The scope of the course includes basic pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation.

This course introduces the students to the following fundamental topics necessary to be able to skipper a yacht:

1. Preparation for sea

• Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below

2. Deck work

• Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions
• Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or an alongside berth

3. Navigation

Is proficient in chartwork and routine navigational duties on passage including:

• Taking and plotting visual fixes
• Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
• Use of waypoints
• Working up DR and EP
• Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
• Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
• Knowledge of IALA buoyage
• Maintenance of navigational records
• Use of echo sounder and lead line

4. Pilotage

• Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour
• Understands the use of leading and clearing lines
• Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage

5. Meteorology

• Knows sources of forecast information
• Can interpret shipping forecasts and use a barometer as a forecasting aid

6. Rules of the road

• Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

7. Maintenance and repair work

• Understands and is able to carry out maintenance tasks
• Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes

8. Engines

• Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and how to bleed the fuel system

9. Victualling

• Understands how to victual a yacht

10. Emergency situations

• Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard
• Understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft
• Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message
• Understands how to secure a tow
• Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

11. Yacht handling under power

• Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide

12. Yacht handling under sail

• Can bring a boat safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
• Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing

13. Passage making

• Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew

14. Night cruising

• Has experienced sail cruising at night, including leaving and entering harbour.
• Understands the special consideration for pilotage plans, keeping a lookout and identifying marks by night.

(Source: Royal Yachting Association Syllabus and Logbook G15/10)

Transport Move Close National and some international flights land at Cape Town International Airport. The airport is approximately an hour’s drive from our office in Langebaan. Car rentals from airport/Cape Town There are drop-off points for the following rental car companies in Langebaan: Avis Telephone/Fax number: +27 (0)22 772 2807 Europcar Telephone/Fax number: +27 (0)22 772 1006 Airport transfers Cape Shuttles Contact person: Bill Spurling Contact number: +27 (0)82 677 4672 E-mail address: bilros@telkomsa.net

Arrival Arrangements Move Close ARRIVAL ARRANGEMENTS If the need be, we can assist you in making arrangements to meet your transport and alternative accommodation needs. We make use of a registered shuttle service between Cape Town and Langebaan. EVENING BEFORE COURSE STARTS (only by prior arrangement) We can meet you the day before your course starts between 17:00 and 18:00 at our office. Please make arrangements with our office prior to your arrival. THE MORNING THE COURSE STARTS Please meet us at the Atlantic Yachting Office at the Club Mykonos Marina, Agora Square at 08:30. After the first day theory courses will commence at 08:30am and finish by 17:00.