RYA Practical Courses With ALba Sailing
- Excellent Tuition
- Well equipped yachts
- Ideal Learning Area
- Theory Courses- Start Now!
- Unbeatable Scenery
- Good Food
- On Site
Facilities
During
the course you will
live on board the yacht and be involved in all the various aspects of
cruising from keeping a lookout at night to washing up the dishes. ALBA
SAILING offers a range of RYA Courses and options to suit all
requirements for complete beginners through to the standard required
for the DoT Yachtmaster exam.
For details of dates the courses run - please scroll down the page.
For more details and answers to FAQ's click here.
On all courses we try to mix abilities - one any course there will probably be Competent Crew Students, Day Skipper Students and possibly Coastal Skipper students.
We also hire 'Oilies' (Waterproof Sailing suits) for sailors who don't have their own gear. (see Downloads page for prices)
To book a place please phone or email to confirm availability - then download the RYA Course Application form and print it out, complete it and return it with your £100 deposit - we will send you confirmation and we will invoice you for the balance and send you joining instructions, packing list etc nearer the time.
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
All the courses are 5 full days duration and you may choose from a wide choice of yachts and dates to meet your requirements, the only proviso being that there needs to be a minimum of 3 students to obtain the maximum benefit from the course. Individuals are welcome subject to our ability to find two others willing to participate at the same time as yourself. Groups of friends are easier to arrange. If there are 3 or more of you we will run a course for you on any dates you like subject to a suitable yacht being available.
The food provided is of a very high standard and there is plenty of it. All the main meals are home cooked and of course vegetarian meals and any special dietary arrangements can be catered for.
Courses run from March through to November and generally commence on a Sunday afternoon at 1400 hrs and return to Dunstaffnage Marina at 1400 hrs the following Friday. However we are flexible so depending on demand, dates can be arranged to suit your requirements.
The cost is £425 per person including VAT, full board, diesel fuel and gas. No extras!!
Dates for 2010 are 5 days from Sunday - 4th April (Easter) 1 place left, 11th April (3 places left), 25th April, 9th May, 23rd May, 30th May, 6th June, 20th June, 4th July, 8th August, 15th August (2 places left), 22nd August, 5th September and 26th September.
The courses on 25th April, 6th June, 20th June, 8th August, 5th September and the August St Kilda cruise are led by a female skipper but are NOT women only courses.
If the date you would like is not listed either check back here often as new courses are regularly added as the above dates fill - or give us a call or email us - if we have a suitable boat free we will put on a course for you.
Dates in RED are already fully booked.
Dates in YELLOW have 3 places or fewer remaining.
Dates in GREEN have more than 3 places left.
Always best to check availability by phone or email.
COMPETENT CREW
This is meant for those with little or no experience to help them learn to become a useful crew member.
DAY SKIPPER
Previous experience of sailing is required with a minimum of 5 days sailing including 4 night hours and at least 100 miles logged. Basic sailing ability and navigation skills are required and ideally you will already have completed the Day Skipper theory course. On successful completion of the course you will be able to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.
COASTAL SKIPPER
For those with a minimum of 15 days (2 as skipper), 300 miles and 8 night hours who have navigational skills to Coastal Skipper shorebased standard and practical sailing ability to Day Skipper standard. This course will enable a person to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night upon completion of the course. This is a practical completion course, not an exam, and if you wish to take the DoT Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Exam you will need to make arrangements for the examiner yourself with the RYA - we will gladly supply the contact details. We will be happy to supply the yacht for an extra day for the exam for a nominal fee after the five day course and ask the other people on board to stay for the extra day to crew for you - most are usually very happy to do this.
ST KILDA - 2 WEEKS - RYA TRAINING CRUISE
The islands of St Kilda rise out of the Atlantic some 40 Nautical miles west of the Outer Hebrides, forming the last outcrop of the northwest edge of Europe. People around the world have long held a special affection for these islands with their poignant history, dramatic scenery, spectacular seabirds and lonely isolation.
For the remotest islands in the British Isles there are, surprisingly, a lot of people there - 23 - who are mainly employed in sheep research or archaeological projects. The British Army closed their base there in 1998 but thankfully they left behind the “Puff Inn” where alcohol is sold at considerably lower prices than mainland Britain! St Kilda T-shirts are available at the Inn.
Not many people know that St Kilda has the most important seabird colony breeding station in northwest Europe and is home to a flock of primitive sheep found nowhere else in the world. Scottish Natural Heritage supports a programme of wildlife research and surveys on the island. The remarkable buildings and archaeological remains are scheduled as ancient monuments and are conserved by volunteer parties of the National Trust for Scotland.
The cruise is intended as a refresher course for students of the RYA syllabus who will be either RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper level. They may be coming simply for the holiday, seeking to brush up on their navigational skills, gain some qualifying sea miles or may be preparing to take the Yachtmaster or Coastal Skipper exam. You are also welcome to join the cruise for a holiday!
The weather obviously plays a big part in the benefit or enjoyment obtained from the cruise so if it proves unrealistic to sail to St Kilda, we will circumnavigate the Isle of Skye and/or visit the Outer Hebrides instead. We will try to adjust the cruise to suit the wishes of those taking part, but the final decision rests with the skipper.
