sailing school yachtmaster ocean

• Commercial Requirements – STCW, ENG1 and RYA PPR

Course Calendar

Contact details Melani Kruger | Sales Cell:+27 (0)82 088 7186 [email protected]

Perry-Anne Davies | Principal & General Manager Cell:+27 (0)73 187 3746 [email protected]

Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School Duncan Road, Table Bay Harbour Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa

Ekber LEVENT

Iyt worldwide yachtmaster sailing instructor & examiner, owner & founder of 7seas sailing school.

150,000 Sea Miles      IYT MASTER OF YACHTS Unlimited OCEAN SKIPPER

110,000 Sea Miles      OCEANGOING WATCH KEEPING OFFICER(unlimited )

Having the advantage of my Naval Academy background,I have had a wide range of experience in all areas of the marine sector for the past thirty five years.I have crossed the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean many times as a skipper. Currently , I am working as IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor and Examiner at my school ,7 Seas Sailing School. (www.7seassailingschool.com) I get on well with people and handle stressful situations with a positive sense of humour.

https://youtu.be/TdDS9E-Bdm0

Qualifications & Licenses

• Oceangoing Watchkeeping Deck Officer (Cert. no: 10423534 )
• IYT Master of Yacht Sailing Instructor , (IYT Cert. No: 20365)
• IYT Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor ( Cert. No: IYMOCR 006)
• IYT Master Of Yacht Unlimited Skipper , ( IYT ID No: 101873 )
• RYA Offshore Yacht Master Skipper, ( Cert. No: 33518 )
• Turkish Yacht Captain, Comercial 500 GT
• GMDSS ROC Radio Operator,
• VHF Radio Operator ,
• STCW 95 Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting Training Cert.
• STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques Training Cert.
• STCW 95 Nav.Watchkeeping Cert.
• STCW 95 Elementary First Aid Training Cert.
• STCW 95 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Cert.
• STCW 95 Navigational Watchkeeping Cert.
• STCW 95 Personal Safety and Social Responsibility Cert.
• STCW 95 Medical First Aid Training Cert.
• STCW 95 Radar Observation and Plotting Training Cert.
• STCW 95 Medical Care Training Cert.
• STCW 95 Security Duties Cert.
• STCW 95 Security Awareness Cert.
• STCW 95 Security Related Familiarization Cert.
• STCW 95 Advanged Fire Fighting Cert.
• Turkish Sailing Federation Racer License.2023

Why we have choosen "7 Seas" as our school name

After the European discovery of America, some people used the term "Seven Seas" to refer to seven of the largest bodies of water in the world: The Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. As we are going to cruise on these waters with our trainees, we have chosen ''7 Seas Sailing School'' as our school name.

What is IYT Worldwide?

The company, with the home office in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, certifies more boating courses with more government approvals through more schools, in more countries and in more languages than any other boating organization in the world.

IYT Worldwide is the trusted standard of excellence in yacht training, maritime certification and safety around the world.

IYT has achieved the highest level of internationally recognized and sanctioned best practices (ISO 9001:2015) certification through the Government of Canada’s “Canadian General Standards Board”

IYT’s founders represent 40 years of seafaring and yachting leadership and experience. This expertise has been adopted and endorsed by the world’s leading regulatory authorities (MCA, USCG, The Marshall Islands, PADI), representing the gold standard for professional and recreational marine training and accreditation.

In over 24 jurisdictions worldwide and a growing number of maritime associations recognize IYT certifications. Over 250 schools in 56 countries have adopted the IYT curriculum.

IYT’s courses are offered worldwide through a network of partner schools. Through these schools the company offers an entire range of recreational courses from entry-level sailing and powerboat courses up to Yachtmaster Ocean.

IYT is renowned for its professional yachting courses such as the Master of Yachts Coastal, Limited and Unlimited, Superyacht Chef, Superyacht Deck Crew, Professional Superyacht Hospitality and STCW Training. No other organization offers such a diverse range of nautical training or is as internationally accepted as IYT.

Our professional yachting courses are recognized by 24 different governments worldwide for commercial use including the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Our commitment to standards of excellence, hands-on practical training, and quality instruction have made IYT the world’s number one choice for nautical training.

