examiner & former Eve skipper



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Other Ways to Learn

Mix Adventurous Travel with Learning

The great thing about Classic Sailing is we are not just a RYA Sailing School. There are many more ways to learn new sailing skills than chasing RYA certificates, and plenty of holiday voyages which will compliment the skills your learn on a RYA course. All our voyages from days sails to wildlife expeditions have training as an integral part of the experience, because 'you are the crew.' You share the experience and adventure with some of the most dynamic and motivated professionals in traditional sailing.

There is nothing to stop an adventurous beginner signing up for a tall ships race from Sydney to Auckland, or joining a multi national crew in Spitsbergen. You don’t have to be a professional artist or a sailor to try a sailing and painting course. If you need miles for your Yachtmaster exam, then it is still worthwhile learning experience to boost your 60 mile qualifying passages with a rip roaring ocean adventure or Antarctic Expedition.

We believe in ‘learning by doing’, so even if you come purely for a holiday, you will learn new skills effortlessly, as part of the process of going sailing and living at sea. On our smaller vessels, the skipper may be the only professional on board, so you will learn every aspect of being a sailor, from how to ‘hand, reef and steer’ to identifying navigational features or your role in helping to save lives in an emergency. On our tall ships there are more staff to train you, so you will still get plenty of individual attention.

Classic Sailing has voyages where you can practice Cetacean identification, learn about marine conservation, climate change or oceanography projects, lend a hand on beach clean ups in Cornwall, sail a three masted lugger, rig stun’sails on a square rigger, quiz a successful shipwright about boat building careers, share a meal ashore with local Inuit hunters in Greenland, or just rediscover good conversation.

Mini ‘Course Modules’ to Add to your CV

“Seven tenths of the world’s surface is ocean and sea levels are rising. Better learn to sail then……”

pilot cutters

luggers

www.classic-sailing.co.uk

barques & brigs

schooners


trading ketches

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RYA Courses - A Brief Summary

Why Learn On Our Classic Boats ?

RYA Competent Crew: Best for beginners covering the basics of sailing theory, rope and sail handling safety and knot work. Step aboard any vessel and become a useful part of the crew.

The voyages are 6 days long rather than the minimum 5 days so you have more time to enjoy sailing a classic boat. The skills you learn combine traditional seamanship with modern technology like radar and GPS, with the added bonus of a holiday on a beautiful boat that always turns heads. We like to eat well and cook fresh food aboard.

RYA Theory Courses: we have a range of shore based courses you can tackle by distance learning or on line from Day Skipper basic navigation up to Yachtmaster Offshore Theory - with on line support. RYA Day Skipper: Are you hungry for command? This programme teaches skippering skills and the practical application of navigation theory. With the support of your instructor, you take charge of Eve or Golden Vanity for short passages. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Prep Course and optional MCA Exam: intensive tuition on Eve before you take your exam at the end of the week. (We also have a mini prep course called Skipper Refresher without the stress of an exam.)

Deep keeled gaff cutters are great for beginner which gives them a sea kindly motion, un-cluttered decks and high sides so you can walk safely around the boat, not slip on narrow yacht side decks. Without the mechanical advantage of winches you are more aware of the forces of nature and working as a team with blocks and tackles builds friendships and keeps you fit and warm. For skippers, the stable motion of a deep keeled vessel and a large chart table makes learning to navigate a lot easier than on many modern vessels. Manoeuvring under power you learn how to glide effortlessly and gently to a pontoon or quay.



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Want to know more about our Cornish sailing grounds ? - Download our Cornwall Brochure or check out our Cornwall web pages.

RYA Competent Crew with a Difference

Competent Crew Syllabus

Competent Crew Practical (6 day course—no experience needed) Competent Crew courses are aimed at complete novices to sailing. The syllabus however covers a huge amount of practical skills, so it is also the best course if you have already tried sailing on a yacht or tall ship but simply want to learn more and gain confidence in a supportive environment. Experienced dinghy sailors will find this a great hands-on course to adapt their skills to larger boats.

