The Solent and adjoining waters are very busy places so it is essential that crew are trained to a suitable level. Crew need to be capable of berthing yachts in crammed marinas not just when it is sunny with light winds. Each year we have periods of very strong winds and you may well encounter a situation where you need to berth on the leeward side of a pontoon with the added challenge of cross tides. Here the skipper is unable to leave the helm so in addition to the qualified crew below, you need people on board who can safely descend onto the pontoon and attach mooring lines correctly with minimum delay. All certificates should have been gained in tidal waters. We can provide you with all the necessary training referred to below so please contact us to book or just for an informal chat. Sailing training courses can be viewed here.

1) Day sailing in the Solent.

The RYA Day skipper course completion certificate is taken as evidence of ability to skipper a pleasure yacht by day in good weather and local waters. The International Certificate of Competance (ICC) which is accepted on the Continent as evidence of ability to skipper a yacht is also valid provided a sailing log book is held showing the same practical experience required for the Day Skipper course, ie 100 sea miles, 5 days at sea and 4 night hours in tidal waters. The First Mate should have a recognised RYA sailing qualification or documentary evidence that he or she is sufficiently experienced to take the helm, keep a good lookout and safely navigate in their own right.

2) Solent night sailing, Coastal Passages day and night up to 20 nm offshore.

For all of these trips, the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course completion certificate qualification is needed. Coastal passages would be limited to Weymouth to the west. The First Mate should be qualified to RYA Day Skipper as a minimum.

3) Coastal no limitation, Cross Channel night crossings, all weather.

For these types of sailing, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical course completion certificate is required. The First Mate should be qualified to RYA Coastal Skipper standard as a minimum. The ICC is required in addition to the RYA certificate for visits to EEC countries. For cross Channel trips, a limitation of Force 6 forcast wind strength and good visability would be imposed.

4) Race Charter

In addition to the certificates above, we require a Sailing CV showing how much relevant previous experience is held of skippering in races similar to the one under consideration. We would also need to consider the experience of the first mate. The level of damage deposit for race charter may depend on the crews experience. usually there is an insurance premium for bareboat race charter.

Notes

In all cases, the first mate should be capable of taking control, given the nature of the proposed voyage, in the event that the skipper becomes unfit.
Overseas sailing certificates or membership of yacht clubs cannot be taken into consideration as the basis of awarding is unknown. In these cases the procedures below would apply.
The Maritime Radio Operator Certificate should be held by the skipper or one of the crew.
The RYA First Aid certificate is recommended by the MCA to be held by someone on board. This is because a SOLAS First Aid kit is carried with supplies for treating serious injuries and crew should be familiar with the contents. However there are a number of other First Aid qualifications which are acceptable alternatives.
Where no log book is available, it may be possible to take other documentary evidence into account such as booking documentation with other charter companies. This will be considered by Hurst Point Yacht Charters and if we feel sufficient experience is held, we will accept the Booking Form and impose a sailing limitation if necessary. Where we are unable to decide on the information given, we may request that an ICC be taken on day 1 at a price of £45. The knowledge required is detailed in the 'RYA Book of the International Certificate of Competence' by Bill Anderson price £10.99 (ISBN 0-7136-6248-4) available from our Nautical Books Shop The examiner will then decide if in his view the charterer together with his party is capable of operating the yacht bareboat and propose any sailing limitations. If the examiner is unable to recommend bareboat charter based on the limited time available for the test, then our first mate will accompany the charterer.
You can download here the forms for declaring experience and qualifications. (temporarily unavailable, forms currently being amended)

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To make a reservation, contact Clive Cutler Tel 01590 623765 mob 07932 140878 or email info@hurstpointyachts.co.uk
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