Yachtmaster
What is a yachtmaster?
This page and all other pages are available in Dutch.
The fast answer: someone who is a very, very good sailor.
The long answer: someone who passed an exam that evaluates night sailing, manoeuvering, chart work, passage planning and a lot more subjects. The exam is arranged by the British Royal Yachting Association and is recognized by the British MCA. A large part of the megayacht fleet is coded by the MCA.
News: The names of the rankings have changed a bit for clarity:
- Yachtmaster Ocean: Astronavigation and long distance crossing preparation and execution.
- Yachtmaster Offshore: Described below.
- Yachtmaster Coastal: Formerly knows as Coastal Skipper.
- Dayskipper: No name change.
Why become a Yachtmaster?
If you want to be the master of a sailing yacht which is MCA flagged, this is the paperwork that you need. If you are a Yachtmaster, you can work worldwide, since this is the most recognized yachting diploma around. RYA training is also a lot of fun because of the clear set targets and down-to-earth approach.
How do I become a Yachtmaster?
That's easy, you pass the exam, pay the fee and off you go.
But to pass the exam, most people need training. If you need a lot of training start with the Yachtmaster Coastal or Dayskipper training. If you feel up to it, follow a Yachtmaster exam prep training, usually with the exam directly after your training. This 5 day training will take you through all parts of the syllabus. It is not a complete course in sailing, since you are expected to have a very sound base. Sail changes, gybing, chart work and passage plans should hold no surprises for you when you start a Yachtmaster prep course.
Where can I follow these courses?
Most sailing schools are based in the UK. In the Netherlands you can follow coastal skipper, dayskipper and yachtmaster courses at the Marien Offshore Sailing School or with Nautix. There are more RYA schools in the Netherlands, but I have no personal knowledge of those training centre's.
They average one yachtmaster training each month, with an MCA exam. Sailing is done on the Waddenzee, one of the most beautiful sailing area's in the world (if you ask me). It's also a very challenging area, because of the currents, shallow parts and buoyage system.
