RYA Cruising Instructor

Duration: 5 Days

Course Aim: RYA Cruising Instructor

Minimum Standard: Please see pre-entry standards listed below

This RYA Cruising Instructor qualification is valid for commercially endorsed Yachtmasters who wish to teach the Competent Crew and Day Skipper practical courses. The qualification is also an ideal introduction to the skills required on the Yachtmaster Instructor course. The course is a combination of instruction and assessment.

If you are an RYA member, the issue of the Instructor endorsement is free. If you are not an RYA member, please bring a cheque (payable to RYA) for £40.00 with you, which will be posted to RYA HQ with your record card and Yachtmaster certificate.

The sailing area will include the North Wales coastline, Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsular depending upon weather conditions. Please note that all harbour fees will be covered by Plas Menai.

Pre-entry Standards

Maximum age limit: 64 years

You must hold the following qualifications. 

  • Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence with Commercial Endorsement
  • Medical Fitness Examination
  • Basic Sea Survival Certificate
  • VHF radio operator licence
  • Current First Aid Certificate

Syllabus

You should be able to:

  • Set up tasks and teaching sessions appropriate to individual students
  • Brief clearly to all the crew or individuals
  • Ensure tasks are undertaken correctly and safely
  • Debrief and provide plan for improvement
  • Give convincing practical demonstrations of any part of the Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical course, including the following: Knots; sail handling and trim; man overboard; mooring; pilotage by day and night; IRPCS; basic meteorology; navigation to Day Skipper Practical standard; alongside; skippering ability including comprehensive knowledge of the yacht and its equipment.
  • Explain clearly any part of the Competent Crew and Day Skipper Shorebased courses.

Knowledge

Relevant to the RYA Competent Crew course and Day Skipper Shorebased and Practical courses, you should have an understanding of the following:-

  • RYA Cruising Scheme
  • Levels of competence required for award of certificates
  • Duties of Care
  • Environmental protection issues
  • Policies and procedures specific to the school
  • Safety

You will have a personal standard and style of skippering which engenders confidence in beginners. You will need to be able to give a comprehensive safety briefing using the school’s instructions. You will need to understand:

  • The school’s safety policy
  • Accident reporting procedure
  • Care of the yacht
  • Personal Skills
  • You will be able to welcome newcomers on board and run a happy relaxed yacht.

You will also need to understand:

  • How to gain feedback and deal with difficult customers and complaints
  • The need for high personal standards

The Yacht

The yacht you will be staying onboard, is commercially coded by RYA/MCA as category 2 compliant, which is 60 miles from a safe haven and is able to carry 6 people including the Skipper. Facilities include on-board heating, hot water and a fridge and it is equipped with Radar and GPS. The yacht has a big boat feel, wheel steering and a powerful mast head rig.

Meals Onboard

The yacht will be stocked for at least three meals a day, including snacks and drinks. If you wish to, you may bring a bottle of something to enjoy in the evenings, when you are moored up. We can cater for any special dietary requirements but please inform our bookings team before arrival, to ensure that the correct food is taken on board.

Kit and Clothing

Plas Menai will provide waterproofs and lifejackets, however you are very welcome to bring your own if you wish