Category: Yachtmaster Courses

Category: Yachtmaster Courses

RYA Theory Courses

Theory Courses Majorca

RYA Theory Courses – updated 15 February 2023.

For sailors who are looking to improve their theoretical knowledge of sailing and navigation, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers a range of theory courses in Majorca. These courses cover a variety of topics, from essential navigation and seamanship to advanced celestial navigation, and are designed to help sailors gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate safely and confidently on the water.

RYA Theory Courses

Online training & reading

There are plenty of places online where you can do these courses; however, many people prefer the classroom environment learning with others. There are also many publications, which will help you study for and pass the RYA theory parts of these courses such as: RYA Navigation Handbook, RYA Navigation Exercises, RYA Weather Handbook, RYA Sail Cruising Logbook, RYA Motor Cruising Logbook, RYA Manual of Seamanship by Tom Cunliffe, Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road by JWW Ford and Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice.

Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course

One of the most popular RYA theory courses in Majorca is the Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course. This course covers the basics of navigation, including charts, tidal heights, and buoyage. It also covers essential seamanship skills, such as knots, ropes, and safety on board. The course is ideal for sailors who are new to sailing or who want to refresh their knowledge of basic navigation and seamanship.

This two-day theory course offers a really good introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and crew and is also for those simply wanting to refresh their skills for sailing, motor and powerboating. It can also be used to compliment the Powerboat (Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced), Start Yachting, Helmsman and Day Skipper courses.

Navigation for Day Skipper Course

For sailors who want to take their navigation skills to the next level, the Navigation for Day Skipper Course is an excellent option. This course covers the theory and practice of navigation, including position fixing, course shaping, and passage planning. It also covers advanced topics such as meteorology, collision regulations, and electronic navigation. The course is designed for sailors who want to become competent day skippers and is an essential step towards the Day Skipper practical course.

This Day Skipper Theory course is a comprehensive introduction to sail or motor cruising for inexperienced skippers and equips you with sufficient knowledge to navigate within familiar waters by day. This can either be a stand-alone 5-day course or supplement the Day Skipper Sail and Motor practical week.

RYA Theory Courses

Yachtmaster / Coastal Skipper Course

The Yachtmaster / Coastal Skipper Course is another important RYA theory course in Majorca. This course covers the theory and practice of navigation and seamanship at an advanced level. It is designed for sailors who want to become Yachtmaster or Coastal Skipper certified and covers a range of topics, including advanced navigation, meteorology, and collision regulations. The course is an essential step towards the Yachtmaster practical course and is ideal for sailors who want to take their skills to the highest level.

This six-day Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Course is advanced training for more experienced skippers wanting to learn how to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. The course starts with a revision of the basics in navigation theory and quickly moves on to advanced navigation, meteorology, collision avoidance, safety at sea and passage planning. This course provides theory knowledge to the standard required for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

Yachtmaster Ocean – Celestial Navigation Course

Finally, the Yachtmaster Ocean – Celestial Navigation Course is an advanced RYA theory course in Majorca. This course covers the theory and practice of celestial navigation, including using the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies to determine position at sea. It is designed for sailors who want to become Yachtmaster Ocean certified and is an essential step towards the Yachtmaster Ocean practical course. The course covers a range of topics, including sextant use, celestial navigation software, and emergency navigation.

A course in Astronavigation, worldwide meteorology and passage planning, which also unravels the mysteries of the sextant. This advanced course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage. This course involves Astronavigation, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids – it also includes time learning the practical application of a sextant. Note: If you are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this shore-based course exempts you from the written exam.

In conclusion, the RYA theory courses in Majorca offer sailors the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate safely and confidently on the water. Whether you are looking to improve your basic navigation and seamanship skills or become an advanced Yachtmaster Ocean navigator, there is a course to suit your needs. So why not take the plunge and sign up for a course today? Your theoretical knowledge of sailing and navigation will be greatly enhanced.

RYA Motor Courses

Motor Courses Majorca

RYA Motor Courses – updated 14 February 2023.

