IYSA Sailboat Training — Sailing Yacht Crew to Yachtmaster Ocean | IYSA
International Yacht Skipper Agency  ·  Est. 2019
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Sailboat Training

4 Levels · Crew to Ocean Yachtmaster · UNECE R-40 Compliant

Sailing Yacht Programmes

IYSA sailing programmes train yachtsmen from beginner crew level to full ocean-going skipper. Each programme builds on the previous, covering yacht structure, seamanship, COLREGs, meteorology, navigation and rescue — with progressively greater range, autonomy and responsibility.

Training complies with UNECE Resolution No. 40 (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) and ITU Radio Regulations, CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04E. Vessels 6–24 m (up to 78 ft / 500 GT).

Course Programmes — click to expand

Competent sailing yacht crew member able to keep watch, helm and work as a deckhand under a skipper. Pathway to IYSA Bareboat Skipper Sail.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+ (or 10+ with parental consent — Junior SYC)
  • No medical contraindications (questionnaire required)
Theory Covers
  • Yacht structure & equipment
  • Seamanship basics
  • COLREGs-72
  • Meteorology
  • Sail handling fundamentals
  • Radio communications
  • Coastal navigation
  • First aid
  • Safety & vessel checks
Practical Skills
  • Daily yacht maintenance
  • Rigging & sail handling
  • Mooring & anchor work
  • Helming under sail & motor
  • Basic manoeuvring
  • Safety equipment use
  • First aid at sea
  • Dinghy handling
Min. distance: 120 nm
Max cadets/instructor: 8
Max wind: 20 kn
Range: up to 20 nm offshore

Competent and independent skipper of a sailing vessel up to 24 m / 78 ft, day and night up to 20 nm offshore. Includes IYSA VHF Short Range Operator certificate.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • Yacht structure & equipment
  • Seamanship
  • COLREGs-72
  • Meteorology
  • Sail & motor handling
  • Radio communications
  • Navigation & voyage planning
  • First aid
  • Safety procedures
Practical Skills
  • Yacht maintenance
  • Rigging
  • Mooring & anchoring
  • Sailing & motoring
  • Manoeuvring
  • Berthing & anchoring
  • Navigation & charts
  • Passage planning
  • Crew management
  • Safety & radio equipment
  • First aid
  • Tender handling
Min. distance: 200 nm (min 150 nm in heavy weather)
Max cadets/instructor: 6
Max wind: 20 kn
Range: up to 20 nm offshore
Includes: VHF Short Range Operator cert

Experienced skipper able to command sailing vessels up to 24 m / 78 ft, day and night up to 150 nm offshore. Pathway to Yachtmaster Ocean.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • IYSA Bareboat Skipper Sail or equivalent
  • 500+ nm on sailing vessels
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • COLREGs-72
  • Meteorology
  • Extended passage sail handling
  • Radio & distress systems
  • Offshore navigation & passage planning
  • First aid
Practical Skills
  • Yacht maintenance
  • Rigging
  • Mooring & anchoring
  • Sailing & motoring
  • Manoeuvring
  • Offshore navigation
  • Passage planning
  • Crew management
  • Safety & rescue equipment
  • First aid
  • Tender handling
Min. distance: 250 nm (min 200 nm in heavy weather)
Max cadets/instructor: 6
Max wind: 30 kn
Range: up to 150 nm offshore
Min. offshore distance: 21 nm must be reached

Elite qualification: skipper of a sailing yacht on ocean passages without range limitations in challenging weather conditions.

Entry Requirements
  • Age 18+
  • IYSA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail or equivalent
  • 1000+ nm on sailing vessels
  • No medical contraindications
Theory Covers
  • COLREGs-72
  • Ocean meteorology
  • Heavy weather sail handling
  • Radio & satellite comms
  • Multi-day passage planning
Practical Skills
  • Daily inspection & maintenance
  • Rigging adjustment
  • Sail & motor handling
  • Offshore navigation & electronics
  • Multi-day passage planning
  • Watch scheduling & crew management
  • Safety, rescue & self-rescue at sea
  • Satellite & radio communications
Min. distance: 250 nm
Max cadets/instructor: 6
Max wind: 35 kn
Min. offshore distance: 60 nm

All IYSA sailing courses comply with UNECE Resolution No. 40 establishing the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, and with the radio requirements of Articles 47 & 48 of the Radio Regulations, ITU res. 343, CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04E. Safety equipment is mandatory throughout all courses; lifejackets and safety lines required for all deck work regardless of conditions.

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