Carrickfergus Sailing Club

R.Y.A. Day Skipper Shorebased course

Rationale

This course gives a basic, but reasonably comprehensive,introductionto chartwork, navigation, meteorology and seamanship for the yachtsperson. While practicaltraining and experience is essential, many people find it beneficial to use the winter months to work on the theoretical aspects of sailing, and then bring these skills to their ‘on the water’ experience.

The course does not assume extensive prior knowledge, and is therefore suitable for relative beginners. However, sailors with a good measure of practical experience, but less theoretical knowledge, might well also find the course valuable. The course should be equally suitable for yachtspersons and motor boaters.

The full R.Y.A. syllabus will be covered, and extended as necessary to cover local issues and other relevant material.

Aims

1To provide students with theoretical knowledge to navigate a small vessel in coastal waters.

2To provide students with the theoretical basis to undertake relevant RYA practical courses.

3To provide class instruction in various aspects of small boat handling.

Objectives

On satisfactory completion of the course students should:

1be able to read a navigational chart and recognise key navigational features, including buoys and lights;

2be able to plot a course allowing for weather conditions and tides;

3have an understanding of tides, and be able to predict tides for standard ports;

4have a working knowledge of the IRPCS, as they affect the yachtsperson;

5have a reasonable knowledge of ropes, anchoring and tying up;

6have an awareness of sources of weather information and an understanding of the meteorological knowledge required by the yachtsperson;

7have an awareness of safety issues;

8be able to prepare a passage plan.

Syllabus and Timetable

Classes are on Tuesday evenings 19.00 – 21.30, and on one Saturday morning, 6th January. Please note that this timetable is indicative only. Classes may be altered and varied as circumstances require, in particular to adequately and efficiently cover the required material. Revision exercises will be conducted as the course progresses, so any topic might be revised at a class. “Homework” exercises will be set at most classes. Some topics will be introduced in class, but learnt chiefly through personal study.

10th OctoberIntroduction to the course; nautical terms; the nautical chartR.W.

18th OctoberRopes & how to tie up; anchors and anchoring; chartworkR.W.

25th OctoberSafety: safety equipment, harness & lifejacket, distress signals, basic rescue proceduresR.W.

31st OctoberInternational Rules for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS)R.W.

7th NovemberIRPCS, chartwork and definitionsR.W.

14thNovemberNavigational charts and publications, information shown on charts, chart correction, chartworkR.W.

21stNovember The Compass: magnetic & other compasses; variation and deviation, use of hand bearing compass, chartworkW.G

28th November Tides: definitions, levels and data, tides tables, standard portsW.G.

5th DecemberTidal streams: tidal diamonds and tidal atlases, chartwork with tidesW.G.

12th DecemberChartworkW.G.

19th DecemberVisual aids to navigation; chartworkW.G.

6th Jan (Sat 0930) Meteorology:air masses, depressions, anticyclones & fronts, sources of weather information, types of fog,

Wind & the Beaufort scaleR.W.

9th JanuaryPractical passage planning: navigational plan, meteorological factors, waypoints, confirmation of position

Ports of refuge, record keepingR.W.

16th JanuaryNavigating in restricted visibility, chartwork exercisesW.G.

23rd JanuaryPilotage: transits, leading lines, clearing bearings, use of sailing directions, pilotage plansW.G.

30th JanuaryEnvironmental factors:avoidance of pollution and protecting the marine environment.R.W.

6th FebruaryChartwork and pilotage exercises, tidal calculationsR.W.

13th FebruaryAssessments

20th FebruaryAssessments

Reading Material

R.Y.A. Course notes and booklets and training almanac will be provided to students on the course.

Roger Woodward

August 2017

Carrickfergus Sailing Club

R.Y.A. Day Skipper Shorebased Course- Application Form

I wish to enrol in the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course at Carrickfergus Sailing Club

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Address
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Enclosed £_____ Course Fee* / Signed:

*Course Fee CSC Member £125 Non-Member £250

Cheques payable to Carrickfergus Sailing Club (for electronic transfer: Account: 30150304Sort code: 95-02-61)

(NB. CSC Member does not include Associate, except junior Associate)

Course fee includes your Student Pack of course materials and returnable Training Almanac.

You will need a parallel rule or Portland Plotter, dividers, 3B pencils and rubber.