internationally accepted certification
An advanced classroom course for those wanting to reach the Yachtmaster level.
This course is best suited to advanced boaters who have plenty of experience and have a solid grounding in theory basics like navigation, tide, collision regulations and boat safety.  This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.
The course takes place over 7 days of which 2 days involve written examinations. The course is exercise intensive and involves homework. Preparation before hand is essential if you want to pass.
This is a great stand-alone theory course for anyone wanting to venture further offshore BUT the real reason most students take YM theory is to help in their preparation for the YM practical exam. Those wanting to pursue commercial skipper credentials will need this course to get their ticket endorsed.
It allows some time for revision of the basics and then moves on to advanced navigation techniques. Tide, both vertical and horizontal is a big component of the nav work, as well as building some proficiency in modern electronic navigation. Collision regs are covered in detail and we dive into meteorology and passage planning.
The prerequisite or standard is typically RYA Day Skipper theory. Theory courses from Sail Canada or ASA will help, provided you familiarise yourself with tidal theory. However, this course is intensive and brushing up on chartwork, collision regs and meteorology is important in order to get through the week without your head exploding.
You will need a pen, pencil and eraser, notebook, chartplotter and dividers (we have plotters as well as dividers if you don’t have them) and copy of the collision regulations (international version). We provide training packs with charts and almanacs. A water bottle and snacks are also a good idea.
There is parking at the club and in the surrounding area. Accomodation is available in the area there are plenty of B&B’s and hotels in the area. You may bring a packed lunch or feel free to dine at the KYC clubhouse and enjoy the views.
50% deposit to hold a place on course. Preferred payment method (Canada): Interac Email Payment. Please use email address: payment@topmast.ca. For payments originating outside Canada please contact us for credit card payments (2.50% surcharge to cover all credit card fees, domestic or International). Thank you in advance.  Cancellation policy: greater than 6 weeks – full refund (less $150 admin fee). 4-6 weeks 50% refund. Under 4 weeks – No Refund. Topmast reserves the right to cancel any course. Our liability is limited to the course fee. You are advised to arrange cancellation insurance. Make payment PRIOR to the commencement of your course. If you have any complaints then please forward them to info@tomast.ca within 72 hours of course completion.
