Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course

If you are considering an ocean passage, it is a daunting thought, with much to take into consideration.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased course will help you to understand the mysteries of astro navigation, how to use a sextant, how to plan an ocean passage, including passage making, worldwide meterorology and the use of electronic navigational aids.

Duration:                                                      40 hours - Monday to Friday with one exam paper

Previous Experience Required:                 Your navigational skills should be at the standard of the

                                                                   Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore shore based course.

Course Overview:                                       The Earth & Celestial Sphere: The PZX Triangle:

                                                                    The sextant: Measurement of time: Meridian Altitudes:

                                                                     Sun, Star and other other sights: Compass checking:

                                                                     Satellite Navigation Systems: Great Circle Sailing:

                                                                    Worldwide meterology:  Passage planning:

                                                                     Passage Making and communications.

Price:

Low Season

01/01/12 - 31/03/12 & 03/11/12 - 31/12/12     £465

High Season

01/04/12 - 02/11/12                                      £500

Our experienced and patient instructors will teach you these skills and guide you through the intricacies of the celestial navigation.

In addition to the full RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Course we are offering our own unique two day options:

Option 1 - Astro Brush Up

This course is intended for those who have completed the RYA Ocean Shorebased Course, or have Astro Navigation experience, but would like to refine or resolve any issues on which they feel unclear.

•  Star Sight planning
• Sun-Run-Sun 
• Deviation check by rising/setting sun 
• Latitude by Meridian Sun and Polaris

Option 2 - Introduction to Basic Astro Navigation

This is a basic introduction to celestial navigation intended for those who have a sextant and a chronograph but not been shown how to use them. It is not a certificated course, but intended to teach the novice to determine his/her position with-in reasonable visual range (10-15nm) should the unthinkable happen to your GPS.

•  Latitude by Meridian Sun and Polaris 
• Longitude by Rising/setting Sun 
• Dead Reckoning using Traverse Tables

NOTE:- Both courses will include a practical exercise with a sextant

The  cost of these 2 day courses is £225 each per person, in both high and low season,and will be non-residential with all training materials included and lunches, tea and coffee on both days.

For more information please contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Below is some recommended precourse reading. Just click on the link and this will take you direct to the RYA web page to order and have your book dispatched direct to your home address.