Courses
First Class Sailing runs a selection of RYA shorebased courses at CA House, and reduced prices are offered for CA Members. Please enter the discount code below on the First Class Sailing website before going to the Checkout at the 'Redeem a discount code prompt’.
Full details of the theory and the practical courses offered by First Class Sailing can be found on its website at: www.firstclasssailing.com You can also phone on 0203 006 3717 and email on: info@firstclasssailing.com.
One and two day courses
RYA Sea First Aid at Sea
Details: First aid at sea is an essential skill, as in the unlikely event of a medical emergency, prompt action and a little sailing first aid knowledge can save lives. The one day RYA First Aid at Sea Course provides a working knowledge of First Aid for people using small craft, and support to skippers of yachts and small craft working within 60 nautical miles of a safe haven.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Forthcoming courses: Sunday 23 February 2025
Saturday 5 April 2025
Saturday 10 May 2025
Sunday 8 June 2025
Sunday 20 July 2025
Saturday 17 August 2025
Cost: £149 - £22 discount for CA members.
CA members' discount code: CAFA25.
VHF Course
Details: The RYA VHF Radio Course is also known as the Short Range Certificate (SRC) Course. It is a 1 day course in how to operate a VHF Radio and all the procedures associated with using a radio, for example calling marinas, how to send a Mayday or a PanPan and how to ‘relay’ either of these. The VHF Course covers Digital Selective Calling (DSC) – the method of calling other yachts electronically, as well as the traditional method of calling by voice.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Forthcoming courses: Saturday 12 April (assessment Sunday 13 April) 2025
Saturday 17 May (assessment Sunday 18 May) 2025
Saturday 28 June (assessment Sunday 29 June) 2025
Saturday 9 August (assessment Sunday 10 August) 2025
Cost: £149 - £22 discount for CA members. To attend an assessment costs £30. There is also a £70 licence fee payable to the RYA beforehand.
CA members' discount code: CAVHF25
Diesel Engine Maintenance Course
Details: Mechanical failure is the main cause of rescue callouts to cruisers. Basic maintenance and engine care will help ensure that you are not part of this statistic.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Forthcoming courses: Sunday 2 February 2025
Saturday 15 March 2025
Saturday 26 April 2025
Saturday 7 June 2025
Saturday 19 July 2025
Saturday 16 August 2025
Cost: £149 -15% discount for CA members.
CA members' discount code: CADIESEL25
RYA Yacht Electrics and Marine Systems (two day) Course
Details: This 2 day Yacht Electrical and Systems Course is designed to help you understand marine electrics and the electrical systems you might find on board a yacht.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Forthcoming courses: TBA
Cost: £250 - £37 discount for CA members
CA members' discount code: CAEMS
RYA/World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Course
Details: The aim of the 1 day RYA/World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Course is to provide skippers and crews of yachts taking part in offshore races with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with an emergency. The course will give you a good knowledge of the safety equipment carried on small boats and the seamanship techniques needed to survive at sea in heavy weather.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Forthcoming courses: TBA
Cost: £149 - £20 discount for CA members
CA members' discount code: CAOPS
RYA Theory Courses
Day Skipper Course
Details: The Day Skipper shorebased course is for those that have done little or no actual navigation, regardless of whether you have a lot of sailing experience or none. The course includes lots of navigation (including use of GPS and electronic charts), meteorology, collision regulations and safety procedures.
Details of this course can be found on the First Class Sailing website or on the link below to the course on the specified dates.
Forthcoming courses: TBA
Cost: TBA
CA members' discount code: TBA
Yachtmaster Theory Course
Details: This is a course in more advanced navigation techniques. It is assumed you will have done the Day Skipper theory course. The course teaches you about navigating safely on coastal and offshore passages.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Cost: TBA
CA members' discount code: TBA
Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course
Details: The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course examines astro-navigation, the use of the sextant and worldwide meteorology. It assumes a knowledge of all the subjects covered in all the other shorebased courses.
The course is run by First Class Sailing and full details can be found here.
Forthcoming courses: TBA
Cost: TBA
CA members' discount code: TBA