RYA (Royal Yachting Association) motor courses provide training for individuals seeking to develop their motorboating skills, whether for personal or professional purposes. These courses offer a comprehensive and structured approach to learning, designed to meet the needs of both novice and experienced boaters. 

If you want to learn to motorboat on a structured course, then RYA motor courses are perfect for this. There is no doubt about it, sailing is fun, and it is difficult to beat the thrill of skimming across the water powered by the wind in your sails. However, it is not for everyone.

RYA motor courses are designed to teach individuals how to operate motorboats safely and efficiently. The courses cover a range of skills, including boat handling, navigation, safety, and maintenance. 

RYA Motor Courses

Sailing

Sailing can be quite physical involving lots of rope work, it can also be quite tricky to master. Many people prefer motorboating, it is less physical, not reliant on wind conditions and usually a lot faster than sailing. Sea schools on the island run a number of RYA motor courses for those who enjoy motorboating, ranging from an introduction to motor cruising for complete beginners to advanced pilotage to Yachtmaster. As a starter, we recommend the Powerboat Level 2 course. After just 2 days and if you pass the course, you are legal to drive a powerboat such as a Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB) or any kind of sports boat up to 10m in length.

Start Motor Cruising Course

This one-day Start Motor Cruising course is a great introduction to motor cruising for complete beginners. You will have lots of fun learning the basics of boat handling as a member of the crew, assist at the helm and learn safety on board. During your day on board one of our fabulous motor yachts there will also be plenty of time to relax in the sunshine, appreciate the stunning scenery of Mallorca and enjoy a light lunch whilst anchored in a beautiful bay. This course is ideal for introducing groups of friends or families to motor boating.

RYA Day Skipper Course

The RYA Day Skipper Motor training course is for individuals with some motor boating experience and basic navigation and boat handling skills that want to be able to take charge as skipper over short passages and perhaps charter a motorboat without the need to find a captain.

During the five-day practical course, you will be given responsibility at the helm for the crew and navigation, with the instructor on hand at all times to provide advice and encouragement. This practical course can be supplemented with Day Skipper theory course either side of the practical week with 2 days classroom-based theory in navigation beforehand and afterwards. At the end of a successful course, you may also be eligible for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). RYA Day Skipper for Motor is a practical course for anyone who wants to learn how to take charge of a motor cruiser between 25 and 80ft.

By the end of the course, you will be a confident and capable skipper, able to assess situations and make qualified decisions for the benefit of the motor cruiser and its crew. This course can also help you get the best from your modern electronic aids such as GPS and radar, which are now virtually standard equipment on modern motor cruisers.

RYA Motor Courses

Advanced Pilotage Course

This 2-day Advanced Pilotage course is a higher-level course for people moving on from Day Skipper towards Coastal Skipper. It is therefore ideal for those who want to progress their night pilotage skills but might not yet have the experience required for the Coastal Skipper course and is a good refresher course for candidates considering progressing towards Yachtmaster training or who are converting from sail to motor qualifications.

RYA Coastal Skipper Course

This five-day RYA Coastal Skipper motor course is for advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of motor cruising and navigation that want to undertake coastal passages by day and night. This intensive practical course covers skippering passages in more challenging conditions and provides thorough tuition for passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations. A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night.

There is a shore-based course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence.

Boat charter

The Mallorca Insider have teamed up with SEARADAR to provide a professional concierge service specialising in sailing & motor yacht rentals.

Via SEARADAR’s website, anyone can rent a yacht just like they book a hotel or airplane tickets. On top of that, they provide a concierge team which is ready to support you should you have any questions. Boat charter is also available with a skipper & crew so no worries if you do not have an appropriate licence.

RYA Sailing Courses

Sailing Courses Majorca

RYA Sailing Courses – updated 15 February 2023.

Majorca, the largest island in the Balearic Islands, is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. The island’s crystal-clear waters, mild weather, and excellent sailing conditions make it an ideal location for sailors of all levels. And for those who want to improve their skills or learn to sail, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers a range of sailing courses in Majorca.

