At C-MASTERS, we have created a selection of 'must do' courses. After several years of providing training we know which topics and skills are considered complex by students. Most of these topics are covered in the RYA shorebased courses and in practical courses. However, a more intensive training is needed to become a confident skipper.
The importance of proper passage planning is often underestimated by beginning sailors. So wrong, as the theory for drafting a passage plan, learned during a shorebased course, deserves to be put in practice for the safety and comfort of the crew and the vessel. Being well prepared before going offshore will make all the difference during your voyage.
This course is a 'must do' for skippers who wish to learn a pragmatic and practical method for planning passages on coastal waters or further offshore.
MASTERCLASS: Passage Planning
Course content
This course is offered in two formats.
A one-day classroom version of the course is available for anyone who wants to practice drafting a pragmatic and practical passage plan, including the following topics:
- Appraising and planning the passage
- Collecting relevant information from charts
- Using pilot books and Reeds almanac
- Choosing the best route
- Identifying and mitigating for hazards
- Calculating routes based on tidal streams, height of tide, rules and regulations
- Weather considerations and tracking
- Check lists for preparing your voyage
- Composing a passage plan
A four-day version of this course combines the classroom course on drafting a plan with execution of a passage plan at sea.
- Executing the planned route
- Crossing a Traffic Seperation Scheme or Deep Water Channel
- Navigating near or through a windfarm
- Pilotage
- Chart work
- Monitoring the passage plan (during day and night time)
- Adjusting the plan to cope with unexpected circumstances
What's included
- Classroom course at our training centre (one day)
- Lunch during classroom course
- Training and coaching by our instructor on board
- Food and drink on board
- Accommodation on board of a C-MASTERS yacht (3 days practical session only)
- Fuel and mooring fees
- Free parking at our premises
Supporting courses
We recommend the RYA shorebased courses for acquiring sufficient knowledge on navigation and the C-MASTERS experience builders to practice passage making.
Overview of all our C-MASTERCLASSES
Navigation @ Night
Practice your navigation skills during night passages - recognise buoys, light houses, harbour entrances and ships
Practical Radar Operator Training
Combined theory and practical course on using a radar for position finding, navigation and safety. A hands-on course to get the most out of your radar system
Passage Planning
The key to avoiding nasty surprises when making a voyage is proper preparation, and it starts with learning how to do passage planning. Pragmatic course on preparing your crew and yacht for offshore voyages
Advanced Power Handling
Combined practical course on relaxed motor handling in complex situations, and maintenance and repair of your diesel engine
Safety on board
Practical course to learn the key messures to improve the safety of your crew and yacht, covering the use of safety materials and emergency procedures (e.g. MOB) on board of a C-MASTERS yacht
Practical Celestial Navigation
Practical offshore course on one of our C-MASTERS yachts on practicing taking sights using a sextant, and determining your position with celestial navigation