RYA Motor Cruising Helmsman

• Pre-course experience: None
• Duration: 2 days
• Minimum age: 8. Under 18`s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please note: This does not include accommodation.

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

Course books links: RYA Day Skipper Motor Handbook

Recommended to bring with you:

• Sunglasses
• High factor sun cream (not oil please !)
• Deck shoes if possible, otherwise soft shoes with a non marking sole
• Shorts (Please be aware that these are liable to get dirty, so not your bestones!)
• T-Shirts
• Fleece or jumper for the evenings and windy days at sea
• Light long sleeved shirt if you need to cover up in the sun
• Baseball/sun hat (preferably with a clip to stop it blowing overboard!)
• Sea sickness tablets should you need them
• Sailing Gloves (if available)
• And above all, enthusiasm!

Please note that the temperatures in Malta are normally very warm during the day but it can be cold in the evenings and windy days at sea. It is a good idea to bring a small light rain mac if you have one and also a pair of long trousers and a warm fleece, just in case.

The yacht will be provisioned for you upon your arrival with a basic welcome package, including ham, cheese, bread, soft drinks etc. We do not provide alcohol other than the initial welcome pack!

Please ensure you have taken adequate holiday insurance to cover personal belongings and injury. Most travel policies will cover sailing in their conditions but please do check this. It is also a good idea to collect the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) form from your local post office or online at www.ehic.org.uk providing medical cover if it should be needed. This ensures immediate free medical treatment if needed.

Please note you are not in anyway obliged to buy the skippers evening meals but please do not be offended if they should not be able to eat out with you every night. We do hope that you understand and of course, if you should wish to, you are more than welcome to treat your skipper at any point (but you must not feel that you have to!) This is customary but not compulsory!

You need a flight to Malta International, airport code MLA. We are happy to help you find a flight if you would like us to.

On arrival at Malta airport, there is a kiosk at the exit from the airport where you can pre pay the taxi to the boat, or we can arrange for you to be collected by a local taxi firm. The cost of this is usually 25 Euro.The taxi drivers speak good English.

You will then have a short “live aboard” safety brief and then hopefully join us for a drink to celebrate your arrival and meet your crew mates!

Next step:
RYA Motor Cruising Day Skipper »