LARGE YACHT CONVERSION COURSE

This course is intended for skippers who have already done a 5-day RYA Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper practical course, typically on yachts up to about 40 ft, and/or who have owned or chartered yachts of that size, and want to “upgrade” to a larger vessel.

Many aspects are the same, but a 22 ton vessel handles a bit differently than one of 6 to 8 tons. Larger yachts also tend to have more “systems” on board, and this course provides an introduction to them, and their use and maintenance. We also “revise” the navigation and pilotage aspects of the practical courses, and cover longer distance passage planning.

Aim

The aim is to give a skipper with limited experience the additional knowledge and confidence to skipper a larger yacht.

Previous Experience and Knowledge

It is recommended that, as a minimum, the student will have attended the Day Skipper practical course. Skippers with greater – or different - experience will also benefit. 

A couple might decide to combine this skipper’s course with a Competent Crew course, and this can be done at the same time. Please contact us to discuss your knowledge and experience if you are unsure which course to go on.

What Happens on the Course?

We go sailing on Sula - Oyster 55 - visiting different ports and anchorages and making a variety of passages during the course. During this we will cover all the topics on the syllabus, the usual pattern being a demonstration by the instructor followed by an opportunity for everyone to practice until they are happy with the exercise.

The course is flexible, and we work around the weather conditions. We also try to concentrate on the areas where individual students need most practice, and to ensure that everyone enjoys the cruising (after all, this is your holiday).

The Syllabus

This includes the following topics:

• Preparation for sea – checking safety equipment, engine and other systems

• Deck work – handling large furling sails including in-mast furling mainsail

• Navigation – revision, use of electronic chart plotter

• Pilotage – revision, consider restrictions imposed by size of yacht, use of radar

• Meteorology – use and interpretation of weather fax

• Rules of the road – revision, any special considerations for larger yachts, use of radar

• Maintenance and repair work – yacht systems for larger vessels, e.g. generator, grey water system, electrics

• Engines – routine maintenance and fuel systems

• Victualing – issues for longer passages with/without refrigeration

• Emergency situations – man overboard manoeuvring, emergency equipment, emergency steering

• Yacht handling under power – manoeuvring larger yacht, coming alongside, mooring and anchoring – without bow thruster

• Yacht handling under sail – comparison to smaller yacht, sailing up to mooring, anchor and man overboard

• Passage planning/making – considerations for longer (ocean) passages

If you are considering long distance sailing, you may also want to do an Ocean Qualifying Passage with us to extend your knowledge in this area.