RYA Helmsman

NOTICE: We plan to resume all RYA Motor Cruising Courses in late summer 2023. Please contact us for more information.

A two-day course covering basic boat handling, engine checks and safety. 

This course is ideal for new owners conscious of the difficulty and hazards of boat handling in the marina.

It is useful for crews as well as skippers. Apart from the obvious safety benefits of extra boat handlers on board, it adds interest if everyone can contribute to the trip.

Boat preparation, boat handling, types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship, rules of the road, securing to a buoy, berthing alongside, man overboard recovery.

This course is aimed at those wishing to increase their boat handling knowledge. You will be introduced to preparing the vessel for sea and instructed in close quarter maneuvering, berthing and picking up a mooring. The course also includes types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship and rules of the road. You will also practice man overboard recovery.

This course can be done on own vessel or Ondeck’s. Generally this will be done privately or for family groups.
We offer this course ‘whole boat’ privately to individuals, and friend and family groups.

The ports, bays and harbours in our immediate vicinity are worth the trip in itself and if members of the group would prefer to relax rather than take the course we would love to have them.

$750usd pp

Pre-course experienceNone
Assumed knowledgeNone
Minimum duration2 days
Minimum age12
Course contentBoat preparation, boat handling, types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship, rules of the road, securing to a buoy, berthing alongside, man overboard recovery
Ability after the courseCompetent to a handle motor cruiser of a specific type in sheltered waters