The RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster™ Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage.
Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.
What You Will Learn
Topics covered include:
- The earth and the celestial sphere
- Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
- Meridian altitudes
- Sun, star and other sights
- Ocean passage planning.
Prior to the course your navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore theory course.
If you are working towards your Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this theory course exempts you from the written exam.
How Long Is The Course?
The course is run over 40 hours, with additional time for assessment with one examination paper. It is covered as an intensive 5 day course in the classroom and on board Chao Lay.
For information on attaining your Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence and attending an examination click here.
RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course Prerequisites
| Pre-course experience | RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence or equivalent. |
| Assumed knowledge | RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore theory course or equivalent. |
| Minimum duration | 5 days |
| Minimum age | 18 |
RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course Details
| Duration | 5 days |
| Included | Course materials and certification. |
| Excluded | Accommodation (please ask for nearby recommendations), flights, transfers, food, share of examiner’s expenses. |
| Complementary practical courses | Qualifying Yachtmaster™ Ocean 600nm passage. Please contact us for availability. |
| Course content | The earth and the celestial sphere, practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea, meridian altitudes, sun, star and other sights. and ocean passage planning. |
Instructor Assistance For Ocean Passage Planning
Alex Johnstone is our proprietor and RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor at Bluewater Sailing. He is highly trained with over 100,000 logged sea miles on both professional and personal sailing experiences. Alex has explored the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean, and the colder UK/European waters.
Our instructors are available for consultancy if you are planning an ocean passage, or have any other yachting questions. They can advise you on passage planning, ports to visit, sail plans and power needs. An on board sail and yacht inspection will allow a comprehensive report on your proposed cruise to be produced.