Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

This is a course in astro-navigation and worldwide meteorology which also reveals the mysteries of the sextant. It assumes a knowledge of all subjects covered in the other shorebased courses.

The earth and the celestial sphere

The PZX triangle

The sextant

Measurement of time

Meridian altitudes

Sun, star and other sights

Compass checking

Great circle sailing

Meteorology

Passage planning

Passage making

Communications

• Definition of observer’s zenith and position of a heavenly body in terms of latitude, longitude, GHA and declination
• Right angle relationships, latitude and co-late, declination and polar distance
• Relationship between GHA, longitude and LHA
• Tabulation of declination in nautical almanac
• Rate of increase of hour angle with time
• The tabulated components of the triangle, LHA, co-lat and polar distance
• The calculable components, zenith distance and azimuth
• Relationship between zenith distance and altitude
• Introduction to the tabular method of solution in the Air Navigation Tables and the basic sight form
• The use of calculators for the solution of the PZX triangle
• Practical guide to the use and care of a sextant at sea
• Conversion of sextant altitude to true altitude
• Application of dip, index error and refraction
• Correction of side error, perpendicularity, index error and collimation error
• Definition of, and relationship between, UT, LMT, standard time and zone time
• Rating of chronometers and watches
• Forecasting time of meridian altitude
• Reduction of meridian altitude sights
• Reduction and plotting of sun sights using Air Navigation Tables
• Awareness of use of calculator for sight reduction
• The plotting of a sun-run-sun meridian altitude
• Awareness of the reduction and plotting of sights obtained from stars, moon and planets
• Use of amplitude and azimuth tables systems and/or calculator
Satellite Navigation Systems
• Principles and limitations of use of all systems
• Comparison of rhumb lines and great circles
• Vertices and composite tracks
• The computation of a series of rhumb lines approximating to a great circle by use of gnomonic and Mercator projections
• General pressure distribution and prevailing winds over the oceans of the world
• Tropical revolving storms, seasonal occurrence and forecasting by observation
• Publications available to assist with planning of long passages (routeing charts, ocean passages of the world and other publications)
• Preparation for ocean passage including survival equipment, victualling, water and fuel management, chafe protection, spares and maintenance
• Navigational routine
• Watch-keeping
• Crew management
• Satellite and terrestrial systems
• Weather information

You will need a set of dividers which you will probably have from the Yachtmaster Shorebased course. We can provide them for £20. Alternatively you can buy them from most chandleries but they will probably be more expensive. You will be asked if you want us to supply you with this item when you book a course.

"Thanks very much for your entertaining lessons, they were definitely something to look forward to during my week! This shows that people can do the course over video chat, it is actually quite easy to follow along online."

Luke A.

"What did you like most about about your course? Well-defined and beautifully balanced act between people, didactics and technology. Combo is rarely achieved successfully but it hits the bull's eye! How would you rate the support you received during your course on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being very poor and 5 being excellent? 5 no doubt. From the first feedback onwards it's guaranteed you are not alone! I like the way anecdotes and facts are sprinkled occasionally alongside the syllabus, like recent ship wrecks in the Channel, etc. This certainly makes reading more interesting as text books tend to be somewhat drier. Please use any occasion to exploit that approach. That enriches the reader immensely as it is first-hand knowledge in its purest form, and that is certainly difficult to obtain anywhere else. Well done. "

"The Instructor was an excellent coach and really took the time with our class to ensure we all understood all aspects of the course. He was patient and prepared to take the time to ensure we all had the best knowledge transferred to us. He was an excellent instructor and had a significant amount of detailed knowledge that was most helpful to me and the rest of the class. He is passionate and fully committed to his work and goes above and beyond to ensure you are capable and have a really enjoyable experience learning with him. First Class Sailing are well organised and the logistics, course material and facilities were all top notch "

"First Class Sailing should be your only choice for embarking on any theoretical or practical learning experience you may require. Regardless of previous experience it is defiantly No1. Choice for getting the best start around your sailing experience requirements. "

"An excellent outfit, well equipped with good boats and brilliant instructors, that is small enough to give a warm personal service but big enough to cope with the full gamut of yachting experiences"

"I am no longer scared of the engine, touching bolts etc."

"Excellent instructor - gave freely of his experience - very dedicated and enormously helpful."

"Professional and effective. Good equipment, taught by knowledgable and enthusiastic professionals."

"Excellent and I highly recommend to take any of First Class Sailing's courses"

"Best Sailing School in the UK!"

"Don't choose courses on basis of price. All courses are not the same. Both First Class Sailing Theory and Practical courses are 'First Class'."

"Great practical use of equipment. Good class size. Relaxed. "

"Good clear explanations and pragmatic approach, was very easy to follow. Excellent instructor."

"Hands on, excellent instructor. Very professional, excellent course, 1st Class Service. "

"Clear and focused on practical needs. "

"Concise, covered all relevant and necessary material without unneeded extra time. Instructor was friendly, informative and extremely competent. "

"Good level of detail and experience from instructor. "

"Good entertaining tuition. Lots of anecdotes to make it interesting, great practical experience."

"The booking was well handled and the confirmation emails received speedily. Very helpful to receive pre course notes. Professional, helpful, good value. "

"Friendly informative courses delivered in a relaxed environment by knowledgeable instructors. "