Fowey Maritime Centre RYA Courses
Fowey Maritime Centre is an RYA recognised centre and a member of the Marine Leisure Association. We operate throught the year and enjoy a relaxed but safe environment where learning is fun.
Fowey Maritime Centre - RYA Cruising / Yachting Courses
The RYA's sail cruising programme is for those wanting to start cruising, or to expand their cruising knowledge. It encourages high standards of seamanship and navigation in pursuit of the RYA's belief that a system of voluntary education is more likely to achieve higher standards of safety than legislation to control and regulate our sport.
We conduct most of our yachting courses on a 41 foot Sigma called "Black Adder." She has racing and cruising pedigree which means she is a very stable platform to use for teaching.
"Black Adder" handles in a predictable manner and doesn't give any unpleasant surprises, all our students create their own special bond with Black Adder as she answers their commands on the helm without hesitation. The centre and boat are both based in Fowey; however, her training ground can extend across the channel.
Most courses take place over five days, or a series of weekends, and are based on living aboard the yacht. You can expect to be taught by an experienced, qualified, friendly instructor on board "Black Adder" or where required on your own boat, with a maximum of up to five trainees. All food, waterproofs, marina fees are included in the course fee.
You can enter our programme at any level, provided that you have the correct level of experience beforehand. Be realistic when assessing your current experience and abilities and, if in doubt, discuss your requirements with us before booking your course.
Below is a summary of RYA courses we offer at the Centre, as always give us a call and we can chat through your requirements and wishes.
RYA Competent Crew Course
This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines on board. The minimum course duration is five days, but it is commonly run over three weekends or three days plus a weekend. If you have previously completed the Start Yachting course, the Competent Crew course can be completed in three or four days.
RYA Day Skipper Course
This five-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation. The course can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
RYA Coastal Skipper Course
This is a five-day advanced skippering course for those who have considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wishing to undertake coastal passages by day and night. Each trainee will skipper more challenging passages and learn more about passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations. The course can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster prep - week
This is a five-day intensive preparation course for those who require a Certificate of Competency. Each skipper will enhance their knowledge of blind navigation, night pilotage, man overboard, advanced boat handling under power and sail and heavy weather tactics. This course ends up with a Certificate of Competency.
Cruising Instructor Course
Cruising Instructors (CI) are able to teach up to the level of the Day Skipper practical course through an RYA recognised training centre. The course can be taken in either sail or motor cruisers, and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
