RYA SPRING 2021


COURSE NOTES Day Skipper Shorebased


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‘The flexible learning was perfect for us’


Online classes were perfect for two sisters looking to improve their sailing knowledge during lockdown


‘The course can be completed flexibly


Online training has helped Beth boost her on-board safety knowledge.


to fit your schedule, which was perfect for us,’ says Beth. ‘ We learned how to identify buoys and lights and the ‘mayday’ call script. For us, the most helpful part was learning about the safety rules on board as well as the technological advancements with GNSS [Global Navigation Satellite System].’ While the flexibility of home-learning


was a big draw, there were elements of the course they found more challenging. ‘The hardest part for us was the


S


ailing sisters Emma and Beth Gossage, aged 23 and 21, took their RYA Day Skipper Shorebased


course during their summer break from university last year. And as they were able to complete the course online from home, the pandemic didn’t stop them! ‘We wanted to develop a useful skill and do something productive when there wasn’t much else happening and we were stuck at home,’ explains Emma. The sisters grew up sailing with their parents in the UK and on family holidays in Greece, but wanted to get more actively involved and help their mum sail the family boat. Beth had completed the RYA Competent Crew course a couple of years ago, but Emma hadn’t had any formal training. The Day Skipper Shorebased course


provides an introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship. A course pack, including training charts, plotter, dividers and a handbook, is provided when you enrol, so all you need is internet access. Many centres offer flexible learning options – for Emma and Beth, this meant 20 two- hour sessions on five or six days a week.


chartwork, particularly working out the “estimated position” and “course to steer”,’ says Emma. ‘It was difficult to work out without seeing someone physically do it.’ Fortunately, their instructor, Stephanie, was always on hand. ‘Steph had an overhead camera so she could show us how to do the chartwork. She was always available and we felt fully supported throughout,’ explains Emma. The sisters now hope to complete the


RYA Day Skipper practical course later this year: ‘We can meet our instructor in person and put some of the theoretical skills we’ve learned into practice!’ ‘We would thoroughly recommend


the theory course to anyone wanting to get more involved and learn more about sailing,’ says Emma. ‘The flexible learning is a great option for those who have a busy work/life schedule and can’t commit to a full week of classroom-based learning. 2020 was a crazy year but we’re very happy that we were fortunate enough to complete this course while staying at home.’ Emma and Beth completed their course with RYA-recognised training centre Endeavour Sailing in Lanzarote.


Find out more about the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course by visiting www.rya.org.uk/training


THE COURSE


RYA DAY SKIPPER SHOREBASED


AIMED AT New or inexperienced skippers, or anyone looking to learn more about the theory of seamanship. Ideal for anyone considering taking the RYA Day Skipper practical course.


COURSE DETAILS A full introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship. Taught over 40 hours either as short sessions or an intensive week-long course, in person or online.


EXPERIENCE REQUIRED None.


MINIMUM AGE None.


TRIED AND TESTED Emma and Beth Gossage.


RECOMMENDED READING RYA Navigation Handbook, order code: G6. RYA Members’ price: £16.14 (RRP £18.99). Or RYA Navigation Exercises, order code: G7. RYA Members’ price: £18.69 (RRP £21.99). Order both at www.rya.org.uk/shop


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