Knowledge of sea terms and parts of the boat: Sufficient knowledge to understand orders for the sailing and day-to-day running of the boat. Sail handling: Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails. Use of sheets and halyards and winches. Rope-work: Handling ropes and warps, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and bollards. Tying knots and their correct use: figure of eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot. Fire precautions and fighting: Awareness of the hazards, preventative methods, and action to take in the event of fire. Personal safety equipment: Understands how and when to wear safety harnesses, lifejackets etc. Man overboard: Understands action to recover a man overboard. Emergency equipment How and when to use distress flares. Understands how to launch and board a liferaft. Manners and customs: Understands flag etiquette, courtesies to other craft in harbour, protecting environment. Rules of the Road: Is able to keep an efficient lookout at sea. Dinghies: Understands and complies with loading rules. Is able to handle a dinghy under oars. Meteorology: Awareness of forecasting and the Beaufort Scale. Seasickness: Working efficiency unaffected/ partially affected / severely affected by seasickness General duties: Has carried out general duties satisfactorily on deck and below decks. Helmsmanship and Sailing: Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing. Can steer a compass course, under sail and motor.

We want you to develop a love of sailing. The best way to make a start on any boat is to feel you are a vital and competent part of the crew. There is a whole new language to learn. You will be fully involved in hoisting, handing and trimming the sails, steering and learning how to use the wind and tides. The instructor will plan the voyage to give you a range of experiences: sailing along the coast, entering different ports, anchoring off beaches, mooring to buoys in sheltered rivers and coming alongside marinas and historic quays and sailing under the stars at night. This is learning by doing course with a maximum of 5 students. If you successfully complete the whole syllabus the skipper will award you a nationally recognised RYA Competent Crew Certificate.

Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall and Devon We have RYA students come sailing with us from all over the world from Argentina to Australia. Part of the attraction is the dramatic coastlines, abundant wildlife, historic ports and famous headlands. We also run a few courses in the Solent –a ‘mecca’ for British yachting. Current RYA Competent Crew Dates and Prices



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Learn Navigation at Home

Day Skipper Theory Syllabus

Life and holiday leave is often too short to fit in evening classes or a 5 day theory courses, but if you want to progress your sailing skills you do need to spend some time learning about navigation, meteorology and all the things that might catch you out if you take a boat to sea unprepared. Navigation and getting to grips with charts, tides and weather is fascinating and as relevant today as it was to Nelson. You need the basics before you leap to GPS, Chart Plotters and a whole range of GMDSS communications and global distress rescue devices.

A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn to start making decisions on board.

Buy a RYA Theory Course On Our Website    

Do you have access to a computer and the internet? Would you like to gain a qualification? Is time precious to you?

If you have answered Yes to any of the above, then Distance Learning might be the answer for you. We can offer you the following courses through distance learning: RYA Day Skipper Theory RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Theory RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory You set the time frame, you decide when you are free, and you decide how long each session will be. You do have to have an element of self motivation and determination, but the online courses are interactive and fun. An instructor is never far away, by email or phone, to help you if you are struggling with any element, and there is a wealth of material provided with the Learning Packs sent to you. Theory courses are not obligatory in order to pass any of the practical exams, but we do find that without the theory, some students struggle to complete the practical in the time given, or block the learning of others. The practical exams are fun, and challenging, and if you have done your homework, they are incredibly enjoyable. The beauty of an online course, is that you are in control. No need to juggle home and work, or arrange childcare, in order to get to evening school. No need to spend some of your precious holiday time stuck in a classroom. Instructors are on hand should you need any element of the course explaining, and will give you feedback on your submitted answers.

