What type of sailing course is best for me?

Info Evening: What type of sailing course is best for me? Everything you have always wanted to know about sailing but were afraid to ask.

Date: 8 May 2019

Time: 19:00

Venue: Piaristengasse 34, 1080, Vienna (Austrian Portuguese Association)

About

One of the most frequently asked questions at the VISC is “what courses should I take if I want to (learn, improve, etc.) sail?” Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as it depends on a range of factors, such as your needs, your level of experience, your residence and sailing possibilities, etc. But where does one get all the information about courses, certifications and different qualifications available out there? Where can those courses be done? What is the difference between the Austrian license, the Croatian license and RYA-approved certifications? Are there specific prerequisites for any of those? What is mile building sailing?

By popular demand, VISC is organising an Information Evening to talk about different sailing qualifications that can be done by anyone, starting from a complete novice to the advanced RYA-approved Yachtmaster Sailing Scheme. We will talk about the British Royal Yachting Association (RYA)-certified schemes, as well as the Austrian and other European licenses that can be done for Vienna-based sailors.

Speakers

Our guest speaker is Mr. Franco Del Fabbro. Franco is school principal and chief instructor at the White Wake Sailing School, which started operating in Vienna in 2018 and is a recognised RYA Training Centre. Franco holds an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate commercially endorsed, is a RYA Cruising Instructor, Shorebased Instructor and VHF Instructor and Assessor. He also holds the Austrian FB2 and FB3 licenses. After nearly 30 years spent in the corporate world of food multinationals, he is now pursuing his true passion aiming to pass it to as many people as possible.

Mr Michael Grimm is the focal point for the Academy at Boats2Sail, which is also partnering with White Wake Sailing School. Boats2Sail has a sailing academy in Rust on Neusiedlersee, where it offers a number of possibilities to learn to sail on small yachts (20 -25 feet), refresh your skills before moving onto bigger yachts, licensing, as well as a series of more specialised courses like Regatta sailing, gennaker training, capsize training, etc.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

The RYA is the British institution that deals with all watersports, from paddle boats to big sailing yachts, from motorboats to windsurfs. With its 150 years of history it draws from the immense British sailing heritage, has over 100,000 members and runs 2400 Training Centres worldwide.

Its qualifications are recognised all over the world and its Yachtmaster Sailing Scheme has long been accepted as a proof of seamanship everywhere and it is often the ‘entry point’ for people who want to build their careers in the maritime world.

The course scheme does not follow a fixed path, so people can join in at any level, provided they have the required knowledge and experience. Here is a list of key RYA practical, theory and specialist courses that we will talk about during the evening:

Practical

• RYA Competent Crew, designed for the absolute beginners, to master the basics of sailing
• RYA Day Skipper, which allows you to obtain a skipper license and charter your own yacht
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, the ‘seal’ of seamanship and ticket into the professional maritime world
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, teaching sailors how to navigate with sun, moon and stars

Theory

• RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship, a key theory course to learn the basics of navigation.
• RYA Yachtmaster theory, focussed on tides and passage planning, to prepare you for the Yachtmaster Offshore exam

Specialist

• RYA VHF/SRC Marine Radio, to get the license to operate a DSC radio.
• RYA Diesel Engine, to learn the basics of maintenance and troubleshooting of a boat engine
• RYA Radar course, to learn how to properly use and interpret a radar onboard
• RYA First Aid course, the basics of first aid for those wishing to sail further offshore

In parallel to the RYA scheme there are also a number of practical courses required for the so called ‘commercial endorsement’, including the Basic Sea Survival course and the Fire Prevention and Fighting Course.

Cost

A contribution of 5€ per person will be charged to cover the costs of the venue.

Any questions?

For any further information please contact Anya, VISC Training Officer: visc.training@gmail.com