The dates are 29th May - 12th June (4 places left) and 14th - 28th August (FULLY BOOKED)
WOMEN ONLY COURSES
The emphasis on all our courses is above all to enjoy the experience of sailing in these beautiful waters whilst learning new techniques and skills. Many women find learning easier and more fun when sailing with a female skipper and crew so we are pleased to be able to offer any RYA course for women only - the difficulty is finding groups of 4 - 5 women! If there a few of you who would like to sail together please let us know and we will do our best to put on a women only course for you.
What do our customers say about our RYA courses???
'I was very nervous about a) getting on a yacht for the first time and b) getting on to a boat with 4 men that I didn't know. I need not have worried, Brian (the Skipper) was so welcoming and thoughtful, I had a cabin to myself and the other chaps were great. I passed my Competent Crew and make some really good friends that I will keep in touch with. It was really great experience!! Thank you Alba Sailing for starting me off on the road to being a sailor! ' (Katy R. from Somerset - April 2009)
'Just wanted to say thanks for a truly outstanding RYA course with Alba Sailing - I did my Comp Crew on the South Coast, my Day Skipper in Wales and my Coastal Skipper with yourselves. The quality of the boat, the scenery, the breathtaking anchorages and the patience and knowledge of the Skipper left the others far behind. The organisation and quality of the food were superb. A BIG thank you to all concerned - see you for my Yachtmaster next year!!' (Jonathan P-B from London - June 2009)
'I don't know how you prepare food at sea on a two burner stove that is better than I have had in many restaurants!!! I don't know where such a young Skipper finds so much patience and local knowledge. I also now know what I don't know about sailing! I will be back next year to learn some more. Thanks for everything!' (Keith P from Aberdeen - May 2009)
'You have proved to me that great service IS still available in the UK - thanks for restoring my faith!!' (Lynn F. from Newcastle upon Tyne - April 2009)
'Just got home and had a long soak in a hot Radox bath and reflected upon the last 5 days. It would be rude not to write to you to thank you for the organisation that went into the RYA course last week and the way everything was run. The boat - Clear Blue - was first class, the Skipper was brilliant - knowledgeable and humorous, we felt totally safe even when the wind really picked up, the food was astonishing, and the places we went to were just magical. The people we met were fantastic - the group gelled really well and we will be exchanging photo CD's in due course - I will send you a copy.' (David M from Manchester - September 2009)
For details of dates the courses run - please scroll down the page.
For more details and answers to FAQ's click here.
On all courses we try to mix abilities - one any course there will probably be Competent Crew Students, Day Skipper Students and possibly Coastal Skipper students.
We also hire 'Oilies' (Waterproof Sailing suits) for sailors who don't have their own gear. (see Downloads page for prices)
To book a place please phone or email to confirm availability - then download the RYA Course Application form and print it out, complete it and return it with your £100 deposit - we will send you confirmation and we will invoice you for the balance and send you joining instructions, packing list etc nearer the time.
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
All the courses are 5 full days duration and you may choose from a wide choice of yachts and dates to meet your requirements, the only proviso being that there needs to be a minimum of 3 students to obtain the maximum benefit from the course. Individuals are welcome subject to our ability to find two others willing to participate at the same time as yourself. Groups of friends are easier to arrange. If there are 3 or more of you we will run a course for you on any dates you like subject to a suitable yacht being available.
The food provided is of a very high standard and there is plenty of it. All the main meals are home cooked and of course vegetarian meals and any special dietary arrangements can be catered for.
Courses run from March through to November and generally commence on a Sunday afternoon at 1400 hrs and return to Dunstaffnage Marina at 1400 hrs the following Friday. However we are flexible so depending on demand, dates can be arranged to suit your requirements.
The cost is £425 per person including VAT, full board, diesel fuel and gas. No extras!!
Dates for 2010 are 5 days from Sunday - 4th April (Easter) 1 place left, 11th April (3 places left), 25th April, 9th May, 23rd May, 30th May, 6th June, 20th June, 4th July, 8th August, 15th August (2 places left), 22nd August, 5th September and 26th September.
The courses on 25th April, 6th June, 20th June, 8th August, 5th September and the August St Kilda cruise are led by a female skipper but are NOT women only courses.
If the date you would like is not listed either check back here often as new courses are regularly added as the above dates fill - or give us a call or email us - if we have a suitable boat free we will put on a course for you.
Dates in RED are already fully booked.
Dates in YELLOW have 3 places or fewer remaining.
Dates in GREEN have more than 3 places left.
Always best to check availability by phone or email.
COMPETENT CREW
This is meant for those with little or no experience to help them learn to become a useful crew member.
DAY SKIPPER
Previous experience of sailing is required with a minimum of 5 days sailing including 4 night hours and at least 100 miles logged. Basic sailing ability and navigation skills are required and ideally you will already have completed the Day Skipper theory course. On successful completion of the course you will be able to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.