The RYA is a UK-based organisation that provides internationally recognised training and certification for sailors. The RYA courses in Majorca are run by accredited training centres, ensuring that you receive quality instruction from experienced and qualified instructors. These courses cover a wide range of sailing skills, from beginner to advanced levels.

Whether you are a complete beginner hoping to find your sea legs for the first time, or a salty sea dog keen to build new skills and experience, there are RYA Training Centres on the island who can help you to achieve your goals via fun & challenging training in the stunning surroundings of the beautiful Balearic Islands. Whether you want to learn to sail a dinghy or move onto something bigger like a cruising yacht, there is a RYA training course designed for you. These courses will equip you with the skills and learning to be confident out at sea, whether in your own boat or a charter yacht.

The most popular RYA sailing courses in Majorca are the Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, and Yachtmaster courses.

RYA Sailing Courses

Start Yachting Course

On the Start Yachting course, you will have lots of fun learning the basics of boat handling, experience steering a yacht, sail handling, rope-work and be taught safety on board. During your two days on one of their excellent sailing yachts there will also be plenty of time to relax in the sunshine & appreciate the stunning scenery. To complete your first sailing experience, you also have the option of one night sleeping onboard. The Start Yachting Certificate is awarded on completion of the course. This can be used to go on to complete the Competence Crew course in a reduced time of three days or two weekends.

Competent Crew Course

Get the best foundation to build your sailing experiences on & enjoy a great holiday exploring Mallorca as you learn the basics on a Competent Crew course. The five-day RYA sailing course is for beginners and those who would like to become an active crew member rather than just a passenger. You will spend a fun week gaining practical hands-on experience in general boat handling and safety on board which includes helming, mooring, man overboard drills, dropping anchor, handling sails and ropes and assisting in all day-to-day routines.

Competent Crew is the entry-level course of the Royal Yachting Association for those who wish to be active crew members of a sailing yacht. It is a hands-on course and by the end of the course participants should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all day-to-day duties on board. The Competent Crew course is one of a structured series of courses run by the RYA including Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster. If you have done the Start Yachting course, this course can be completed in 3 days.

RYA Sailing Courses

Day Skipper Course

This Day Skipper sail-training course is for individuals with a little yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills that want to be able to take charge as skipper over short passages. During the five-day practical course, you will be given full responsibility at the helm for the crew and navigation with the instructor on hand at all times to provide advice and encouragement and to ensure your safety. This practical course can be supplemented with the Day Skipper theory course either side of the practical week with 2 days classroom-based theory in navigation beforehand and afterwards. At the end of a successful course, you may also be eligible for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

Coastal Skipper Course

This five-day RYA Coastal Skipper sailing course is for advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation that want to undertake coastal passages by day and night. This intensive practical course covers skippering passages in more challenging conditions and provides thorough tuition for passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations. Candidates will often work towards a Certificate of Competence.

The one-week RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper Course builds on your Day Skipper skills to give you the confidence and ability to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal and out-of-sight-of-land passages.

A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shore-based course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence. While the qualification originated in the United Kingdom, the course is taught worldwide.

Boat charter

The Mallorca Insider have teamed up with SEARADAR to provide a professional concierge service specialising in sailing & motor yacht rentals.

Via SEARADAR’s website, anyone can rent a yacht just like they book a hotel or airplane tickets. On top of that, they provide a concierge team which is ready to support you should you have any questions. Boat charter is also available with a skipper & crew so no worries if you do not have an appropriate licence.

Majorca’s sunny climate, clear waters, and reliable winds make it a fantastic location for sailors of all levels. And with the RYA sailing courses in Majorca, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to enjoy this beautiful island to the fullest. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, there’s an RYA sailing course in Majorca to suit your needs. So, why not take the plunge and sign up for a course today?

RYA Specialist Courses

Specialist Courses Majorca

RYA Specialist Courses – updated 15 February 2023.

