internationally accepted certification
Your course date:
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If you consider yourself to be an ‘advanced’ sailor then you might meet the criteria for becoming a Yachtmaster as set out by the RYA. Eligible candidates must take a 2 day practical examination which covers the full extent of the syllabus from boat manoeuvres to navigational theory.
If succesful the candidate will be eligible for an RYA Yachtmaster designation and an MCA 200gt certificate when commercially endorsed.
This endorsement is the ‘gold standard’ of yachting and widely sought by professional sailors.
The prep course for the exam requires 5 days for candidates to familiarise themselves with the boat and the exam structure. This is followed by a 2 day exam with an independent 3rd party Examiner.
Preparation before hand is essential if you want to pass.
The 5 days of prep try and cover the most common aspects of the exam, whether practical or theoretical, so that there are no big surprises. It is also an opportunity to have a bit of coaching on common RYA methodology (i.e. picking up a mooring ball). The instructor will make-sure paperwork is correct and check your existing certification to ensure it meets RYA standards.
The examiner is NOT a Topmast instructor or employee. Their task is to assess your competence through a series of questions on theoretical topics (i.e. meteorology) and practical sailing exercises (i.e. M.O.B). Examiners are generally fair and understand the candidate may be experiencing ‘nerves’. The exam involves night sailing and each candidate will be expected to navigate.
Candidates should have taken the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course, especially if they want to commercialise their Yachtmaster. Candidates are NOT required to take any RYA practical courses prior to the exam BUT must demonstrate they have the required experience and should take the prep week in order to familiarise themselves with the examiner’s expectations. RYA criteria below.
You will need a pen, pencil and eraser, notebook and navigational tools if you have a preference. A water bottle, daily snacks and meals (the clubhouse restaurant is open) so you have enough energy. Appropriate clothing for the time of year (foul-weather jacket essential) and a sleeping bag if you plan to stay on the boat for the prep-week. A lifejacket if you have one though we do supply them for the week.
Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years must be:
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.
