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Training













Welcome to the Christchurch Sailing Club (CIC) RYA Training page.

Our focus is on fun, safe and inspiring training which is affordable to our club members.

Christchurch Sailing Club (CIC) is a RYA Training Centre with a team of qualified Instructors running a wide range of RYA courses for the Club members.  Non-members are most welcome too.

Our training programme is designed to introduce new people to water sports and to help existing sailors and power boat drivers improve their skills. The emphasis is on fun; we teach because we enjoy it, and we hope you will too.

Our courses follow the RYA National Powerboat Scheme and are suitable for watersports enthusiasts wanting to improve their knowledge and skills whist driving small open powerboats such as RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), sports boats and small yachts. Our practical courses are complimented with shorebased training in Navigation, Marine VHF Radio and First Aid.

You can enter the scheme at any level, provided that you have the relevant experience beforehand. Be realistic when assessing your current experience and abilities and, if in doubt, discuss your requirements with us before booking your course.

The Fleet

Christchurch Sailing Club uses the following boats for training:

  • 16 ft Pioner Dory with 40hp Outboard Mariner engine
  • 4.8m and 5m Ribs with 50 and 60hp Outboard Mariner engines
  • 17ft Displacement Diesel Launches with 25hp Inboard Volvo engines X2    
  • 3.6m Rigiflex Newmatics with 25hp Outboard Mariner engines X2      
  • 14ft RS Quest Sailing Dinghy with auxiliary electric outboard motor

The Training Programme

We are able to provide tuition to suit individual and group needs in a wide variety of water and shore based training if you can not see what you need below please do not hesitate to contact the CSC sailing office to discus your training needs.

RYA Level 1 Powerboat Course

This short introductory course aims to deliver the basics of fun safe boat handling over 1 day. Course members are introduced to everyday boat handling skills and the use of essential safety equipment. This course is suitable for complete beginners with no previous boating experience aged 14 years +.

RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course

This comprehensive two day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat safely; it is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. The course can be taken in a variety of craft and will cover training in collision avoidance, close quarters boat handling and navigation theory. This course is suitable for club members with some knowledge of boating and previous experience in driving small powerboats aged 16 years +.

RYA Safety Boat Course

A two day course providing the skills required when acting as an escort craft skipper or coach boat driver for a fleet of dinghies. Course content includes training in a wide range of rescue techniques and is suitable for members wishing to gain confidence in providing safety cover for sailing activities at the club. When applying for this course you will need at least two full seasons of driving powerboats and must have already completed RYA Level 2 powerboat training.

Powerboat Refresher Courses

These sessions can be provided on demand for club members who have already completed any of the above courses and wish to practice skills learnt to increase their confidence using the club boats.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

Going abroad? If you want to drive a boat outside the UK, you are likely to need certification, often in the form of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). The ICC can be included as part of the practical elements of  the RYA Level 2 course or for experienced skippers, without formal qualifications, a direct assessment can be undertaken to provide evidence of your competence to qualify for the ICC. These can be organised directly through the club. This qualification can be organised on an individual basis at anytime please contact the sailing club if you require further details.

CEVNI Test

A short multiple choice exam, this qualification is a requirement for navigation on most inland European waters. Preparation for the test is essential so contact the training dept for details. This exam can be organised on an individual basis at anytime, please contact the sailing club for further details.

CSC Assistant Skipper Course

Similar in content to the RYA Competent Crew this CSC training course will cover safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to a level required to be a useful member of a cruising yacht. Ideal for non sailing partners wanting to gain confidence in the everyday running of their boat, topics covered will include ropework, man overboard procedures, use of emergency equipment, basic boat handling skills and an introduction to chart based navigation.

RYA First Aid Course

This is a one day course covering all the first aid subjects but from a boating perspective. This course is suitable for anyone who goes afloat and no previous experience is needed. This course can be organised on an small group basis at anytime, please contact the sailing club for further details

RYA Marine Radio Course (SRC)

This is a one day course for anyone who owns a fixed or hand held VHF radio. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessels.

Basic Navigation and Theory course

This course provides an introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new, inexperienced or rusty sailors. Use of charts, tidal and weather information to plan short passages in local waters will form the basis for this course. No previous experience is necessary.

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

This course is for any sailor wishing to further their knowledge of navigation, safety, weather and passage planning. It provides a progression from the Basic Navigation and Theory Course and aims to ultimately lead students onto the RYA Yacht master qualification. The course is 40 hours in total and will be run over 3 weekends, a minimum of 6 course members will be required to make training viable.

Booking a Course

Dates, further details and an application form for the training courses to be run at Christchurch Sailing Club can be found on the documents page.

If you need further details about training please contact the office on 01202 483150 during week day mornings. Alternatively, e-mail us on office@christchurchsailingclub.co.uk.

Once you have selected your course date(s), download and complete the application and medical declaration form and send it to Christchurch Sailing Club with the appropriate payment.

We strongly advise postal customers to telephone to check availability first.

Alternatively, you can book in person at the Sailing Club office during normal office hours Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 and 1pm. Fees are payable in full on booking.

Training Programme 2024 - Version 1

CSC-Training-Course-Application-Form CIC - Word Version

CSC Training Course Application Form CIC.pdf

Last updated 08:38 on 29 July 2023

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