IYT is proud to be a member of the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the British Marine Federation.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Course Outline;

• Nautical terminology
• Safety briefing
• Passage planning
• Basic rules of the road
• Introduction to weather
• Basic sail handling
• Basic handling under power
• Man overboard procedures
• Vessel equipment and instruments
• Engine checks and maintenance
• Deck seamanship
• Sailing vessels handling skills
• Sailing vessels under power
• Power vessel handling skills
• Dingy handling under power

Course outline;

• Introduction to VHF radio's
• Basic radio theory
• Line of sight
• Subsidiary equipment
• Common radio terms
• Regulations / Licensing requirements
• VHF radio equipment
• Radio procedures
• Transmitting and receiving
• The phonetic alphabet
• Emergency radio communications
• EPIRB and SART
• Hand held short range VHF radio's

This is a five day live aboard course aimed at increasing a student's knowledge sufficiently to be a watchkeeper or a flotilla skipper on board a bareboat yacht, in fair weather, in daylight hours within sight of land. Recommended entry level requirements: to have successfully completed the International Crew course and the VHF radio operator's course.

• Responsibilities of a watchkeeper / flotilla skipper
• Charts and chartwork
• The magnetic compass
• Taking over a vessel and vessel checkout
• Engine, tools, spares, safety equipment
• Crew safety briefing
• Galley and provisioning
• Powerboat handling skills
• Sailboat handling skills
• Basic first aid
• Collision regulations
• Customs matters and legal requirements
• Preparing a short passage

This is a five day live aboard. It is not a beginners course and the recommended entry level requirements are a VHF radio operators certificate, and to have logged over 200 nautical miles and 10 days at sea before advancing to this level. The minimum age requirement to obtain this certification is 18.

• Responsibilities of a bareboat skipper
• Crew safety checks
• Hull and rig checks
• Machinery and systems checks
• Fuel and water capacity and range
• Menus and quantities
• Sources of meteorological information
• Weather patterns
• Sea and land breezes
• Cloud types and formations
• Pilotage and passage planning
• Considerations when planning a passage
• Routine for navigating a coastal passage
• Passage strategy
• Port regulations, customs, immigration
• Pilotage plans
• Vessel handling in confined quarters
• Mooring, anchoring, coming alongside
• Ropes, knots, care and use of lines
• General deck work
• Tides and currents theory
• Tidal heights, springs and neaps
• Rule of "twelfths"
• Position fixing, running fixes
• Plotting the effect of tides and currents
• Lights, shapes and sounds
• Application of the regulations
• Advanced dingy handling

When it comes to facing the elements at sea, textbook knowledge is no substitute for practical experience. There is no doubt that aspiring yachtsmen and women must prepare themselves as much as possible before being able to truly take full responsibility for themselves, their vessels and their crews. IYT Yachtmaster certification is of vital importance because it is an established and globally recognised measure of competency for the commanding of power and

sail vessels. This certification not only makes yachting a pleasure, as it should be, but also a safer pursuit for all those who wish to participate now and in the future.

What are the IYT Yachtmaster certificate's?

The IYT Yachtmaster courses are recreationa courses. These courses are designed to provide the highest standard of maritime education for the recreational yachtsman and woman and for those who are serious about obtaining the best nautical qualifications available. They are ideal for those who greatly want to expand their knowledge and experience and increase their confidence in commanding a yacht. For those who are taking the courses, completion of the 5 day STCW Basic Safety training

courses is not required but is highly recommended. The five day course covers Fire fighting, Sea Survival, First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. Yachtmaster courses are not beginners courses.

How many Yachtmaster courses are there?

There are three:

Yachtmaster Coastal to operate a Yacht up to 24 m (80')

Yachtmaster Offshore to operate a Yacht up to 200 Tons, 150 miles Offshore

Yachtmaster Ocean to operate a Yacht up to 200 Tons unlimited Oceans

What are the advantages of holding an IYT Yachtmaster Certificate?

The IYT Yachtmaster certificates are internationally recognised as a standard of excellence for the recreational yachtsman.

IYT Yachtmaster qualifications are recognised by marine insurance companies worldwide

IYT Yachtmaster qualifications give the yachtsman and woman a much increased level of confidence in their ability to handle a yacht due to our intensive level of on the water training.

IYT Yachtmaster certificates are accepted by yacht charter companies on a worldwide basis

What does the Yachtmaster Coastal course consist of?

A comprehensive live aboard course consisting of 6 days for sail or 5 days for power which includes the practical on the water examination. The course covers subjects such as navigational charts and publications, dead reckoning and estimated position, position fixing, tides, tidal levels and data, pilotage, safety at sea, meteorology and much more. Because the Yachtmaster Coastal course is conducted onboard a yacht it also covers such practical seamanship skills as ropework, anchorwork, boat handling, docking, yacht presentation, navigation, passage planning and much more.

For a complete syllabus of the IYT Yachtmaster Coastal Course click here

What are the minimum entry requirements to apply for the IYT Yachtmaster Coastal course?

