The Yachtmaster Preparation course is for the more experienced yachtsperson who wishes to refine their skills and experience in off-shore passages and in preparation for their Yachtmaster exam.

The course is run over five days and four nights and includes some night time passage planning, navigation and sailing. All meals and linen are provided for the duration of the practical.

Times for the courses are Friday 0900 to Tuesday 1600.

The syllabus for this course is as follows:

• Preparation for sea including
  Engine checks.
  Selection of sails depending on conditions.
  Securing and stowage of gear.
  Safety briefings .

•  Deckwork including
  Reefing and shaking out reefs.
  Changing of sails to suit prevailing conditions.
  Preparation of an anchor and mooring warps.
  Taking charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or berth.
  Trimming of sails to best advantage.

•  Navigation including
  Putting to use the knowledge learnt from the theory course i.e. navigating a course to steer, longer passages etc.

•  Maintenance and Repair work including
  Understanding maintenance tasks and ability to carry out maintenance.
  Knowledge of the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes.
  Knowledge of knots used on a boat.

•  Engines including
  Knowledge of changing fuel and water filters.
  Knowledge of the impeller.
  Knowledge of bleeding the fuel system.

•  Victualling including
  An understanding of how to victual a boat.

•  Emergency Situations including
  Man over-board recovery and delegation of roles.
  Use of distress flares and life raft.
  Operation of a radio in an emergency and sending a distress message.
  Securing a tow.
  Knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue.

•  Yacht Handling Under Power including
  Bringing a boat safely to and from a berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide.
  Tight turns.

•  Yacht Handling Under Sail including
  Bringing a boat safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide.
  Steering and trimming sails efficiently on all points of sailing.