MCO Practical Training
according to the RYA
MCO has adjusted the RYA-system to make it more flexible and to adapt it to practical requirements. We differentiate three types or levels of trainings, which we offer ALL YEAR in our three areas.
1.) Tidal Water Skipper Training Basic (for tides rookies)
This training offers an introduction to sailing in tidal waters in our area in the Solent. No special knowledge of the tides is required. But you should be able to sail at level SKS or FB2. Please call us if you are in doubt. Optionally, you will get your 1. RYA Certificate – the Day Skipper – after your participation.
2.) Yachtmaster Training (for advanced tides sailors)
This training will prepare you for the requirements of a tidal sailing tour at the highest level. Depending on your experience, you can take your Yachtmaster Coastal or even Yachtmaster Offshore examination after this week.
3.) Skipper Training (consolidation and training for skippers)
This type of training takes place on Elba and on the Canary Islands. These weeks are particularly aimed at skipper rookies and all those, who have had their license for a while, but want to feel safer.
In particular the course on the Canary Island is perfect for bridging the long winter season and to do something for feeling self-confident and also gaining experienc during the cold season.
Day Skipper – your Entry to the RYA-System
"A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills."
Learn to skipper a short passage with the instructor on hand to give advice and encouragement and ensure your safety. Experience being in charge, taking credit when it all goes well and being responsible when it doesn't.
| Pre-course experience | 5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht |
| Course content | Preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising |
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Coastal
The English Coastal License – The RYA - YM Basic Level
"The Yachtmaster™ Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages."
| YACHTMASTER™ COASTAL EXAM PRE-REQUISITES | |
| Minimum seatime | 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours (if you hold the Coastal Skipper course certificate this is reduced to 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours). Half the qualifying sea time must be conducted in tidal waters. |
| Certification required | A GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher grade of marine radio certificate. A valid first aid certificate. |
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Offshore
This license is your entrance ticket to the world of professional sailing worldwide. It is a real quality proof of your sailing skills.
"The Yachtmaster™ Offshore is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour."
| YACHTMASTER™ OFFSHORE EXAM PRE-REQUISITES | |
| Minimum seatime | 50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam. |
| Certification required | required A GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher grade of marine radio certificate. A valid first aid certificate. |
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Ocean
The crowning conclusion and highlight of the skipper training in the RYA-System.
"A person holding a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world."
| YACHTMASTER OCEAN EXAM PRE-REQUISITES | |
| Minimum seatime | Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch. During the passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land or charted objects while sailing a distance of at least 200 miles. |
| Certification required | RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. A GMDSS SRC or higher grade of marine radio certificate. A valid first aid certificate. |
