The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course examines astro-navigation, the use of the sextant and worldwide meteorology. It assumes a knowledge of all the subjects covered in all the other shorebased courses. Courses are run in Southampton, London and on Zoom.
For centuries sailors have guided their ships across the oceans by celestial navigation or nautical astronomy. On the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course you will learn how to fix your position with a sextant by observing the sun, moon, stars and planets. For the modern sailor it is not only a fascinating art, but an essential alternative to electronic navigation when crossing oceans.
Looking to practice using a sextant? See our Celestial Sailing Weekends where you can get some hands on practice.
This course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence who are preparing for their first ocean voyage. It is also suitable for those who enjoy and have a general interest and curiosity in navigation and how one can find a position by using a sextant and the heavenly bodies.
Minimum Pre Course Experience: Coastal and offshore sailing. Prior to the course your navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course.
Ability after the Course: Background knowledge to skipper a yacht on ocean passages.
Course Content: Astro-navigation, ocean meterology.
We provide a comprehensive set of materials to assist you with the course including:
For those wanting the full Yachtmaster Ocean certificate we can help arrange the 600-mile qualifying passage.
Some difficult principles to grasp! It takes a while to get to grips with the principles of astro navigation so do not be put off if you don't understand everything you will be taught straight away.
A knowledgeable instructor who will give you plenty of support if you need it.
It is not a problem if you have to miss a lesson providing you are prepared to put some effort into catching up. The sessions are recorded to watch later in the week There is a fair bit of homework each session and providing you do this you know you will have caught up sufficiently. Also the instructor is available on phone/email in between sessions.
Start/Finish Times
Courses are run over 40 hours plus time for exams. Evening classes generally start at 6.00pm with the instructor being available from 5.30pm. Weekend classes start at 9am. Week day classes are 9.30am to 5.30pm.
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.
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. "
LJ."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 "
David, Director"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. "
David, Director"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"
Thomas H."I am no longer scared of the engine, touching bolts etc."
Georgina, Office Manager"Excellent instructor - gave freely of his experience - very dedicated and enormously helpful."
Colin McKnight"Professional and effective. Good equipment, taught by knowledgable and enthusiastic professionals."
Ron G.
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Daniel O., Senior Manager"Best Sailing School in the UK!"
Stefano D, Director"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'."
Michael T,"Great practical use of equipment. Good class size. Relaxed. "
Hannah T.,"Good clear explanations and pragmatic approach, was very easy to follow. Excellent instructor."
Neil M."Hands on, excellent instructor. Very professional, excellent course, 1st Class Service. "
Julian N."Clear and focused on practical needs. "
Julein Q."Concise, covered all relevant and necessary material without unneeded extra time. Instructor was friendly, informative and extremely competent. "
Troy B."Good level of detail and experience from instructor. "
Robert A."Good entertaining tuition. Lots of anecdotes to make it interesting, great practical experience."
Nick S."The booking was well handled and the confirmation emails received speedily. Very helpful to receive pre course notes. Professional, helpful, good value. "
Sarah R."Friendly informative courses delivered in a relaxed environment by knowledgeable instructors. "
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