Day Skipper Theory Online

[OtherBusiness]

Has anyone used NavatHome to do an online course? I am just looking at doing this and wondered what the online courses are like? Thanks

[ecsrobin]

I can't comment on the courses but thought I'd ask about your sailing experience and previous qualifications? My first intro to sailing was competent crew followed by a weeks jolly then straight into my day skipper practical. (Not forgetting the VHF certificate)

I've recently done my Yachtmaster theory which I think would be a better level if you have some experience.

[OtherBusiness]

Thanks for that, I am a dinghy instructor and powerboat instructor but just need something formal for using bigger boats. Just looking at day sailing and such like round the Solent area to start with. Hadn't considered YM - is it much harder?

[ecsrobin]

OtherBusiness said:

Thanks for that, I am a dinghy instructor and powerboat instructor but just need something formal for using bigger boats. Just looking at day sailing and such like round the Solent area to start with. Hadn't considered YM - is it much harder?

For day sailing in the Solent most of the charter companies want coastal skipper, I believe sunsail will allow day skipper but restrict your sailing area.

There were a few people on my course that had not been near the water and scored a higher mark than me, so I guess it's all about how well you study but as long as you know your colregs and secondary ports then I would go for Yachtmaster and coastal skipper. Although coastal skipper requires a VHF certificate and first aid.

[markmullen]

YM theory requires you to already have knowledge to the standard of DS theory, if you've done a lot, are happy with passage planning, course to steer, simple meteorology, colregs, tidal calcs etc then you could do YM theory direct.

I did DS theory online, through Howell Sail but using the navathome system. It was good and got me up to the standard I needed to then do a classroom based YM theory course. The YM theory was traditional, a week long course in a classroom, it was good as there was lots of stuff I learnt from asides from the instructor which wasn't on the syllabus.

DS Theory though was fine online.

[OtherBusiness]

Great, thanks both. I think the DS online course will do the job. Going to be joining pure latitude for boat access.

[ecsrobin]

OtherBusiness said:

Great, thanks both. I think the DS online course will do the job. Going to be joining pure latitude for boat access.

Good luck with it. And if you ever need a second set of hands I'll be more than happy to assist if I'm not racing.