1. Nautical terms Parts of a boat and hull, General nautical terminology. 2. Ropework Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use 3. Anchorwork Characteristics of different types of anchor. Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring. 4. Safety Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8).Fire precautions and fire fighting. Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets. Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone. Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue. 5. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea Steering and sailing rules (5,7,8,9,10 and 12-19). General rules (all other rules) 6. Definition of position, course and speed Latitude and longitude. Knowledge of standard navigational terms. True bearings and courses. The knot 7. Navigational charts and publications Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance. Navigational publications in common use. Chart correction 8. Navigational drawing instruments Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments 9. Compass Application of variation. Awareness of deviation and its causes Use of hand-bearing compass. 10. Chartwork Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway. Techniques of visual fixing. Satellite-derived positions. Use of waypoints to fix position. Course to steer 11. Tides and tidal streams Tidal definitions, levels and datum. Tide tables Use of Admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports. Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chartwork. 12. Visual aids to navigation Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics 13. Meteorology Sources of broadcast meteorological information Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft. Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts 14. Passage planning Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages. Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages Use of waypoints on passaged. Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source. Keeping a navigational record 15. Navigation in restricted visibility Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by fog 16. Pilotage Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines. IALA system of buoyage for Region A. Use of sailing directions. Pilotage plans and harbour entry 17. Marine environment Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment RYA G15/11 version. The Coastal/ Offshore Yachtmaster Theory is similar but covered in more depth.



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The aim of the Day Skipper course is to achieve a level where you should feel confident enough to tackle short passages as skipper - in daylight - on a boat (7-13m overall) you know, in tidal waters with which you are familiar.

Day Skipper

Day Skipper Practical Syllabus

RYA Day Skipper practical courses are an introduction to skippering and the practical application of navigational skills. On Eve of St Mawes and Golden Vanity our skippers have a wide experience of all types of yacht from typical flotilla yachts through to ocean racing yachts and sail training ships so we can relate what you learn to your next ambitions. On both cutters you can play with lots of sails, improve your leadership skills, and have fun whilst skippering a boat. This course is about taking your first steps towards taking charge, with the safety net of an instructor on board. Everyone is given the chance to navigate and take control, whilst on short coastal passages. You will also have plenty of practice at co-ordinating manouvres under sail and power, and learning how to cope with emergencies.

Preparation for Sea: Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below. Deck work: Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions. Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming up to a buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor, and slipping from a buoy or berth. Navigation: Is proficient in chart work and routine navigational duties on passage including: Taking and plotting visual fixes. Use of electronic navigation equipment for positioning fixing. Use of waypoints. Working up to DR and EP. Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams. Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift. Knowledge of the IALA Buoyage. Maintenance and navigational records. Use of echo sounder and lead line. Pilotage: Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into or departure from a harbour. Understands the use of leading and clearing lines. Use of transits and soundings as an aid to pilotage. Metorology: Sources of forecast information, can interpret shipping forecasts, use barometer as a forecasting aid. Rules of the Road: Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Emergency situation: Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man over board. Understands distress flares and how to use different liferaft. Can operate a radio telephone in an emergency and send a distress message. Understands how to secure a tow. Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue. Yacht handling under power: Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide. Yacht handling under sail: Can bring a boat safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide. Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing. Passage planning: Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking into account the relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and strength of the crew. Maintenance and repair work: Can carry out maintenance tasks. Knows the properties and uses of ropes. Engines: Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and bleed fuel system. Victualling: Understands how to victual a yacht.

Experience required The suggested minimum experience before taking this course is 5 days on a yacht, 100 miles sailing, with 4 hours sailing at night. You should know how to trim sails, tack and gybe and have some basic navigation knowledge. Ideally you should have completed an RYA Shore based Theory course (see our distance learning packages to learn at home), but it is not compulsory if you already have some navigational knowledge.

