RYA Coastal Skipper in the Canaries

Preparation for Sea

• Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including:
• Undertake engine checks.
• Selection of sails.
• Securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below.

Passage Planning

• Can plan a coastal passage including a consideration of the capability of the yacht, navigation, victualing, weather, ports of refuge, tidal heights, and tidal streams, publications required and strategy
• Know Customs procedures

Pilotage

• Can prepare and implement a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from a harbour
• Understands the use of leading and clearing lines, buoyage, port or harbour regulations
• Use of transits and surroundings as aids to pilotage
• Can pilot a yacht by day and night

Passage making and ability as skipper

• Can take charge of the yacht and direct the crew
• Can organise the navigation, deckwork and domestic duties of a yacht on a passage
• Is aware of the significance of meteorological trends
• Is aware of crew welfare on the passage
• Can use electronic navigational equipment for planning and undertaking a passage including the use of waypoints and routes

Yacht handling under power

• Can control the yacht effectively in a confined space under power
• All berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide

Yacht Handling Under Sail

• Characteristics
• Can use the sails to control the yacht in a confined space
• Anchoring and mooring in various conditions of wind and tide
• Can sail efficiently on all points of sailing

Adverse weather conditions

• Preparation for heavy weather and yacht handling in strong winds
• Navigation and general conduct in restricted visibility

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 DSC VHF in an emergency and send a distress message.
• Understands how to secure a tow.
• Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue.

NOTE: Sailing itinerary is weather permitting and we reserve the right to change the destinations and order for your safety.

Day 1 - Saturday

You will be met at the marina by your skipper. There will be welcome drinks on board to meet your fellow sailing crew and we will advise the best restaurants for you to try.

Day 2 - Sunday

After the initial safety briefing, you will learn the ropes, be shown how to prepare the boat for departure and almost always be taken out for an introductory sail in the “WAZ” (Wind Acceleration Zone) just a short distance off the coast from the marina. This is to help you feel comfortable and (for some of you) familiar with your new surroundings on board.

Day 3 - Monday

Instruction on boat handling in and around the marina before making the first short passage normally through the Wind Zone (ensuring you will sail!) to explore the coast Tenerife.

Day 4/5/6 - Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

The schedule for these days will depend on crew development, the level you are working at and the winds. We aim to sail to San Sebastian on La Gomera on a route that takes us through two WAZ Zones thus almost ensuring you of great sailing in superb conditions on all points of sail. The WAZ zone situated between La Gomera and Tenerife provides us with ideal training conditions for sailing exercises during the following day. We normally end up in Marina Los Gigantes situated on the northwest of Tenerife. Here you will be ready to relax maybe in one of the many bars before heading off for dinner in one of the equally many restaurants available. The highlight of your week - The Night Sail to Marina San Miguel on the south coast of Tenerife!

Day 7 - Friday

Further sailing, anchoring and general boat handling we finish back at our base on Friday afternoon where we begin the de-briefing, cleanup and issuing of your certificates. Finally the course ends at about 4 pm after which you may wish to freshen up in preparation for drinks followed by dinner together with the rest of the crew and instructor - a popular event which can all too often find us night capping till late! Remember - your accommodation after the course on the Friday night is also included!

Day 8 - Saturday

Depart 'Merlin' at 10:00 by the latest for your return trip home or perhaps to continue your holiday in Tenerife.