RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Course

Part 1 | Foundation phase  

This 4-week phase is excellent for beginners and more experienced sailors alike. As a novice, you will be able to familiarise yourself with the principles of sailing in preparation for the remainder of the course, while as a more experienced sailor you can take this opportunity to recap your existing knowledge, eliminate bad habits and improve on your sailing techniques. Part 1 is conducted in Hout Bay, Cape Town, during which time you will spend 2 weeks living aboard a yacht and learning the skills of Competent Crew and Day Skipper. This is then followed by 2 weeks of classroom-bound theory where you will be taught basic and advanced navigation - including meteorology, collision regulations, passage planning and radio operation.

Part 2 | Gaining your Coastal Skipper Certificate

The second phase is a 4-week programme. Your first week consists of offshore passages around the Cape Coastline where you will even get the opportunity to follow in the sailing footsteps of the world's greatest explorers and round the famous Cape of Good Hope. This week is then followed by a 2-week preparation course in Langebaan where you will undergo training so that you can sit the RYA Coastal Skipper exam with confidence. You will then return to Cape Town for another week in which time you will complete the S.T.C.W.95 (medical aid) component of the course. The S.T.C.W.95 is a compulsory requirement of commercial endorsement. It is important to note that learners must gain their Coastal Skipper Certificate before they can attempt the Yachtmaster Offshore Assessment.

Part 3 | Invaluable hands on experience

Destination Durban. During this 5-week phase you will spend your time gaining invaluable hands-on experience as you undertake an extended series of offshore passages from Cape Town along the South African Eastern coastline to the city of Durban. Once you arrive, the 2 Oceans instructors will give you feedback on your coastal navigation, skippering technique and passage planning skills.

After a few days of relaxation in sunny Durban, you will then sail the return leg to Cape Town. This is a really exciting part of the course, as weather conditions on the return trip can vary from warm fresh North Easterly breezes to strong South Westerly blusters. This is true blue water offshore sailing at its best and planning and preparation is essential! Upon your return to Cape Town, you will once again receive a thorough debriefing on your performance before enjoying a much-needed week's break. From wine bars and wine routes to nature trails and nightclubs, there are lots of things to see and do in Cosmopolitan Cape Town. We promise you won't be bored for a second.

Part 4 | Consolidation

This final phase is where you build confidence, and prepare, for your final exam. During this phase the crew will complete a self-sail exercise for a week wherein you will take charge of the yacht while an instructor monitors your progress. A further two weeks is then spent recapping theory and preparing you practically for your final assessment in the testing area of Langebaan. Upon passing successfully, you will return to Cape Town where you will complete all paper work, medicals and commercial endorsements required.

Candidates with sufficient experience can then continue with the 2 Oceans Academy |RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean ticket. This is an additional 2 weeks' programme consisting of one week of theory followed by a sight-taking trip offshore and then the final oral examination.

As a graduate of the 2 Oceans Maritime Academy R .Y.A | MCA Yachtmaster Offshore/Master of Yachts Course you will have accumulated:

Included in the programme is:

This popular 17-week course is offered all year round.