Quick Test: Can you do the following ? Work out tidal heights and streams, fix positions by visual landmarks, apply basic ‘rules of the road’ ? There will not be time to teach all of these from scratch during the course, since the whole purpose of the course is to learn how to apply navigation techniques at sea whilst also keeping the boat sailing properly and the crew happy! If you are not quite up to the pre-requisites, please talk to us as we may be able to suggest ways in which you can gain some extra experience before your course commences. The instructor will de-brief you throughout the course, and if you complete all aspects of the syllabus successfully, they will issue you with a nationally recognised RYA Day Skipper Certificate (Tidal). Please bring 2 passport photos for your certificate. RYA Day Skipper Practical Course Dates & prices

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore: Gain an international recognised qualification on a classic boat and stand out from the crowd

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Exam Prep Courses on Eve

Yachtmaster Exam on a Classic Boat

An RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper, whether you want it for leisure or for a sailing career.

To meet a demand from those who generally sail traditional craft and want to take their yachtmaster exam on something similar - we have introduced a unique RYA Yachtmaster Prep course on our classic boat. If you feel happier taking the exam on a heavy displacement yacht, or want your qualification to look that bit different when you apply for jobs then this could be the course for you.

If you are not quite ready for a Yachtmaster Offshore exam you can use the same preparation course before being examined for Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency. The pre requisites and breadth of experience for this course are less.

Why do a Yachtmaster Preparation Course ? Unlike other courses in the cruising programme, there is no formal training to complete in order to become a Yachtmaster Offshore. Instead, provided that you have sufficient experience and seatime (see pre requisites), you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge. This exam takes place on an approved yacht with an external RYA examiner testing both your practical skills and your theoretical knowledge over 5-9 hours per candidate, or slightly longer if you are the only candidate being examined. The vast majority of Yachtmaster candidates choose to book a Preparation course with a RYA training centre like Classic Sailing for some tailor-made tuition to prepare them for the exam, but this is not compulsory. Our Yachtmaster Prep course has a generous 6 days (more than most schools) and 2 days set aside after the course for those that feel ready to take the exam. Next Yachtmaster Preparation Course (exam at end optional) - dates Classic Sailing Yachtmaster Instructor—skipper profiles see page 10

Yachtmaster Coastal Pre Exam Requirements Radio Operators Certificate - for example (restricted) VHF Radio Operators Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certification or higher grade marine radio qualification. Valid First Aid Certificate - First Aid certificates held by police / fire or armed services are also acceptable. Seatime - 800 miles logged within 10 years of the examination. 30 days on board. 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours. (half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters)

Yachtmaster Offshore Pre Exam Requirements Radio Operators Certificate - for example see above. Valid First Aid Certificate –various acceptable Seatime - 2500 miles. 50 days on board. At least 5 passages over 60 miles* and acting as skipper for at least 2 of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. Skipper experience - at least 5 days as skipper. (Half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters) 50 Days seatime & 5 days as skipper - 2500 miles logged - 5 passages over 60 miles -including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper. Qualifying passages must be over 60 miles non stop by the most direct route and involve no change of skipper during the passage. *Classic Sailing have suitable 60 mile passages on Eve, Eda, AJ with RYA instructors to improve your watch keeping and offshore skills.



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Pure Wind Power Challenge

3 Day Intensive Skipper Refresher Courses

Another intensive sail handing voyage which is useful training for any sailing career but also a great active holiday. The challenge is to avoid using the engine on Eve of St Mawes whilst exploring South Cornwall. It is surprising how often we all reach for the engine key, and we have all seen yachts take their sails down miles from the marina. Try out setting the jib up in stops, sculling a 14 ton cutter to a waterside pub, warping a 51ft boat around to sail off a pontoon and many more energetic but fun manoeuvres that also save the planet ! You can go home saying you used no fossil fuel for 3 days.

If you have ambitions to work on classic yachts, sail training vessels or super yachts over 50ft then using a 6 day Yachtmaster Prep course on 14 ton pilot cutter Eve (with a sparred length of 51ft) for a bit of intensive practice would also be a useful addition to your CV. Alternatively we have a shorter Skipper Refresher Course which is like a mini Yachtmaster Prep but we don't mention the ‘exam’ word !

