Record-breaking sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur OBE has joined forces with the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) to launch its new RYA Basic Navigation and Safety course.

Course author, Ian Jinks, principal of OnDeck sailing and powerboat school and RYA Training Manager, James Stevens say the course is for absolute beginners.
 
James Stevens said: “The course has been designed for anyone new to boating; from sailing, motor boating and RIB driving to sea angling, diving and in-shore racing.  It’s perfect for those people who want to get the basic knowledge before getting out on the water.  It’s the ideal first course to take, providing the essentials in basic safety and navigation.

 ‘Being just a two day course it’s perfect for people who don’t have time for anything longer.  It can be fitted in to a weekend or even through evening courses or distance learning.’  

Dame Ellen, said: ‘This new course is fantastic, it gives users a first view of exactly what it’s like out on the water. It teaches you what things mean in an interesting and straightforward fashion.  You learn without really realising it.’
 
The new two day Basic Navigation and Safety course provides the ideal step up for those who don’t necessarily want to be skipper, but who do want to get more involved in the running of the boat than just pulling on ropes and tying fenders.  

The course is also a great refresher for those who completed a navigation course many years ago – a Day Skipper or Yachtmaster® navigation course, but who are a bit rusty on some of the finer details.

Students learn how to plan a passage, read charts and plot positions, and how to use a GPS.  You will also learn about basic safety onboard, including engine checks, visual navigation, recognising buoyage and anchoring techniques. You will be continually assessed throughout the two days, rather than having an exam at the end of the course.

To find out more about the two day Navigation and Safety Course and where you can do it, call 0845 345 0384, email training@rya.org.uk  or visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk/courses.