In order to participate in this course, candidates should have logged 30 days and 800 miles at sea including 2 days as watch leader/skipper and 12 hours underway on watch at night.

Candidates may sit the course prior to obtaining the minimum sea time. However, they will not be issued their Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate until all the requirements have been met.

Verification of yachting experience must be signed by the skipper of the yacht on which the candidate was sailing. Candidates claiming sea time during times when they were acting as captain may sign their own entries, but will need independent proof that can be verified by IYT.

What Is Required For The IYT Yachtmaster Coastal Exam?

The course must be completed before applying for the exam.

Minimum sea time requirements must also have been met before examination.

What Does The Exam Consist Of?

The examination takes the form of an oral and practical test onboard a yacht. Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient ability to handle, dock, and anchor the boat with a required level of confidence. Candidates can expect to be examined on any subject contained within the syllabus and to be questioned on any of their yachting experience to date.

In the event that the examiner considers an examinee not to have achieved the required standards, an IYT Yachtmaster certificate will not be issued. In this case, a confidential report will be sent to the candidate outlining the reason or reasons for failure and suggesting remedial action that could lead to the successful completion of the course. Completion of the IYT Yachtmaster Coastal course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving your certificate.

How To Apply For Enrollment?

Candidates may apply to any of the participating IYT Partner Schools worldwide who offer this course. To view the list of IYT Partner schools click here

In order to apply for the IYT Yachtmaster certification courses, a detailed yachting resume must be sent to your IYT training school for evaluation.

Acceptance onto the course does not automatically guarantee obtaining an IYT Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate. All the prerequisites must be fulfilled and satisfactory standards achieved in all of the courses.

Course Outline

• International collision regulations
• Navigational charts and publications
• Dead reckoning and estimated position
• Position fixing
• Tides and currents
• Safety at sea
• Meteorology
• Boat handling

The IYT Yachtmaster Offshore course has become the most globally accepted course for the operation of recreational yachts up to 200 Tons.

What are the IYT Yachtmaster 200 Ton certificate's?

The IYT Yachtmaster courses are recreational courses. The courses are designed to provide the highest standard of maritime education for the recreational yachtsman and woman and for those who are serious about obtaining the best nautical qualifications available. They are ideal for those who greatly want to expand their knowledge and experience and increase their confidence in commanding a yacht. For those who are taking the courses, completion of the 5 day STCW Basic Safety training courses is not required but highly recommended. The five day course covers Fire fighting, Sea Survival, First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.

Yachtmaster courses are not for beginners, candidates will have to meet minimum requirements as outlined below.

Yachtmaster Coastal for the operation of a Yacht up to 24 m (80')

Yachtmaster Offshore for the operation of a Yacht up to 200 Tons, 150 miles Offshore

Yachtmaster Ocean for the operation of a Yacht up to 200 Tons unlimited Oceans

The IYT Yachtmaster certificates are the most internationally recognised qualifications for recreational yachting worldwide.

IYT Yachtmaster qualifications are recognised by marine insurance companies worldwide.

IYT Yachtmaster certificates are accepted by all major yacht charter companies.

What are the minimum entry requirements to complete the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore Course?

There are no pre-requisite courses required.
However, candidates must provide documented evidence of boating experience as stated below:

Candidates must have logged 50 days on board a yacht at sea as an active crew member. For the purpose of this requirement, a day is defined as a period of 24 consecutive hours. Parts of a day may be included in this total, but a day is not invalidated by a candidate leaving the yacht for a few hours during a cruise. The term "at sea" is defined as being on a vessel outside of any harbor - natural or artificial - in which a cruising yacht could secure or anchor for a prolonged period of time.

Have logged 3,000 miles in a yacht while cruising at sea (power or sail). This mileage must be logged on genuine cruises or passages but not short day trips. At least 2,000 miles must have been completed on coastal voyages and not ocean crossings. It is important that the candidate has considerable time of actual vessel handling.

Thirty hours on watch at night underway as an active member of a yacht's crew. For at least six hours of this night time experience, the candidate must have been acting as the vessel's captain/watchleader. "Night," in this context, is defined as the time between sunset and sunrise.

A current medical examination and a colour blindness eyesight examination which allows the participant to safely perform the relevant duties on a yacht, including being able to see and distinguish lights and signals of other vessels and navigational marks in typical weather conditions without risk to him/herself, other crewmembers or the safe operation of the vessel.

Candidates may sit the shore-based course prior to having all the above requirements. Verification of the above yachting experience must be original and signed by the skipper of the yacht in which the candidate was sailing. Candidates claiming sea time during times when they were acting as skipper may sign their own entries but independent verification may be required and checked by IYT.

