Yachtmaster Preparation Course
All RYA offshore sailing courses are run through Allabroad, Gibraltar; Menorca Cruising, Menorca; Aistrac, Gran Canaria; Club Yachting, Tenerife
As a Yachtmaster Examiner, Richard Howell has the necessary experience and knowledge to provide that high level of training necessary to equip you with the necessary competence and skills required to obtain this prestigious award. We run these skills development and Yachtmaster training and preparation courses in the UK and Europe.
Course Content Overview
The following are the important areas; passage planning, man overboard recovery, close quarters handling, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage, and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations.
Course Aim
To assess the students ability and to fully prepare for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Examinations. The training can be tailor made to your specific needs & will help fill in any gaps in your knowledge or skills that may become apparent.
To attain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore candidates must pass a practical examination of their skippering ability.
Early in the course we will assess your strengths & weaknesses and coach you in the areas required to pass the examination. We will debrief you fully as the week progresses and ensure that you get time to work on those weaker areas.
Pre-Course Requirements & Suitability
50 days aboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles logged, 5 passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper (Half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters).
VHF radio operators certificate and a valid First Aid Certificate.
Navigation theory to RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory level and a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations.
Minimum age: None.
Locations: All RYA offshore sailing courses are run through Team Sailing, Solent; Allabroad, Gibraltar; Menorca Cruising, Menorca; Aistrac, Gran Canaria; Club Yachting, Tenerife.
Duration: To suit personal requirements.

COST:
For a competitive price based upon location and availability, please email or call us on +44 (0)1924 848558 or +44 (0)7764 603000
Remember, if you are interested in multiple courses, please contact us for guidance and details of special discounts available.
Ability after the Course
As a current Yachtmaster Examiner your instructor, Richard Howell, knows exactly the standards required and will develop your high level of expertise, particularly in safety critical exercises such as man overboard, sailing down wind, or various types of mooring. He will also ensure that the theory subjects, particularly meteorology, IRPCS, buoyage and passage planning are familiar to you.
At the end of the period, you will be given an honest de-brief, leaving you confident in your own ability.
Frequent Yachtmaster Preparation Course locations
Our flexible approach of working in conjunction with boat owners and associate sailing schools, means that Howellsail have previously and can deliver cost-effective tailor-made Yachtmaster Preparation sailing courses anywhere in the world. Please contact us we will be very happy to discuss your needs.

Gibraltar
Sail in a warm climate to 2 continents, 3 countries, all in 5 days! A fantastic learning environment with tides, shipping & good winds in an international setting of Gibraltar, Spain & Africa. Learn the customs & immigration procedures for entering foreign ports. Cheap flights available from UK. All courses & charters run in conjunction with Allabroad Yachting, Gibraltar.
Canary Islands
Enjoy a circumnavigation of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, or sailing between the islands on slightly longer passages. With all year round weather a great opportunity to gain some mile building experience & sample some of the smaller islands such as La Gomera etc. Tenerife & Gran Canaria bases available in conjunction with Club Yachting & Aistrac.

Menorca
A summer destination ideal for holiday charters & RYA practical courses. Richard Howell has been Chief Instructor at Menorca Cruising & has intimate knowledge of the island. Enjoy 5 or 7 day voyages in the sunshine, also an ideal base for extended cruising around the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza, & Formentera.
The Solent
The sailing mecca of the UK & an ideal learning environment closer to home. With Portsmouth, Southampton, Cowes, Yarmouth, Chichester all close to hand & Poole & Weymouth both within a day sail, it is an ideal area to undergo training. Also our starting point for Cross Channel cruises to France & the Channel Islands.
The Caribbean & British Virgin Islands
A host of departure points available in the warm crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. With St Vincent & the Grenadines becoming increasingly popular, why not cruise with us & visit Mustique, Bequia, Union Islands, Tobago Keys, Grenada etc.
Recommended Reading for the RYA Yachtmaster Preparation Course
Reed's Skippers Handbook
Includes latest maritime regulations & electronic techniques, & provides answers to most of the navigation problems that are likely to arise during a coastal passage.
£7.99 + £1.50 p&p (UK)
RYA Yachtmaster Handbook (G70)
£18.99 + £1.50 p&p (UK) – also available as an eBook
RYA International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea - 2nd Edition
It is therefore a vital aspect of seamanship, as every person taking to the seas must be confident that they will know what to do in these situations.
Outlined within the chapters is information on the conduct of vessels in many different situations. These are clearly laid out, enabling the reader to accurately translate the rules.
£13.59 + £1.50 p&p. (UK) – Also available as an eBook
A Seaman's Guide to the Rule of the Road (ZS09)
This easy-to-read guide provides clear & simple questions & answers to a complex subject.
£12.50 + £1.50 p&p (UK)
Ready to get going?
For a competitive price based upon location & availability, please email or call us on +44 (0)1924 848558 or +44 (0)7764 603000