COASTAL SKIPPER
For those with a minimum of 15 days (2 as skipper), 300 miles and 8 night hours who have navigational skills to Coastal Skipper shorebased standard and practical sailing ability to Day Skipper standard. This course will enable a person to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night upon completion of the course. This is a practical completion course, not an exam, and if you wish to take the DoT Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Exam you will need to make arrangements for the examiner yourself with the RYA - we will gladly supply the contact details. We will be happy to supply the yacht for an extra day for the exam for a nominal fee after the five day course and ask the other people on board to stay for the extra day to crew for you - most are usually very happy to do this.
ST KILDA - 2 WEEKS - RYA TRAINING CRUISE
The islands of St Kilda rise out of the Atlantic some 40 Nautical miles west of the Outer Hebrides, forming the last outcrop of the northwest edge of Europe. People around the world have long held a special affection for these islands with their poignant history, dramatic scenery, spectacular seabirds and lonely isolation.
For the remotest islands in the British Isles there are, surprisingly, a lot of people there - 23 - who are mainly employed in sheep research or archaeological projects. The British Army closed their base there in 1998 but thankfully they left behind the “Puff Inn” where alcohol is sold at considerably lower prices than mainland Britain! St Kilda T-shirts are available at the Inn.
Not many people know that St Kilda has the most important seabird colony breeding station in northwest Europe and is home to a flock of primitive sheep found nowhere else in the world. Scottish Natural Heritage supports a programme of wildlife research and surveys on the island. The remarkable buildings and archaeological remains are scheduled as ancient monuments and are conserved by volunteer parties of the National Trust for Scotland.
The cruise is intended as a refresher course for students of the RYA syllabus who will be either RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper level. They may be coming simply for the holiday, seeking to brush up on their navigational skills, gain some qualifying sea miles or may be preparing to take the Yachtmaster or Coastal Skipper exam. You are also welcome to join the cruise for a holiday!
The weather obviously plays a big part in the benefit or enjoyment obtained from the cruise so if it proves unrealistic to sail to St Kilda, we will circumnavigate the Isle of Skye and/or visit the Outer Hebrides instead. We will try to adjust the cruise to suit the wishes of those taking part, but the final decision rests with the skipper.
The dates are 29th May - 12th June (4 places left) and 14th - 28th August (FULLY BOOKED)
WOMEN ONLY COURSES
The emphasis on all our courses is above all to enjoy the experience of sailing in these beautiful waters whilst learning new techniques and skills. Many women find learning easier and more fun when sailing with a female skipper and crew so we are pleased to be able to offer any RYA course for women only - the difficulty is finding groups of 4 - 5 women! If there a few of you who would like to sail together please let us know and we will do our best to put on a women only course for you.
What do our customers say about our RYA courses???
'I was very nervous about a) getting on a yacht for the first time and b) getting on to a boat with 4 men that I didn't know. I need not have worried, Brian (the Skipper) was so welcoming and thoughtful, I had a cabin to myself and the other chaps were great. I passed my Competent Crew and make some really good friends that I will keep in touch with. It was really great experience!! Thank you Alba Sailing for starting me off on the road to being a sailor! ' (Katy R. from Somerset - April 2009)
'Just wanted to say thanks for a truly outstanding RYA course with Alba Sailing - I did my Comp Crew on the South Coast, my Day Skipper in Wales and my Coastal Skipper with yourselves. The quality of the boat, the scenery, the breathtaking anchorages and the patience and knowledge of the Skipper left the others far behind. The organisation and quality of the food were superb. A BIG thank you to all concerned - see you for my Yachtmaster next year!!' (Jonathan P-B from London - June 2009)
'I don't know how you prepare food at sea on a two burner stove that is better than I have had in many restaurants!!! I don't know where such a young Skipper finds so much patience and local knowledge. I also now know what I don't know about sailing! I will be back next year to learn some more. Thanks for everything!' (Keith P from Aberdeen - May 2009)
'You have proved to me that great service IS still available in the UK - thanks for restoring my faith!!' (Lynn F. from Newcastle upon Tyne - April 2009)
'Just got home and had a long soak in a hot Radox bath and reflected upon the last 5 days. It would be rude not to write to you to thank you for the organisation that went into the RYA course last week and the way everything was run. The boat - Clear Blue - was first class, the Skipper was brilliant - knowledgeable and humorous, we felt totally safe even when the wind really picked up, the food was astonishing, and the places we went to were just magical. The people we met were fantastic - the group gelled really well and we will be exchanging photo CD's in due course - I will send you a copy.' (David M from Manchester - September 2009)
RYA Theory Courses
Many of us simply do not have the time to attend a local college in order to take part in one of the excellent range of RYA theory courses available. Interactive learning is therefore a superb way of learning at your own speed and in the comfort of your own home.Having carefully researched this field Alba Sailing are proud to recommend TeachMe interactive who offer a superb range of critically acclaimed RYA approved courses. You can buy just the CD or a full package which includes all the learning materials required to complete the RYA qualification of your choice.
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Click on the product of your choice, or here for the full range. | |
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Whichever
course you are
interested in, all CDs are upgradeable to the
fully RYA approved correspondence courses.
|
Click
here
to download the Teach Me Interactive Brochure |
Correspondence
courses required as well as hardware and of course, expert back up. |