What does the programme consist of?

The programme consists of three separate courses as outlined below. Each course stands alone and can be taken individually or together. They can be taken in any of our participating partner schools and it is not necessary to complete them all at the same time or at the same location if you do not wish to. However, it is recommended that all three courses be taken in as quick a succession as possible in order to retain as much information before the final on-board examination with an IYT examiner.

(A) A six day comprehensive high level shore based course with assessment papers and written examinations incorporating subjects including navigation, tidal calculations, international collision regulations, pilotage, meteorology, anchoring, berthing, buoyage, safety, passage planning, general ship knowledge and seamanship. Candidates are advised that a considerable amount of private study and varied cruising experience is required in addition to the formal instruction provided.

(B) A five day practical course which is conducted on board a yacht (either power or sail) covering seamanship skills such as nautical terminology, tides, ropework, anchors/anchoring, boat handling, docking, yacht presentation, general boating skills, weather, navigation, ability to command, situational awareness and passage planning. This will be a preparation course for your final IYT Yachtmaster Offshore Examination.

(C) A 6 hour VHF Radio Operators course. This course covers the general rules and procedures for the safe operation of a VHF marine radio. This course will either be conducted on board the yacht or in the classroom prior to joining the practical course.

(D) The 5 day STCW Basic Safety Training courses consisting of:

A Personal Survival course

which in compliance with STCW '95 Code A - VI/1-2 and consists of one and a half day in a classroom covering subjects such as emergency situations, evacuation, survival craft and rescue boats, personal lifesaving appliances, survival at sea, emergency radio equipment and helicopter assistance. The remainder of the course is spent in a swimming pool performing an actual life raft inflation and inversion and the simulation of other abandon ship procedures. The theory and practical are both followed by a short written examination.

A Fire fighting and prevention course

which is in compliance with STCW '95 Code A - VI/1-2 including shipboard fire fighting organisation, the elements of fire and explosion, types of ignition, fire and smoke detection, breathing apparatus use and automatic alarm system familiarisation. Candidates will fight and extinguish actual fires using personal survival equipment, appliances methods and various agents. The course includes seminar and practical instruction taught by licensed and certified fire fighting professionals. It takes two days to complete and is followed by a short written examination.

A First Aid and CPR course

which in compliance with STCW '95 Code A - VI/1-2 and consists of approximately seven hours of theory and practical demonstration covering basic First Aid and CPR in marine situations. The course is followed by a short written examination.

A 4 hour Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities course

in compliance with the STCW '95 Code A - VI/1 - 2. The course covers safety on board a boat, types of emergencies, knowledge of shipboard plans, safe working practices and is followed by a short written examination.

What is required for my final Yachtmaster examination?

All of the courses and criteria must be fulfilled before a candidate may apply to take the final on-board examination.

What does the final exam consist of?

The final exam will be conducted by an independent IYT Yachtmaster examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral and practical test on a yacht (either power or sail). Candidates can expect to be examined on any subject covered by the syllabus of the shore based or practical courses and to be questioned on any aspect of their yachting experience to date.

In the event that the examiner considers an examinee not to have achieved the required standards and/or the candidates ability as Captain does not reach the required standard, and/or the prerequisites have not been met for the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore, a Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate may be issued in the interim. In this case, and if requested, a personal report will be sent to the candidate outlining the reason or reasons for failure and suggesting remedial action prior to re sitting the exam.
Completion of the Yachtmaster Offshore certification course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving your certificate.

How do I apply for enrollment?

In order to apply for the IYT Yachtmaster certification courses, a detailed yachting resume must be sent to your IYT partner training school for evaluation.

Acceptance onto the course does not automatically guarantee obtaining an IYT Yachtmaster certificate. All the prerequisites must be fulfilled and satisfactory standards achieved in all of the courses.

What is the IYT Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate?

This certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an Ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.

What are the entry level requirements?

To gain the IYT Yachtmaster Ocean certificate, candidates must first hold the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore certificate.

What does the Yachtmaster Ocean theory course consist of?

The course consists of 6 days of astronavigation and worldwide meteorology. A thorough knowledge of all subjects covered in the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore course is assumed. There will be a final written examination on the last day of the course.

It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide yachtmaster candidates that this certification is for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean course to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course which will be submitted to IYT Worldwide before we release certificates.

The course cover;

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• The PZX triangle
• The sextant
• Measurement of time
• Meridian altitudes
• Planet sights
• Starsight planning
• The pole star
• Moon sights
• Compass checking
• Satellite navigation systems
• Great circle sailing

The IYT Yachtmaster Ocean certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an Ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.