Pilot Cutter Racing The best way to learn to sail faster is to race against similar vessels. We have several events a year where you can race vessels like Eve, Agnes, or Annabel J and take an important role as helm or sail trimmer and meet other crews at social events ashore to discuss tactics over a few pints. Pilot Cutter World Championships in Cornwall, Yarmouth Pilot Cutter Regatta, Brixham Sailing Trawler Heritage Races, Looe Luggers. Scottish Gaffers Gathering with Lizzie May or Eda Frandsen is officially cruising in company but no doubt a

We cover all the tricky but fun stuff like power handling in confined spaces, picking up moorings under sail, sailing on and off pontoons, MOB, blind pilotage, how to keep crew safe, rough weather tactics….finding unlit buoys at night, fast pilotage.

Offshore Sailing & Pilotage in the Scillies If you really want to see transits, leading marks, back bearings, clearing bearings and essential tidal curves in action then the Isles of Scilly is an intensive navigational ‘playground.’ Eve of St Mawes has been exploring this rocky archipelago for over 16 years. We sail from St Mawes so there are two 60 mile passages each trip. We encourage experienced sailors with good people skills to come as voluntary mate on these voyages.



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Our Instructors Sailing Career Advice Like all desirable outdoor jobs where you are turning a leisure passion into a vocation, there will always be a lot of competition for even voluntary positions. See our web pages on: How to work on Tall Ships STCW95 Deck Officer Career Path Vacancies with Classic Sailing

Merchandise

Networking at Sea The co founders of Classic Sailing, Adam and Debbie both had other careers before they made the sea a way of life. Many of the boat owners and skippers we work with have followed unusual paths to achieve their aim of working on boats and sailing ships. They all have many strings to their bow, and few now would give up a way of life that has many rich rewards. You can ring us for advice but to get our undivided attention If you come sailing with any of our professional skippers and mates, you have us cornered on a small vessel, and we can give you a lot more time and advice. All our tall ships and smaller traditional boats we work with are sail training vessels so when you book a voyage you are signed on as crew, and it is worthwhile experience for your CV.

Customer Case Studies Many of our customers have gone on to successfully work at sea and follow their dreams - see real life career case studies on our website.

Classic Sailing have women’s & men’s smocks with our fleet logo below and your vessel name on the back. See our on-line shop www.classic-sailing.co.uk RYA Logbook Contains all the RYA sailing course tasks for your instructor to tick off and has pages to record your voyages and experience. RYA Competent Crew Handbook A brilliant A5 booklet with everything described in pictures. RYA Day Skipper Handbook Covers all aspects of navigation, safety and seamanship in the RYA Day Skipper Syllabus,

Debbie Purser is a co founder of Classic Sailing has been skippering Eve since 1997. A Yachtmaster Instructor she teaches the full range of courses from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster. Debbie has recently taken over as Principal of our RYA Recognised Training Centre. With a wealth of experience in youth sail training, running a sailing business plus going through the 3000 ton Officer of the Watch (Yacht) with many super yacht sailors Debbie is an ideal person to talk to about sailing careers. Georgia Witchell works both in the office and on Eve, as one of our skippers. Georgia also teaches on our Comp Crew and Day Skipper courses, and occasionally can be found skippering on Agnes, or as relief Mate on Eda Frandsen. Thom Axon is the newest recruit to the Classic Sailing team. Thom joined us in February 2015, and promptly took on the refit before the first guests of the season arrived, in April. Thom has been working afloat for many years, for Trinity House, skipper of Irene, and 10 years on The Matthew as Mate. He is a keen photographer, musician and never ceases to entertain with his knowledge of nautical history. Skipper James MacKenzie is owner and skipper of Eda Frandsen. He is an Ocean Yachtmaster and has sailed several times across the Atlantic, and raced many classic and modern yachts. James still loves teaching on smaller boats so returns as guest instructor to teach advanced courses on Eve.



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