Royal Yachting Association and British Canoe Union
Dinghy Sailing Courses
RYA Level 1 - The Newcomer - This course is designed to give an insight into dinghy sailing. The emphasis is on teaching the basics of boat handling in light winds and providing necessary background knowledge. It should whet the appetite enough for progression to Level 2. (One Weekend Course)
RYA Level 2 - Taking Control - This is dinghy sailing with confidence. At the conclusion participants should be able to take control of a boat without supervision. (One Weekend Course)
RYA Seamanship Skills - Sailing Ability - This builds on from Level 2 by enhancing the skills already learnt and providing new ones. Ability to take a boat out alone should be there at the conclusion. It is advisable for those booking this course to have recent and regular sailing experience - having logged about 80 hours sailing, at least half at the helm. (One Weekend Course)
Keelboat Saililng Courses
RYA Level 2 - Taking Control - This is keelboat sailing with confidence. At the conclusion participants should be able to take control of a boat without supervision. (One Weekend Course)
RYA Seamanship Skills - Sailing Ability - This builds on from Level 2 by enhancing the skills already learnt and providing new ones. Ability to take a boat out alone should be there at the conclusion. It is advisable for those booking this course to have recent and regular sailing experience - having logged about 80 hours sailing, at least half at the helm. (One Weekend Course)
Powerboat Courses
RYA Level 1 Power - This course is an introduction to boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a road trailer, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment. (The course is of one days duration.)
RYA Level 2 Power - This two-day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It includes Close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations. The course can be taken in the Docks or on the Tidal River Thames. (One weekend Course)
RYA Safety Boat - This two-day course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, or for racing or training activities.
For those who hold a Power Level 2 Certificate and have also logged a minimum of 12 hours (excluding those used to gain certificates), and who require an introduction to rescue work associated with sailing dinghies. It is desirable for safety boat crew members to hold a first aid certificate.
An important component for RYA Dinghy Senior Instructor Test candidates. (One Weekend Course)
RYA First Aid Certificate or BCU Aquatic First Aid
These courses which are recommended by the MCA and HSE are designed to teach you what to do in many of the situations where people have accidents whilst on a small craft from how to resuscitate someone to how to treat minor cuts.
This course is useful for anyone who goes out on the water and an RYA requirement for those taking Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore exams. At the end of the course you will qualify for the RYA First Aid Certificate or BCU Aquatic First Aid Certificate which are valid for 3 years from time of issue.
Our courses run from 9.00am to approximately 5.30pm. Tea, coffee and all equipment to complete the course is provided. You should bring a packed lunch, though hot / cold drinks are available.
RYA Day Skipper (Theory)
This shorebased course run, over 3 weekends, for potential skippers of yachts, motor cruisers and motor sailors. The course involves study of coastal navigation, weather at sea, safety afloat and other boat handling techniques. Recommended, if not essential, prior to undertaking the practical RYA Course.
This course is usually run over three weekends in January, February and March of each year.
RYA Day Skipper (Practical) - Can be run over 5 days or 3 weekends aboard one of the Offshore sections yachts "Alexander Fairey", a 34ft Sloop or "Discovery DSP", a 43ft Seastream TS
BCU 1 & 2 Star Courses
BCU 1 Star- Novice Level (One Weekend )
For those with little or absolutely no experience to learn the basic skills. At the end an individual will be able to be in control, know how to turn, stop, reverse and what to do if they capsize.
A basic knowledge of canoeing theory is also taught.
BCU 2 Star - Intermediate Level (One Weekend )
For those who are of BCU 1 Star standard and had further practical experience. At the end of the course an individual will be a competent flat water canoeist. Efficient methods of turning the canoe are taught including that of rescue of self and others. The theory covers safety on the water, control of groups, how to prepare for canoeing trips, correctly selecting equipment and first aid. The course covers both closed cockpit kayaks and open canoes. This award allows a Scout Authorisation to be awarded.
BCU 3 Star Courses
BCU 3 STAR - The Skilled Canoeist - The successful candidate will have a knowledge of advanced strokes, able to perform them on flat water, committing oneself to the paddle (i.e. supporting the canoe off balance by the paddle) and the ability to roll within three attempts. The theory is similar to that of 2 Star but at a more detailed level. This test is a pre-requisite to the BCU Level 2 Coach Training Course. (One Weekend Course)
| Course | Date(s) | Places | Show Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCU 2 Star Course | 11/09/2010 - 12/09/2010 | 12 | |
| RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing Tidal Upgrade 1 | 23/10/2010 | 10 | |
| RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing Tidal Upgrade 2 | 24/10/2010 | 10 | |
| Drascombe Weekend | 30/10/2010 - 31/10/2010 | 8 | |
| QM Training Weekend | 05/11/2010 - 07/11/2010 | 0 | |
| RYA Day Skipper Course | 19/11/2010 - 21/11/2010 | 10 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Saftey Boat Tidal Endorsment | 20/11/2010 | 6 | |
| RYA Powerboat Level 2 Tidal Endorsment | 21/11/2010 | 6 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Safety Boat Course (Tidal) | 27/11/2010 - 28/11/2010 | 6 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Day Skipper Course | 17/12/2010 - 19/12/2010 | 10 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Day Skipper Course | 14/01/2011 - 16/01/2011 | 10 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Day Skipper Course 2 | 28/01/2011 - 30/01/2011 | 10 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Day Skipper Course 2 | 25/02/2011 - 27/02/2011 | 10 | Show Candidates |
| BCU 3 Star White Water Course | 04/03/2011 - 06/03/2011 | 12 | Show Candidates |
| RYA Day Skipper Course 2 | 25/03/2011 - 27/03/2011 | 10 | Show Candidates |
| BCU Level 1 Coaching Course Weekend 1 | 25/03/2011 - 27/03/2011 | 12 | Show Candidates |
| BCU Level 1 Coaching Course Weekend 2 | 08/04/2011 - 10/04/2011 | 12 | Show Candidates |
| QM Training Weekend | 11/11/2011 - 13/11/2011 | 0 |
