Colin Savage is a experience Yachtmaster offering instruction in Theory and Practical courses for the individuals and small groups of four persons. But will conduct intensive courses for local clubs and associations' in the south west.
RYA theory Courses are run from Salty dog lodge at Treknow with sea views and only ten minutes walk form the beach at Trebarwith.
These courses can be residential or non residential with B&B and two excellent pubs in short walking distance.
The two day basic Navigation course can be offered in Fowey aboard Salty scorcher, again Fowey offers excellent accommodation from small B&B to very nice Hotels
Practical courses
To give you some idea of what to expect during a week’s RYA course, we have
listed below the probable shape of the week’s sailing.
However, one must bear in mind, that this might be altered to some degree by the
weather.
We don’t believe in long passages, e.g. across the channel, Isles of Scilly,
etc. as this would take too much time out of the five days you will be sailing
with us.
We believe that most students require plenty of boat handling and pilotage.
Each day we will try to make a passage to a different Harbour. Thus giving you
the opportunity to hone up on your navigation and pilotage.
For example:
- anchoring
under motor or sail
- picking
up moorings
- going
alongside pontoons and harbour walls
- and
all the other practical boat handling situations that you will probably need to
practice.
We try to incorporate some night sailing which will involve an entry into one of
the many harbours along the Cornish/Devon coast.
Take for example,
Most evenings we shall be in a sheltered anchorage or harbour.
Usually not too far away from a local hostelry where we can discuss the day’s
events over a friendly drink.
The main objective of the week's sailing is to complete the RYA syllabus
relative to which course you are taking.
It is also important, especially for people new to sailing, to see what great
fun sailing can be.
However, the sea can be a dangerous environment and, therefore, our policy is
always ‘safety first’ and prudence.
This is the basic introductory course for both the complete beginner, and those
who have some experience of either dinghy sailing or cruising.
The course is planned to give you as much fun and enjoyment as possible.
You will have many opportunities to master the skills of seamanship in steering,
changing sails, reefing and tying the essential knots.
You will reside on board the yacht each night which will be spent in different
locations giving you the experience of staying in quiet creeks, bustling
harbours and large ports such as
While at the ports you will have time to relax and reflect on the day’s events.
By the end of this course you will have gained sufficient skills and knowledge
to be a useful and able crew member.
This course will cover all the basic practical skippering techniques.
It is recommended that you have completed a shorebase Day Skipper course,
although it is possible to study the syllabus at home if you wish.
A basic two day theory course is available for those students that what to brush
up on the Navigation before the commencement of the practice course
You will have the opportunity to navigate and take control of the yacht on short
passages, plus practice in boat handling in a variety of mooring situations.
Whilst at sea your instructor will cover subjects such as watch keeping, deck
work, sail trim and how to cope in emergencies.
The course will also include some meteorology, basic engine checks, passage
planning, preparing the yacht for sea, and rules of the road.
I also try and give you a taste of night sailing giving you the experience of
pilotage in the dark.
By the end of this course the successful Day Skipper will be competent in
undertaking short passages by day, in both tidal and non-tidal waters.
If you would like to discuss your course please phone us on - +44 (0)1726 834 920
This is a course for more advanced skippers who already have a practical
knowledge of sailing up to the level of Day Skipper, a shore base knowledge up to
Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster level.
it is recommended that you have spent a minimum of 15 days on board (2 days as
skipper) and have logged 300 miles and 8 night hours.
This course concentrates on the techniques and skills required to skipper a
yacht on passages involving more complex decision making, cruise planning,
navigation, and pilotage.
A passage of longer duration, with particular emphasis placed on watch keeping
techniques will usually be undertaken to demonstrate how to manage the yacht on
such a passage.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to improve your close quarters boat
handling skills under power and sail.
Preparation of the yacht for heavy weather sailing and navigation in restricted
visibility is also discussed and practiced.
The successful Coastal Skipper will have sufficient knowledge to skipper a yacht
safely on long coastal and offshore passages by day and night, in both tidal and
non-tidal waters.
On receiving your Coastal Skipper certificate you may wish to go on to take the
RYA DoT Coastal Skipper examination.
For this you will need to hold the VHF Radio Operator’s Certificate.
If you would like to discuss your course please phone us on - +44 (0)1726-834920
For this course you need the following previous experience:
- 50
days onboard
-2,500
miles
- 5
days as skipper
- 5
passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper
Examination candidates should also hold a VHF Radio Operator’s Certificate
and a First Aid Certificate.
This special preparation course is designed for those who wish to take the RYA/DoT
Yachtmaster Offshore examination.
You will be given ample opportunity to thoroughly revise both practical and
theoretical subjects.
You will spend five days preparing for the exam with one of our fully qualified
Yachtmaster Instructors.
Sailing will be in local waters to enable you to get sufficient boat handling in
close quarters which is usually required for this examination.
The instructor will tailor the course to suit your needs.
We place emphasis on the following subjects and we will cover any other area on
your request:
- Passage
Planning
- Skippering
Techniques
- Man
Overboard Recovery
- Meteorology
- Close
Quarters Handling
-Pilotage
in Restricted Visibility
We do advise you to have a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations,
particularly in relation to lights, shapes, and sound signals.
The successful Yachtmaster Offshore is an experienced yachtsman, competent to
skipper a cruising yacht on any passage up to 150 miles from port.
The RYA/DoT Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is acknowledged
throughout the World as the top sailing qualification.
Day sails and short weekend courses can be arranged on request.
If you would like to discuss your course please phone us on - +44 (0)1726 834920
The following courses can be arranged for you:
All RYA Shorebase courses can be arranged on request and here are some examples
of the courses we offer:
This is a one day course teaching you all you need to know to operate a Marine
Band VHF radio set and pass the DTI examination. Did you know that it is illegal
to use a VHF radio without the appropriate licences?
If you would like to discuss your course please phone us on - +44(0)1726 834 920
This course covers the basic aspects of first aid you will need. The one day
course leads to an RYA endorsed Emergency First Aid Certificate which is the
minimum first aid qualification required by Yachtmaster candidates.
This course teaches you the personal survival techniques required to be able to
maximise your chance of survival in the event of immersion in cold water. The
course also includes sessions on the use of pyrotechnics, location aids,
hypothermia and the various rescue methods that are employed.
If you would like to discuss your course please phone us on - +44 (0)1726 834 920
This is a two day course and teaches you all about the main systems of marine
diesel engines, servicing and winterisation