Whilst Peter has previous sailing experience and a reasonable knowledge of seamanship, Sandra is a novice in the sailing world. So apart from learning boat handling, navigation, docking procedures and a myriad of other topics, there was also a significant safety issue to be considered here.
What if Peter got sick or injured? Could Sandra take control of the catamaran and sail an extended distance by herself?
So, we recognised early on that there was a significant need for both of us to undertake formal theory and practical training. Peter to update his knowledge and skills, Sandra to get the lot! Our plan is to complete all essential training between January – June 2019. This will give us both the competence and confidence to pick up Sea Goddess in France sometime in July 2019.
We investigated a number of training courses, providers and methodologies, and at the end of the day we wanted a well-rounded knowledge and skill set, provided by a reputable training provider with international and/or Australian certification. With this is mind we narrowed our search to those courses which were RYA (Royal Yachting Association) endorsed and certified, and delivered by an RYA approved training centre. Some providers delivered the theoretical course components online or face to face at a variety of locations. As we both continue to work in our respective industries we needed a flexible training schedule, and to this end we decided to go with a combination of online and face to face options for the theoretical components, and enrolled for the practical components over a series of weekends.
Short Courses
- RYA/World Sailing Offshore Safety Course (2 days) – Peter and Sandra
- RYA Diesel Engine Course (1 day) – Peter
- RYA Radar Course (1 day) – Peter and Sandra
- HLTAID003 Provide first aid (1 day) – Peter and Sandra
- ACMA Long Range Operator course (1 day) – Peter and Sandra
Apart from the Radio Operators course all other courses were successfully completed face to face with Offshore Maritime Training Australia https://www.marinetraining.com.au/. The safety and sea survival, diesel engine and radar courses were facilitated by Gerry Fitzgerald. We found Gerry to be an excellent trainer, highly knowledgeable and skilled with a wealth of experience which he freely shared during these sessions. The first aid course was well structured and facilitated by Jan Williams and had a strong focus on maritime first aid situations and responses. For a more detailed review of the First Aid Course click here http://seagoddessadventures.com/marine-first-aid-course/. All attended courses provided us with a solid foundation of relevant knowledge and skills, and incorporated hands on practical application as well as theoretical knowledge into each day. We have no hesitation in recommending the courses offered by Offshore Maritime Training Australia.
Theoretical-Shore Based Course
- RYA/MCA Day Skipper for Sail and Power Craft – Peter and Sandra
We enrolled with Navathome, a Perth based training provider, and completed this course online. Since we both had differing availability and Peter came to the course with underpinning knowledge, we completed the course and all assessments separately.
The course is modularised with each module addressing a particular component of the Day Skipper course curriculum, and is inclusive of practice exercises and activities, and a final assessment of knowledge and skills related to that module. All resources required to complete the course are provided including but not limited to online modules, paper based practice charts, an almanac, nautical plotter, Portland chart divider and online RYA charts/chart plotter.
The biggest advantage for us in completing the course in this format was course flexibility, we could complete the course in our timeframe, go back over module content if we needed to, and complete module assessment when we were each confident in our preparation. The course is comprehensive and at times challenging, but there is a huge sense of accomplishment when you get that positive assessment outcome at the end of each module. Don Punch, the online trainer/facilitator, was available via email to respond to questions and queries as we progressed through the course. We only contacted him a couple of times, either to clarify a module activity or a response to one of the assessment questions.
There is also a final assessment which incorporates questions and activities across the course as a whole. Initially a bit scary, but once you get going its amazing how much you remember and its very affirming, in an ‘I can do this’ kind of way.
We both had a really positive learning experience with excellent course outcomes, and whilst we recognise that online learning is not for everyone, we are happy to recommend this course to you. Check out https://www.navathome.com.au/
Addendum: Whilst Peter completed the RYA Coastal Skipper practical sailing course last year, he has just started the Coastal Skipper theoretical/shore based online course with Navathome. We will provide a review of this course when completed.
Practical Sailing Courses
- RYA Practical Sailing Course – Start Sailing – Peter and Sandra (combined with Competent Crew)
- RYA Practical Sailing Course – Competent Crew – Peter and Sandra (6 days completed over 3 weekends)
- RYA Practical Sailing Course – Day Skipper – Peter (6 days completed over 3 weekends)
- RYA Practical Sailing Course – Coastal Skipper – Peter (5 days)
We enrolled with Southern Cross Yachting to complete the practical sailing course components. Based at Manly, Queensland this training provider offers both a weekend and a 5 day training schedule. The weekend option suited us perfectly, 3 weekends (with overnight stay onboard), with the exception of the Coastal Skipper course which Peter completed over a 5 day block. With our trip to France booked for early July, and where possible, we scheduled all courses in an intense way. At times completing one course one weekend and starting the next course the following weekend. Together with theory courses, prepping for the France trip and picking up Sea Goddess, and our regular work commitments we were flat chat busy!
As a total novice, as in clean slate novice, Sandra arrived at the marina meeting point for the first practical training session with some trepidation. We were introduced to our trainer and the other three participants for the weekend, and we all outlined our sailing experience or in Sandra’s case a lack thereof. What became apparent throughout the duration of the weekend was the lack of ‘training or instruction’ provided. Essentially, the ‘Skipper’ directed us to complete tasks and activities related to preparing the boat for departure and then docking using a lasso technique around a cleat. Once completed we headed out on the bay for ‘some sailing’. We received no information or training about sail management, handling the sheets, helming, setting and maintaining a course or anything else. No problem for Peter who loved it, he was in his element and his previous sailing experience and seamanship was obvious. Our fellow participants also had previous sailing and/or training experience and performed well. On the other hand, as the day progressed Sandra became more and more confused and despondent. It didn’t help that the Skipper referred to Sandra’s attempts as ‘useless’, ignoring her for most of that day and the next, preferring to assign ‘jobs’ to other crew members. By the end of the weekend Sandra’s confidence was shattered, emotionally exhausted, and what skills she picked up were gained from Peter and other crew members. She didn’t want to go back for the next weekend’s course but recognised that she needed to persevere as there was a big, big trip ahead for the two of us.
To cut a long story short, whilst Sandra’s training experience was less than ideal, she successfully completed the Competent Crew practical course (thanks to the input and support of Peter and fellow crew members). She also completed 4 of the 6 days of the Day Skipper practical course but withdrew from the last 2 days due to ongoing issues with Southern Cross Yachting training staff. She also withdrew from the Coastal Skipper course prior to commencement. Peter did not just complete all programs, he blitzed them. His knowledge and skill base is amazing, and we have decided that he will take over Sandra’s sail training. In fact, training is something he wants to pursue long term and is planning to obtain RYA instructor certification, and he will be awesome in that role.
Post script from Sandra: Under Peter’s tutelage and supervision, and after sailing two thirds around the world from France to Australia, my knowledge and skill base has grown enormously. I am now confident and competent, and just as important I love sailing.