7 SEAS SCHEDULE

• Boat Price is for max 4 pax / boat.  
• Rates include ; 
• * Accommodation on board.
• * Sail training by experienced IYT instructors & IYT Certificate.
• * Linen and towels, last day cleaning.
• * Transitlog for Turkish Waters.
• Rates exclude ;  
• * Air fares, visas, transfers from & to the airports, all activities ashore, other excluded expenditure
• * Foods & Beverages & Marina fees are excluded.
• * Transitlog Out & In for Greek Islands. 
• * Tekne Fiyatı ; Max 4 kişi için geçerlidir. 
•  * Mesafe, yaklaşık tahmini mesafedir.
• * Fiyatlara teknede konaklama , eğitim  ve tekne temizliği dahildir.

* IYT Yelken Eğitimi programı katılımcı bilgi seviyesine göre uygulanacak ve IYT yeterlilik sertifikası alma hakkı kazanılacaktır.

• * Yatak takımı ve havlu fiyata dahildir.
• * Yurtiçi Transitlog bedeli fiyata dahildir.

             Fiyatlara dahil olmayanlar ;

• * Teknedeki ve tekne dışındaki yiyecek ve içecekler fiyata  dahil değildir .
• * Yurtdışı çıkış ve giriş işlemleri & Transtitlog ücreti fiyata dahil değildir .
• * Tur haftalarında katılımcıların isteği ile olan marina konaklaması ücreti, fiyata dahil değildir.
• * Tekne dışında alınacak  aktiviteler fiyata dahil değildir.
• *  Havaalanı / tekne transferleri fiyata dahil değildir.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased

Who is it for.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased course is designed for all lovers of astronavigation (sailors or not) and for those skippers aiming to get the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification to adventure into ocean waters. It is the theory course that precedes the practical exam to achieve the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualification.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased – Minimum requirements

None! Theory knowledge at Day Skipper level is recommended.

After obtaining the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Certificate, you will be able to sit the practical exam to achieve the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification. This is a different exam which needs to be organised separately. You can see HERE the details of the requirements to attend the practical RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam

What do you get?

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased course will teach you how to use a sextant to determine your position by use of the sight reduction tables and the nautical almanac. You will also learn about the four stages of a passage plan and the basics of ocean navigation. By the end of the week, you will:

– be comfortable in the use of a sextant to take sights for the sun, and also moon, planets and selected stars

– convert (‘reduce’) sights into a position and plot a fix onto a navigation chart

– be able to prepare an ocean passage plan through all its stages, taking vessel, weather, time of year, crew, etc into consideration

How to book

Scroll the list of the courses in the box to the right (desktop) or at the bottom (mobile) of the page, choose the date that suits you, and click on it to start the booking process. If no courses are listed, please give us a call at +43 664 88360842 or send us an email at [email protected] , so we can discuss how we can help

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased – Program

You will learn how a sextant works, the adjustments and corrections required, and how to take a ‘sun sight’. We will review the fundamentals of the astronavigation theory and then go through all the steps required to ‘reduce’ the sextant sightings onto a position fix. We will do the same process for the moon, and also the key planets and stars. Once comfortable with the sights and sights reductions, we will then proceed to plot them onto a chart and transfer your position. And we will do plenty of exercises along the way, until you are comfortable with all the steps.

The second big part of the course will cover passage planning and its key phases. We will go through the basics of ocean weather systems, so as to recognise an approaching storm and then discuss how to prepare for it

The exam to obtain the Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased certificate consists of a written examination divided in two: – a first part where you will be asked to plot a position via sight reductions – a second part where you will be asked to detail your considerations with regards to an ocean passage

Upon successful completion of the assessment paper, you will obtain the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased certificate.

What’s included and what is not:

Included: 

• 40 hours of tuition from an RYA qualified instructor
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Handbook
• Exercise booklet, incl. plotting and sight reduction sheets
• Training sight reduction tables
• Training nautical almanac
• Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased certificate (if successful)

Not included:

• Ocean qualifying passage
• Sextant sights for the practical exam

Scroll the courses list in the box to the right (desktop) or at the bottom (mobile) of the page. Choose the date that suits you, and click on it to start the booking process. If no courses are shown, please give us a call at +43 664 88360842 or send us an email at [email protected] , so we can discuss how we can help

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TRAININING AND CHARTER  COURSES

SPAIN - GIBRALTAR - AFRICA - PORTUGAL - CANARIES - MOROCCO

Welcome to Gib Sailing School!