For sailors who are looking to take their skills to the next level, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers a range of specialist courses in Majorca. These courses cover a variety of topics, from VHF radio operation to diesel engine maintenance, and are designed to help sailors gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate safely and confidently on the water. Some of these courses, such as the Marine Radio Short Range Certificate, are a pre-requisite for higher qualifications such as the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

VHF Short range certificate (SRC) course

One of the most popular RYA courses in Majorca is the VHF Short range certificate (SRC) course. This course covers the basics of VHF radio operation and teaches sailors how to use their radio equipment effectively and safely. The course covers a range of topics, including distress and emergency calls, digital selective calling, and basic radio procedures. It is an essential course for anyone who plans to sail offshore or in unfamiliar waters.

This online course provides the VHF Short Range Certification required for all commercial endorsement applications and is a mandatory requirement for all Yachtmaster examinations.

RYA Specialist Courses

First aid theory course

Another important RYA specialist course in Majorca is the First aid theory course. This course teaches sailors how to respond to medical emergencies on board and provides training in basic first aid and resuscitation techniques. The course covers a range of topics, including CPR, drowning, shock, and bleeding, and is an essential skill for any sailor.

The one-day RYA First Aid course is aimed at anyone who goes afloat to provide a working knowledge of first aid and covers all the usual aspects of first aid but from a boating perspective. The syllabus is based on recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and fulfils the requirements for professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven. An in-date First Aid course completion certificate is required for the Yachtmaster examination and is valid for 3 years.

Professional practices and responsibilities (PPR) theory course

The Professional practices and responsibilities (PPR) theory course is another important RYA specialist course in Majorca. This course covers the legal and ethical responsibilities of professional skippers, including navigation, safety, and environmental responsibilities. The course is mandatory for sailors who want to obtain a commercial endorsement and is a valuable course for any sailor who wants to take their skills to the next level.

The Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) certificate is a compulsory online course for new and revalidating RYA Commercial Endorsement holders. This course teaches the rules and regulations that professional seafarers are expected to understand and comply with. It comprises four training modules and a final assessment.

Diesel engine maintenance theory course

For sailors who want to learn more about the mechanics of their boat, the Diesel engine maintenance theory course is an excellent option. This course covers the basics of diesel engines, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. The course is ideal for sailors who want to learn how to keep their boat running smoothly and safely.

The RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course provides basic engine knowledge to prevent and solve diesel engine issues. This classroom-based course covers hands-on experience with a diesel engine to learn how an engine works, the procedures for performing basic checks and maintenance and how to restart in the event of a breakdown. This one-day Diesel Engine certification is strongly recommended for both sail and motor Yachtmaster candidates.

Radar theory course

The Radar theory course is another popular RYA specialist course in Majorca. This course covers the basics of radar operation and teaches sailors how to use their radar equipment effectively and safely. The course covers a range of topics, including radar principles, radar displays, and radar plotting, and is an essential skill for any sailor who plans to sail in fog or low visibility conditions.

The RYA Radar Theory course provides an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance. Cruising boats increasingly have radar on board and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) state, in effect, that if you have 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 all the functions are used correctly.

RYA Specialist Courses

RYA Sea survival course

Finally, the RYA Sea survival course is an essential course for any sailor who plans to sail offshore or in unfamiliar waters. This course covers a range of topics, including abandoning ship, using flares and other distress signals, and surviving at sea. The course is designed to help sailors stay safe in emergency situations and is an essential skill for anyone who plans to sail in challenging conditions.

A one-day course for anyone going to sea, providing an understanding of how to use the safety equipment on board your boat. A genuine lifesaver. Cruising is one of the safest leisure sporting activities, and 99.9% of those afloat will never use their life raft. However, if you are part of the unlucky 0.1% your chances of survival will be greatly increased if you understand how to use the equipment and how to help yourself.

In conclusion, the RYA specialist courses in Majorca offer sailors the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate safely and confidently on the water. Whether you are looking to improve your VHF radio operation, learn more about diesel engines, or prepare for emergencies at sea, there is a course to suit your needs. So why not take the plunge and sign up for a course today? Your skills and confidence on the water will be greatly enhanced.

