Preparation for RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Sail
A Guide to Being Prepared
If you are looking to complete the RYA Coastal Skipper (Sail) Course with us at Solent Boat Training, we strongly suggest that all students/candidates read through our Guidance notes. Not only will this offer advice on how best to prepare for your course, but it will ensure you gain the most from the Coastal Skipper Course you are undertaking.
Top 10 Essentials
1. Coastal Skipper Standard
You will be expected to take on the role of Skipper, not as a trainee helmsman. You should be confident in boat handling both under power and sail, berthing and unberthing in a variety of conditions and in confined spaces. You should be proficient in sail selection, reefing and trimming and skippering and managing the vessel and its crew safely at all times.2. Theory Refresher
Revise secondary port tidal calculations, advanced passage planning (using both digital and traditional means), weather systems and forecasting, Collision Regulations (Lights, Shapes & Responsibilities), Safety Equipment and Emergency Procedures.- Pro Tip: Download any Apps you might wish to use for weather, tides, etc. prior to arrival, to ensure they run correctly.
3. Navigation Without Electronics
You should be confident with plotting Dead Reckoning, Estimated Position, Fixes using transits and bearings, Running Fixes, Course-to-Steer Calculations and Preparation of Passage and Pilotage Plans for entering into unfamiliar Ports and/or Harbours.4. Night Sailing & Watch Leadership
Preparing for Night Passages, recognising Navigation Lights and Buoyage, maintaining a proper lookout, managing fatigue, briefing all crew members, allocating tasks and operating an effective watch system.
- Pro Tip: a Red Filtered Head Torch will assist during night time navigation. Don't forget spare batteries and/or charging lead.
5. Skippers Mindset & Decision Making
You will be assessed on your Situational Awareness, Risk Assessment, Calm Leadership, ability to Communicate Clearly to both the crew, as well as with other vessels or stations (via radio, as required) and Decision-Making under pressure.
- SRC VHF Operators: Refresh your knowledge of GMDSS equipment, which maybe available to you during the course.
6. Advanced Boat Handling
Be prepared to undertake Berthing in Tidal Conditions, the Approach and Recovery of a Man Overboard (in various conditions) both under Sail and/or Power, Heaving-To and be able to explain your chosen methods.
7. Navigation & Log Keeping
Maintain a Proper and Effective Log, including Position, Course, Speed, Weather, Barometer Reading (understanding trends and changes) and Key Decisions. Bring a notebook suitable for cockpit use and a pencil.
8. Clothing & Endurance
Expect Long Passages, Cold Nights & Extended Exposure (we do not run these courses during the summer months).
Pack Offshore Waterproofs if you own them (SBT will provide Waterproofs if required). Thermal Layers, Warm Mid-Layers, Sailing gloves (ideally 2 pairs), Warm Hat and Suitable Waterproof Footwear are all essential.
- Pro Tip: Ensure you have sufficient warm clothing for down time. Maintaining a Dry/Wet Routine is essential to ensuring warmth and comfort, throughout your course.
9. Personal Equipment & Safety
Head Torch with Red filter or mode, spare batteries, power banks, sunglasses (with retainer), prescription glasses (as required), sun cream, lip balm, and sea sickness remedies.
10. The Correct Mindset
Arrive ready to take responsibility, accept feedback (both positive and negative) in a way that allows you to improve throughout the course. Support your fellow crew members/students (you will be required to rely on each other) and demonstrate sound seamanship and leadership at all times.
- Remember: Your Instructor is there to Advise, Assist and Train you to the level of Coastal Skipper. They want you to succeed and gain the most from your course. Oh and of course they want you to have fun.