Beginner courses to professional Yachtmaster

Tidal certified Courses by the RYA

Gib Sailing School is based in the new Alcaidesa Marina Spain situated just outside the border to Gibraltar, with good parking, pontoons for easy boarding with ample room to practice med and pontoon moorings. Just short walk away from Gibraltar and just over one hour drive from Malaga and Jerez airport, providing a range of tidal sailing courses to cater for all levels from your first time sailing to Yachtmaster .

Courses take place in and around the Gibraltar Strait where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. The area enjoys plenty of sunshine and good winds, sailing to different marinas, discovering interesting and challenging cruising grounds, most weeks we see dolphins and sometimes whales.

Our aim is provide hands on practical approach to sailing, navigation and boat maintenance on a wel l organised and maintained fully equipped  sail training yacht to ensure that all sailors attending a Gib Sailing School course have a memorable and enjoyable sailing experience combined with high quality instruction to suit each individual.

An experienced Yachtmaster Ocean instructor will lead each course. Whether sailing for pleasure or for a future career, Gib Sailing School will ensure your progression and tailor teaching to suit your individual needs.  

Check out all our reviews

                          JEFF

School principal & chief instructor, jeff nunn, originally from the united kingdom, comes from a teaching background and has been sailing since the early 90’s. jeff holds a commercially endorsed yachtmaster ocean instructor's certificate and is an rya diesel engine instructor. he also possesses a level 2 kitesurfing instructor's licence., jeff has owned and cruised on many different types of boats as well as solo sailing. as a successful engineer in the marine industry jeff brings a wide and varied background to his role as an instructor., jeff takes pride in adapting to students in the way that they learn and at a pace that suits them learning in a safe relaxed manner that encourages confidence., whether you're wanting a career in sailing or own your own boat and want to do ocean passages., on our courses we not only cover all the rya courses but also have the experience to cover all aspects of sailing, from boat maintenance to storm tactics..

Gibraltar to Africa weekend

Ask for availability and prices,   why choose our school,       we are one of few rya training centres that use  tripadvisor  for independent feedback., most courses will be instructed by an experienced rya yachtmaster ocean instructor ., gibraltar strait is one of the best areas in the world to learn to sail and is tidal., we sail to other marinas in spain, portugal and morocco making sure you practice sailing in and out at different ports., our principal & chief instructor specialises on preparing clients for yachtmaster exams and will structure the training course to suit your individual needs., meander k is a jeanneau sun odyssey 40.3 is a dedicated training vessel fitted with a.i.s., radar,   autopilot,  two electric toilets, sprayhood and  bimini for sun and rain protection, spinnaker and pole, sea drogue and all training materials., we offer whole boat rya courses ideal for group bookings, families and individual training ., our prices are fully inclusive of accommodation on board, all breakfasts and lunches, lifejackets & harnesses, wet weather clothing (if necessary), mooring fees and bedding..

Contact Gib Sailing ​

¡Bien! Mensaje recibido

• +44 151 632 4000 [email protected]
• 86a Market Street, Hoylake Wirral, CH47 3BD, UK

JPMA & Hoylake Sailing School

(john percival marine associates), rya yachtmaster ocean.

This is a course in astro navigation and world-wide meteorology. It assumes a knowledge of all subjects covered in the Day Skipper and Yachtmaster Courses.

The subject areas covered include:

• The earth, the celestial sphere and PZX triangles.
• Measurement of time.
• Sun planet, moon and star sights.
• Compass Checking.
• Satellite Navigation.
• Meteorology.
• Passage planning

Weekly Evening Classes commence in October for 24 weeks. Course Fee £280.00 + RYA Pack.

Five day intensive courses take place throughout the year. Course fee £445.00 + RYA Pack – includes lunch and morning/afternoon refreshments.

Weekend courses are available throughout the year. Each course will operate all day Saturday and Sunday extending over three weekends. Course fee £445.00 + RYA Pack – includes lunch and morning/afternoon refreshments.

click here for course dates

email  [email protected] to book this course

Practical assessment for issue of a CoC is done by oral exam, after a qualifying passage has been made.

Click here for requirements of the passage and oral exam. Hoylake Sailing School can arrange for the oral exam to be conducted on the premises, or at a location suitable to the candidate and examiner.

Yachtmaster Ocean

The  RYA Yachtmaster Ocean  shorebased theory course takes place over 5 days. This is a course in astro-navigation and world-wide meteorology which also reveals the mysteries of the sextant. It assumes a knowledge of ALL subjects covered in the other shorebased theory courses.

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE OUR COURSE INFORMATION PACKS

• Description
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Course Description

The course completion certificate is a PREREQUISITE for booking the RYA/MCA  Yachtmaster Ocean  oral examination, unless candidates are prepared to take a written examination as well as the oral. Candidates must also have an ocean passage as skipper or mate. The candidate must provide the examiner with:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passages, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids.

