yacht sailing training

Learn to Sail with International Yacht Training

Embarking on a journey to learn how to sail opens up a world of adventure and possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of gliding across serene waters or the thrill of mastering the elements, learning to sail offers something for everyone. Before setting sail, it’s essential to chart your course and decide what you hope to achieve from this experience. In this informational piece, we’ll explore various avenues for learning to sail and how you can tailor your journey to suit your aspirations.

Defining Your Purpose

Before hoisting the sails, it’s crucial to identify your motivations for learning to sail. Are you seeking leisurely weekends on the water, dreaming of embarking on professional yachting endeavors, or envisioning epic voyages across the globe? Understanding your objectives will shape your learning path and help you select the most suitable courses and certifications. When choosing a certificate to acquire, the first question to ask yourself is: is it for a recreational or professional purpose ?

Exploring Learning Options

Once you’ve clarified your goals, it’s time to explore the educational opportunities available. International Yacht Training (IYT) offers a comprehensive range of courses tailored to various skill levels and aspirations. For those seeking leisurely pursuits on inland lakes or coastal waters, the Day Skipper/Crew Sail course provides an excellent introduction to sailing fundamentals and safety procedures. It’s a 3 to 4 day course where you learn the basics of sailing, meteorology, ropework, man overboard procedures, and much more. Majority of IYT schools around the world offer our Day Skipper/Crew Sail course, and it’s an excellent choice when you decide you want to learn to sail. With a Day Skipper/Crew Sail certificate, you can sail a pleasure vessel up to 10m (32.8ft) in inland waters or up to 5 miles offshore. This certificate also allows you to work as crew on a sailing vessel with the same limitations just stated.

Getting into Yacht Charters: The IYT International Flotilla or Bareboat Skipper Certification

If your learning to sail in order to charter boats and explore distant shores, the IYT International Flotilla Skipper or International Bareboat Skipper certifications are an invaluable asset. If you wish to charter a boat for pleasure, you will almost guaranteed be asked for a certificate proving you are capable of handling the vessel. Recognized internationally, this certification signifies proficiency in navigation, seamanship, and vessel handling, enabling you to charter boats in numerous countries worldwide.

Upon completion of the course and exams, you will not only receive a certificate for International Flotilla Skipper or Bareboat Skipper, you’ll also receive a British Maritime and Coastguard Agency recognised International Certificate of Competency, more known as an ICC . You can think of this as an international skipper’s license confirming that an individual is competent to the level required to meet the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Inland Water Committee (UNECE IWC) Resolution 40 – but in recent years, charter agencies have begun to ask for a base level certificate and not the ICC, which is why choosing the right provider of Bareboat Skipper certification is so important. The IYT International Bareboat Skipper certificate is more globally accepted by charter companies than many other equivalent certificates. The prestige of an IYT certificate lies in its adherence to rigorous standards, ensuring that holders are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate diverse sailing environments safely. Please note that the IYT Partner School where you take the Flotilla or Bareboat Skipper must be approved to offer the ICC Certificate, so make sure to check the school’s list of approved courses which you can find here.

One pre-requisite for the International Flotilla Skipper and Bareboat Skipper certificates is you must hold a valid Marine Communications VHF-SRC Radio Operators certificate.

Learning to Sail For a Career

International Yacht Training’s Master of Yachts certificates, which are recognised by the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency, opens the doors to working professionally on yachts as Captain, Chief Mate, and Officer of the Watch. These are commercial certificates that do not require going through an additional process to have them commercially endorsed, which may be required if acquiring similar certificates from other maritime certification organizations. Master of Yacht’s certificates have three distinct levels: coastal , limited , and unlimited . It is suggested to begin with Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 Tons however many people begin with the very intense Master of Yachts Limited 200 Ton. After successful completion of the Master of Yachts Limited course, you may work upwards towards your Master of Yachts Unlimited which qualifies you as a master of a 200 ton vessel capable of sailing anywhere on the planet.

The Value of an International Yacht Training Certificate

In a sea of certification options, IYT stands out for its unwavering commitment to excellence. With a reputation for upholding the highest industry standards, an IYT certificate holds tremendous value. Whether you’re pursuing sailing for leisure, or considering a career in the maritime industry, an IYT certification provides a solid foundation and opens doors to exciting opportunities on the water.

Planning Your Sailing Journey

As you embark on your sailing journey, remember that learning to sail is not just about mastering technical skills but also about embracing a lifestyle of adventure and discovery. Take time to plan your learning path, set achievable goals, and immerse yourself in the rich maritime culture. Whether you’re cruising along coastal waters or navigating open seas, each voyage offers valuable lessons and unforgettable experiences, shaping you into a competent and confident sailor.

Written by Christian Fry on May 17, 2024 . Posted in Information