Yachtmaster Courses

Yachtmaster Courses Majorca

Yachtmaster Courses – updated 15 February 2023.

If you are looking to take your sailing skills to the highest level, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster courses in Majorca are an excellent option. These courses are designed to give sailors the skills and knowledge they need to become competent, confident skippers who can handle a yacht in all conditions.

This qualification is a highly prized certificate of competence proving the ability of the holder to handle either a motorboat or sailing boat in certain prescribed conditions.

Yachtmaster Courses

RYA Yachtmaster courses

There are several RYA Yachtmaster courses available in Majorca, each designed for sailors at different stages of their sailing career.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal – This is the first step towards becoming a Yachtmaster. This course is designed for sailors who have completed their Day Skipper certification and are looking to take their skills to the next level. The course covers advanced navigation and seamanship, including night sailing and coastal navigation. You will also learn about boat handling and crew management in more challenging conditions.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore – This course is designed for sailors who have completed their Coastal Skipper certification and are ready to tackle more challenging offshore sailing. The course covers advanced navigation and seamanship, including passage planning, offshore navigation, and weather forecasting. You will also learn about crew management and watch-keeping in challenging offshore conditions.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean – This is the most advanced RYA Yachtmaster course and is designed for sailors who want to become competent navigators capable of sailing across oceans. This course covers advanced celestial navigation and passage planning, as well as emergency procedures and equipment. You will also learn about ocean currents, weather patterns, and the impact of the environment on navigation.

The RYA Yachtmaster courses in Majorca are delivered by experienced and qualified instructors who will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a competent, confident skipper. The courses are designed to be challenging, but also fun and enjoyable, with plenty of time on the water to put theory into practice.

RYA Training

RYA Training is carried out in more than 20 countries and currently there are around 13,000 professionals working as yacht crew on commercial vessels around the world using RYA Certificates of Competence.

Deck Officer career

When commercially endorsed, Yachtmaster licences provide significant privileges and for many sailors, the Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean Certificate of Competence are the ultimate aim and a required step on the way to a Deck Officer career.

Exam

Unlike other courses in the cruising programme, there is no formal training to complete in order to become a Yachtmaster. Instead, provided that you have sufficient experience and sea time, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge. If you have not previously undertaken any formal training, it is unlikely that you will pass the exam.

The pre-course experience includes two days as a skipper, 800 miles and 12 night hours. Students will also need valid VHF and (RYA) First Aid certificates.

Yachtmaster Courses

Offshore exam preparation

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is a highly regarded worldwide qualification proving the experience and competence of a skipper. Sufficient experience and sea time form the eligibility criteria for taking the Yachtmaster exam. The Yachtmaster offshore sail exam preparation week provides five days practical boat handling and revision of the theory with all aspects of the examination organised. This is an intensive course which will challenge you by sailing onto and off marina pontoons and mooring buoys, sail trim for simulated engine and steering failures, man overboard, blind navigation, mooring up in tight spots and anchoring under sail.

Conversion courses

Holders of the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore sail Certificate of Competence may take a practical conversion exam to obtain the equivalent power certificate of competence. Candidates may also convert from power to sail. The same rules apply whether you are converting from sail to power, or from power to sail, but the practical exam for converting from power to sail may take slightly longer.

Working with an RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence will enable you to skipper vessels up to 24 metres in length, operating in category 3,4,5, and 6 waters – up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

Working with an RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence will enable you to work as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters – that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven.

This Certificate of Competence can used commercially in its own right, or as a pre-requisite for the MCA's Officer of the Watch qualification, which enables you to work worldwide on vessels of up to 3000gt.

Working with an RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence will enable you to work worldwide as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt.

This Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a pre-requisite for the MCA's Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

What is a commercial endorsement?

A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels.

A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

In conclusion, the RYA Yachtmaster courses in Majorca are an excellent option for sailors who want to take their sailing skills to the highest level. Whether you are looking to become a competent coastal skipper or an experienced ocean navigator, there is a course to suit your needs. So why not take the plunge and enroll in an RYA Yachtmaster course today? You won't regret it.