Offshore sailing academy - ocean sailing courses.
A sailing academy at sea ! You'll find that the ocean is your best instuctor. You'll also find that South Africa is one of the best countries in which to learn how to sail. Oceans Africa are now able to offer you a variety of offshore sailing options from novice introductions to Yachtmaster Ocean training.

All sailing courses are conducted to the highest of safety standards from the 36ft yacht "The boat " moored on the Knysna Waterfront in the heart of the Garden Route. Instruction starts on the Knysna lagoon, with gradually extended forays through the tidal mouth of the world famous Knysna Heads, and out into the open ocean. Courses are conducted under the direct supervision of a highly qualified and experienced sailing instructor and are designed to give the student the knowledge, skills, confidence and experience requred to undertake RYA examinations. Accomodation (when included) is on-board and often at sea. Meals are self-catering - you and the crew.

All the standard training options available below can of course be intergrated into a larger holiday package. CLICK HERE TO SEND US AN E-MAIL for further information and the latest updates on courses, availability and prices.

START YACHTING COURSE - 2 day introduction to ocean sailing.
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No experience is required to participate. This course is aimed as an introduction to offshore sailing, one of the benefits of this course is that it serves as a two day credit toward the five day Competent Crew course. Start Yachting is inexpensive and by the end of the course the participants will have experience in steering a yacht, sail handling, safety on board and ropework.

The course is based on the RYA Practical Course Start Yachting Syllabus and includeds training in the following areas.

• The Yacht - Learn a basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a the boat, rigging and sails.
• Ropework - Learn to master the following knots: round turn, figure of eight, bowline and two half hitches. Show the practical ability of securing a rope to a cleat and learn to use jamming cleats and winches.
• Underway - The student will learn to sail the yacht on all points of sail and will be able to steer a yacht under power or sail.
• Rules of the Road - The student must be able to keep an efficient lookout at sea.
• Man Overboard Recovery - Knowledge of the action to be taken in order to recover a MOB.
• Equipment and Clothing - The student must understand the importance of complying with the rules of wearing life-jackets, safety harnesses and personal buoyancy aids.
• Meteorology - The student must know where to obtain a reliable weather forecast.

COMPETENT CREW - 5 days training.
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For novice sailors who would like to progress from being just passengers to becoming active crew members.

• The course includes a full safety briefing.
• The course is predominantly “hands on”.
• Teamwork is essential for efficient completion of the course.
• Upon completion of the Competent Crew course students will be able to keep a lookout, row a dinghy, manage sails, steer a vessel and be able to ensure that the boat keeps running by making sure that daily routines are competently completed on board.
• The price includes all course material and hot and cold drinks during lecture hours.
• A certificate of competence is awarded for course completion.

DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE (tidal) - 5 days and 4 nights onboard.
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For aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation ability. You will be required to skipper the vessel on a short passage and take responsibility for the safety of crew and yacht under the guidance of the instructor.

• Tuition is onboard a cruising yacht
• Duration is 5 days and 4 nights onboard the vessel.
• The syllabus includes: Preparation for sea. Deck work. Navigation. Pilotage. Meteorology. Rules of the road. Maintenance. Engines. Victualling. Dealing with emergency situations.
• The price includes all course material and hot and cold drinks during lecture hours.
• A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the course.

COASTAL SKIPPER / YACHTMASTER - 5 days shore-based training course
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An advanced course in navigation pilotage and meteorology. It is advised to have either a good grounding in navigation or to have completed the dayskipper course.

• Tuition is in a modern lecture facility.
• The duration of the course is 5 days.
• The syllabus includes: Tides. Tidal streams. Pilotage. GPS and electronic navigation. Bouyage. Magnetic compass. Passage planning. Marine environment.
• The price includes all course materials and hot and cold drinks during lecture hours.
• A certificate of competence is awarded for course completion.

COASTAL SKIPPER PRACTICAL - 5 days and 4 nights onboard.
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This is an advanced skippering course. Designed to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages.

• Tuition is onboard a cruising yacht.
• Duration is 5 days and 4 nights.
• The syllabus includes: Passage planning. Preparation for sea. Pilotage. Yacht handling. Captaincy. Adverse weather. Emergency situations
• The price includes wet weather gear, and food.
• A certificate of competency is awarded upon completion.

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