The records must include as a minimum: planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

During the oral test the candidate may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, astro navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

If you need a  Yachtmaster Ocean  Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject to the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed.

The  Yachtmaster Ocean  Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a pre-requisite for the MCA’s Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

Topics covered include:

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
• Meridian altitudes
• Sun, star and other sights
• Ocean passage planning

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Realise your dream and learn to captain your own yacht! Whether its for day trips, overnight adventures, sailing holidays or offshore cruising we can prepare you.

At Yachtmaster Marine we recommend following the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) skills syllabus. RYA qualifications are recognised all over the world as being the ‘gold standard’ for boating qualification, both for pleasure and commercial use. If you want to self-charter a yacht anywhere in the world the RYA qualifications are accepted. Our instructor will deliver world class training and qualifications for any size group. Please contact us for more information.

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Escape the craziness of the loud, busy concrete jungle with masks, people, pollution rules and stress. Set sail and relax, leaving it all behind.

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IT'S NOT WHAT WE DO IT'S WHAT WE ARE

About 2 oceans maritime academy.

The Academy was established in 2007 by Sean Cumming – a highly qualified RYA certified Sail & Power Instructor and examiner and the only RYA Cruising Instructor trainer in South Africa.   Sean, together with his team of experienced instructors, ensures that students leave as competent and confident sailors.

As a Royal Yachting Association recognised training centre, we offer all the RYA sailing and theory courses, which cater to the first time leisure sailor, more experienced yachtsman, or hose looking to earn a commercial skippers license.

The lecture room and moorings are on the Hout Bay Yacht Club Marina in beautiful Hout Bay, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa.  

Fast Track Programmes

We package back to back RYA modules with mileage trips that give you the required miles, passages and days at sea to qualify for the various certificates of competence.    Our commitment to giving you real offshore sailing experience means you not only qualify, but are truly competent when being examined, and later when taking command of your own vessel.

Adventure sailing

Our distance voyages fast track your sea miles. We are the only sailing school to offer sailing experience to destinations such as Madagascar and Rio, and regular mileage trips to Durban and back.  

We train on a Pacer 37 and a Fast 42 – both Racer-Cruiser class boats – spacious training yachts and great fun to sail.  

What people say

Sean, Sonja and the rest of the team at 2OMA have given me an experience that I will never forget; along with the skills and confidence to push my yachting career further.

The Offshore program was an experience of a lifetime. I learned so much about sailing from having no previous sailing experience to a fully confident sailor. I would recommend anyone to do 2 Oceans’s offshore program if they’re interested in following a career in the maritime industry or just for an incredible adventure.

2 Oceans is the perfect sailing school. They go above and beyond to professionally assist you and make your sailing dreams come true. I did many courses with them and had a great time. Their classrooms have a great view of mountains and the ocean and their boats are of the highest quality. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to start a sailing career.

I highly recommend 2 Oceans Sailing Academy. The combination of the high level of land based theory and practical sailing instruction, coupled with their instructors personal mentorship was inspirational and humbling ~ teaching attentiveness, anticipation, resourcefulness, patience and prioritisation which are core ideals for a career in sailing.

The Yachtmaster Offshore programme at 2 Oceans is challenging and has a steep learning curve but it is the adventure of a lifetime. You won't find a better place to learn offshore sailing.

At 2 Oceans not only did I learn how to sail, but it made me gain a lot of confidence in the process!

Thanks guys for a great course last year with some awesome experiences. Regards from Miami.

Years later I’m still thankful to the whole team at 2 Ocean Maritime Academy for what they taught me during my Yachtmaster course. Great instructors, good companions, honest people with one goal in mind: prepare new generations of sailors. They have shown me how to handle tough situations and rough seas, to love and respect the sea and the rules that governs it, how to be safe and how to have fun sailing.

I spent a lot of time with 2 Oceans Maritime Academy doing my skippers tickets and completing an Odyssey trip to Rio De Janeiro and back, every moment with them was one huge explosion of excitement and adventure. I learnt so much which has helped me get to where I am today.”

Having lived nowhere near the ocean I arrived at 2 Ocean Maritime Academy with absolutely zero sailing experience. The 2 OMA team made me feel so welcome and in the months to come gave me all the tools I needed to successfully complete my Yachtmaster Ocean. The time spent with 2OMA was one of the best experiences of my life, and the friendships made are very dear to me. The whole experience with 2OMA helped me on my way and now I am a Base Manager in the Seychelles.

