Northumbria Sailing

Both sailing and motor boats increasingly have radar onboard. The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea state that if you have a radar, you must know how to use it. Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids, but the best results are only obtained when you know how to use all of the functions correctly.

If you have a VHF radio onboard your boat, or even carry a handheld VHF whilst kayaking or paddle-boarding, you need to hold an operator’s licence. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio either fixed or hand held.

If you’ve ever felt the irresistible pull of the sea or simply wanted to master a new skill, Level 1: RYA Start Sailing is the perfect first step. This course provides an initial introduction to sailing, covering all the basics and key information to help you get afloat. By the end of the course, you’ll have a basic understanding of boat handling techniques and background knowledge, able to sail the boat in all directions.

This practical course is a great way to get a feel for sailing and will teach you the fundamentals of how to steer a yacht under power, raise the sails, and handle ropes. This 2-day course assumes no previous experience, so it’s open to anyone over 16 years old or younger if accompanied by an adult. RYA Start Yachting will introduce you to the joys of sailing a cruising yacht.

Mastering the skills needed to sail can boost your confidence, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and provide a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The RYA Cruising Level 2 course is designed to build on the basics of sailing, creating a solid foundation of practical skills and knowledge. The course covers yacht handling and sailing in more detail with lots of practical teaching and boat handling.

An element of preparation and planning is needed for even the shortest of journeys. Whether you’re just starting out on the water or looking to refresh your knowledge, the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is great way to boost your skillset. This course offers an introduction to navigation, tides, charts, and safety awareness and can be taken either online or in person, giving you the option to learn at a pace that suits you.

RYA Competent Crew is the essential starting point for your RYA training. The course introduces absolute beginners to the delights of sailing aboard a cruising yacht. Making it ideal for passengers wishing to become active crew members.

RYA Day Skipper Theory is a theory-based course aimed at prospective yacht skippers and inexperienced crew looking to boost their knowledge and skillset. The course itself offers a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, and the basics of seamanship. Its goal is to help prepare you in making the key decisions needed onboard to skipper a small vessel in familiar waters.

Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be able to safely take charge of a 30-45ft sail cruising yacht and its crew on day trips in familiar waters. The Day Skipper qualification shows charter companies that you have enough knowledge and practical experience to take their boats out safely, and also qualifies you to apply for an ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) to go cruising abroad. During the course you’ll live onboard a sail cruising yacht with your crewmates and RYA instructor.

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced shore-based program for experienced sailors. Topics include complex navigation, advanced meteorology, and passage planning in tidal waters. Participants also learn about collision regulations and safety protocols for offshore passages. This course is essential for those preparing for the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

With an emphasis on coastal and offshore passages by day and night, the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course delves into the complexities of skippering a yacht. Designed to push your practical sailing skills to the next level, this course aims to prepare you for more challenging conditions and scenarios on the water. As a purely practical course with a minimum duration of 5 days, you’ll cover everything from passage planning to emergency procedures.

Accidents happen when you least expect them. Thankfully serious incidents onboard are rare but getting to grips with basic first aid will ensure that everyone’s in good hands. Administering first aid at sea or even just afloat is very different to doing so on land.