In 2021 I booked my Zero to Hero program with 2 Oceans. I was a bit stressed since I’m Middle Eastern and not used to travelling, so had many questions and concerns which were all answered and handled well. Meeting Sonja it was a relief to see that not only professional behind the screen but also in real life. Sean is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructors with his easy way of teaching theory. I move to the beautiful yachts and met the amazing Marlon - a fun, knowledgeable and really experienced instructor where I fell in love with sailing and started my career. I would always recommend 2 Oceans.

Hout Bay Yacht Club Marina Harbour Road, Hout Bay Cape Town, South Africa, 7806

+27  (82) 854-9789 [email protected] All images on this site are of our boats and students while training

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The course is designed to teach a beginner the first steps in sailing, and becoming a capable crew member.

The Team: our most precious resource

We believe that our team is what makes the difference. You will sail with enthusiastic, passionate, knowledgeable, skilled instructors and skippers, and be supported in every way by the professionalism and dedication of the members of our team. Whether your experience is a charter, an RYA course at any level, a cruise or a regatta, we are committed to your learning while having fun on the water!

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Fast Track can be a complete course or join at your level

Yachtmaster Sailing School offers a Fast Track for those sailors who already have some experience but little or no formal qualifications.

The Fast Track course is a comprehensive series of training modules covering all certificates in the RYA Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Scheme as well as short courses in Sea Safety & Survival, MROCP (VHF & HF) Radio Licence and Diesel Engine course.

If you are an experienced sailor or have some qualifications, Yachtmaster Sailing School will go over your existing qualifications and develop a suitable program to help you complete the RYA Yachtmaster certificate.

Port Phillip is a unique sailing area. It’s a very large bay so we have rough weather, tricky sandbars and strong tides all of which will help give you the experience you need.

DO I NEED A MINIMUM MILEAGE AND SEA TIME BEFORE TAKING THIS FAST TRACK COURSE?

There is no minimum sea time requirement or mileage required to start this course. This course will provide the minimum sea time requirement to get you to RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence (a commercial certificate), but extra sea time is required for the RYA Yachtmaster certificate.

Our Fast Track course will provide you with approx 500 miles and 20 days of sea time and 14 days of classroom theory.

The RYA Yachtmaster certificate requires 50 days and 2,500 miles. The exam for RYA Yachtmaster can be taken once the miles have been accumulated. If you already have 1,500 miles and 30 days logged experience, by completing the Fast Track course you will have the minimum sea time experience to take the RYA Yachtmaster exam.

WHY DO I NEED A RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER CERTIFICATE?

This is the only certificate available in Australia that is recognised worldwide as a commercial ticket and is mandatory for work as a skipper on super yachts.

This certification allows you to work as Captain/Master on private vessels, commercial vessels and super yachts up to 24 metres. Over 24 meters and less than 200gt as Master up to 150nm from safe haven, beyond 150 miles from safe haven you are able to work as Chief Mate.

Note that all Masters and Crew must have the STCW10 short courses to secure work on vessels greater than 24 metres. We do not teach the STCW10 courses. For information on STCW10 courses, please contact the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania on 03 6335 4711.

The RYA Yachtmaster exam is conducted on the water by an independent examiner. Taking part in or completing the Fast Track course does not give a guarantee of passing the exam.

The RYA Yachtmaster certificate requires a high standard of seamanship and knowledge. You will need to do a considerable amount of work/study outside classroom and sailing hours.

Yachtmaster Fast Track Syllabus:

RYA Competent Crew

RYA Day Skipper – Theory and Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper

RYA Yachtmaster Theory

RYA Yachtmaster – Preparation for exam

MROCP (VHF & HF) Radio Certificate

RYA Diesel Engine Course

Sea Safety & Survival Course

Fast Track Starting Early 2024

Fast track starting late 2024, what do i bring.

FOR SAILING

Wear clothes suitable for the season and rubber soled shoes, preferably with a white or light coloured sole. A cap, sunglasses, bottle of water and sun screen are also a good idea. You will also need change of clothes, toilet kit, sleeping bag and any special medicine you may require packed in a flexible soft bag. We provide you with wet weather gear (with the exception of boots) if required.

• Two soft 2B pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Note pad and pens

* Must be pre-ordered 2 weeks prior and will be supplied on the day, please phone or email details.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• RYA theory course notes and training charts
• Most meals on practical sailing courses (except for a few dinners ashore per course)
• Course completion certificates
• Radio Operator Licence (subject to exam)
• YA Safety and Sea Survival certificate

First Aid can be organised if required.

Please note that accommodation or meals are not included for theory courses.

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Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

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