Merry Christmas from Barcelona Sailing School/Costa Brava Sailing Academy

We are out on the water sailing today in warm sunshine with RYA Sailing Crew getting ready to spend Christmas afloat. Warm weather is expected over the festive period. Happy Christmas from the sailing team here at Barcelona Sailing School.

RYA Sailing Practical Courses Barcelona

Out on the water just click the link for some recent shots of our Yachts and Yacht Crews Training. http://picasaweb.google.com/barcelonaseaschool/BarcelonaAndGibraltarYachtCrewTrainingAndFastrackFASTTRACKYachtmasterTraining#

RYA Day Skipper RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Course Barcelona Spain

We have RYA Theory Courses available over Christmas and New Year RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper the cost of the 5 day course onboard one of our yachts is £395 or residential ashore at £595. If you want to sail the additional tariff is £100 per day on a 37 foot yacht or £125 on a 48 foot yacht. Call us on 0034 972 662 494 or email us here.

RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Courses Barcelona Spain and Gibraltar

We offer all RYA Instructor Courses SRC/VHF, RYA First Aid, RYA Radar, RYA Cruising Instructor, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Prep, RYA Sea Survival here in Barcelona Spain. If you want to teach sailing we can teach you! Email your CV here or call 0034 972 662 494

Latest RYA and Barcelona Sailing School/Costa Brava Sailing Academy News

Lastest Cruising news (Click the Link to View) from the RYA In Brief and Barcelona Sailing School/Costa Brava Sailing. Call us for RYA Books, Navigational Charts and Work Books plus Practice Navigation Tables. Delivered anywhere in Spain or email your requirements here or call us on 0034 972 662 494

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Astro Navigation plus 600 Mile Passage

Winter Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and Passage making Barcelona Tarragona Spain and Gibraltar, flexible dates from £595 per person inclusive. Call us on 0034 972 662 494 or email us for further information here.

RYA Theory Courses Tarragona Barcelona Gibraltar

RYA Theory Courses run every Monday, and through weekends all over the winter months from Tarragona, Barcelona, and Gibraltar. You can arrive from the most cost effective flight from Barcelona - Girona, Barcelona - Reus, or Barcelona International with http://www.ryanair.co.uk/ we organise pickups to your Theory Base or Yacht. Flexible accommodation onboard one of our yachts, or take your course fully residential in a luxury hill top villa with panoramic sea views. You can even combine your RYA Theory Course with a RYA Practical Course. Call us on 0034 972 662 494 or email us here.

Weekend RYA Day Skipper Theory Barcelona 18/19/25/26 September

RYA Day Skipper Theory over 2 weekends in September £395 per person accommodation onboard included if required - half board. Email us here or call 0034 629 881 923

RYA SRC VHF Courses and RYA Theory Courses Wales, Bristol, Swindon, Oxford, London

All RYA Theory Courses and 1 day RYA Courses including VHF, if you don't have the time to attend a course we can travel to you. Our VHF Courses run every weekend throughout the year. If you would like to continue your RYA Theory Courses via distance learning then please give us a call on +44 (0)7740 285 595

Our fully residential RYA Courses in Wales are run from a large 4 bedroomed Welsh Farmhouse with indoor pool purpose built for RYA Sea Survival Courses. You can study any of the one week theory courses 5 days, and weekends are free for the 1 day courses. 1 week fully residential RYA Day Skipper Theory or RYA Coastal Skipper Theory costs from £495. VHF £125, Sea Survival £145, RYA First Aid £95 these can be added to the Theory Courses with a 10% discount.

Call +44(0)7740 285 595 or email us here view our Training Centre in the UK here

Urgent Enquries and information on our RYA Sailing Courses 00 34 629 881 923

Urgent Enquiries and information on our RYA Sailing and Theory Courses, Sailing Holidays and Charter Yachts please call 00 34 638 351 803 or 00 34 629 881 923 or 00 44 (0)7740 285 595 email us here for further information.

A Question for RYA Yachtmasters

For a day out on the water just answer the following correctly.

1. Where would you find the Tack onboard a sailing yacht?
2. To what does MLWS refer to on a tidal chart?
3. At night sailing you're looking at 2 yellow flashing lights mounted vertically, what are you looking at?
4. On which channel is a DSC call transmitted?
5. What cools the exhaust gases passing out of the engine?
7. How many minutes in a degree of Latitude?
8. What does the word 'Later' mean during the weather forecast?
9. On what point of sail would you increase back stay tension?
10. Upto what size sailing yacht may a Tri-colour be used?
Answers emailed to us here please, news teams decision final obviously, first correct email can sail with us for a day 10am to 1700 at a mutually agreeable time. Have fun! Answers by 20th June 2010.

RYA Theory and Practical Courses Barcelona

Every week we start a new RYA Course, if you are in need of some RYA Theory Training, RYA Day Skipper or RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster then you can combine it and spend some time sailing with us from Barcelona, Port D'Aro, Escala or Empuria Brava. If you need RYA VHF, First Aid, Radar, Sea Survival or STCW95 we run these courses to. STCW95 courses start every other Monday and include all for modules including Firefighting. Call +34 972 662 494, or +34 629 881 923 UK +44 (0)7740 285 595 or email us here.

Barcelona RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Combined Course Port Vell, Port DÁro, Escala

Monday May 17th we are running a RYA Day Skipper Practical and Theory Combined Course, if you are available and would like to attend please call us on 0034 972 662 494 or 0044 (0)7740 285 595 or email here. The course lasts 10 days includes all food and beverages taken onboard, study material and wet proofs. Our courses start every Monday throughout the year you have accommodation in your own cabin.

RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Barcelona

From our new offices in Port Vell Barcelona we are able to deliver all of the RYA Shorebased Courses. You can study at weekends or take a 5 day intensive study course. We provide all the reading and study material, any RYA books that you may need and all navigational aids. If you fancy some time out on the water we can offer a weekend sail at either end of the theory course. If you have time we also offer 10 day combined courses which include all the RYA Theory and Practical elements for RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper all here on Spains Costa Brava. We have been here for nearly 10 years now delivering all Professional RYA Courses, we offer training on larger yachts, and excellent classrooms for theory courses. We have classrooms and yachts in Gibraltar, Barcelona, Port D'Aro, Escala and Empuria Brava.

For further information please call us on 0034 972 662 494 or email us here.

Barcelona Yacht Crew Training Centre - RYA Theory Courses

If you're passing through Barcelona and require anything from a International Certificate of Competence, SRC VHF License, to RYA Yachtmaster Assessments then drop into our new Barcelona Yacht Crew Training Centre. We are open everyday, if we are sailing just call 0034 638 351 803 mobile or 0034 972 662 494 you can find us in the El Far Maritime Building right on the waters edge in Port Vell, Office 16, 6 -8 C/Escar. We can discuss all of your RYA Sail Training Requirements over a cup of Tea! Email here for further information.

'No One Sails Further For Your Sail Training'

RYA Theory Day Skipper and RYA Theory Coastal Skipper Course, Port Vell Barcelona

Barcelona Sailing School/Costa Brava Sailing Academy is offering all RYA Theory Courses both in the evenings and at weekends from new offices and classrooms in Port Vell, Barcelona. Based in the El Far Maritime Building next to the Super Yacht Quay full facilities are available including a Maritime Library. Please just drop in and discuss your RYA Course requirements, or call Barcelona Sailing School on 0034 972 662 494, or email here.

For April & May RYA Barcelona Sea Survival, RYA SRC VHF, RYA First Aid and our stcw 95 PLUS Fastrack Yachtmaster Course email here. Our RYA Course Advisors are always available to discuss your requirements, and we sail everyday. Full course information http://www.barcelonasailingschool.co.uk/

'No One Sails Further For Your sail Training'

RYA Theory and RYA Sailing Courses Port Vell, Port Olympic, Port Ginesta, Barceloneta, and Badalona Barcelona

We have opened our new RYA Training Facility in Port Vell and if you are looking for a RYA Day Skipper Theory or RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory qualification we are running courses every weekend, or evenings from our marina side Port Vell Barcelona classrooms and offices. We sail every day too so put http://www.barcelonasailingschool.co.uk/ on your preferred list of RYA Sailing providers. Drop in and have a chat with one of our RYA Sailing Advisors, email us here, or call 0034 972 662 494.

'No One Sails Further For Your Sail Training'

RYA Theory Courses open new RYA Training Classrooms in Port Vell Barcelona

Our new RYA classrooms and study facilities have opened in Port Vell, Barcelona. In one of the most prestigious Maritime Buildings set on the waters edge next to the Superyacht Quay you will now be able to take all RYA Practical and Theory Courses in comfort and style. The El Far building comprises of a Maritime Library, and full services from RYA Sailing Courses with Barcelona Sailing School to Shipyard facilities, clothing suppliers and Yacht Concierge Services. You can find us with our Partners Armatige Chacon in Office 16, C/Escar 6-8 Port Vell 08039 Barcelona. Please drop in for a chat about our RYA Sailing Courses in Barcelona, email us here or call 0034 972 662 494. We sail everyday!

'No One Sails Further For Your Sail Training'

RYA Day Skipper & Coastal Skipper Theory Courses Barcelona/Tarragona/Valencia

RYA Course dates for March April & May for RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory in Barcelona are as follows, all are 5 day non residential courses and cost £395 which includes lunch. RYA Day Skipper Theory 15th March, 29th March, 12th April, 26th April, 10th May. RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Course 22nd March, 5th April, 19th April, 3rd May and 17th May. Courses start at 1000hrs and finish at 1630 the cost of the course includes RYA Study Pack which includes RYA Practice Navigation Charts, RYA Practice Nautical Almanac, and the RYA Day Skipper/Coastal Skipper work book. Our RYA Combined Theory and Practical Courses start every Monday and cost £995, all courses can be combined with a RYA VHF, RYA Sea Survival, or RYA First Aid 1 day course, cost £130.

If you need accommodation we have berths available onboard one of our yachts or we can provide a list of alternative accommodation to suit your budget.

To book your place on one of these RYA Courses call 0034 972 662 494 or email us here for further information or to confirm a booking.

Yachtmaster Candidates pass RYA Coastal Skipper Theory In Barcelona Spain

Well done to our three Yachtmaster Candidates who have all passed their RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Course here in Barcelona Spain. During the week Ghita also studied hard for her RYA Day Skipper Theory and passed with flying colours. Working hard to achieve over 90% on the IRPCS first paper is not easy but with their own efforts and Professional Instruction everyone passed.

We welcome Matt from Perth Australia who is revising his Yachtmaster Theory over the weekend ready to take the Assessment paper on Monday, he previously studied at a TAFE in Western Australia. He then moves onto our RYA Half Track Yachtmaster Course.

We are here to support you so if you have an RYA Theory Course Question just email we'll do our best to help. If you need a RYA Theory Course in Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia or Gibraltar you can reach us on 0034 972 662 494

A question on RYA Theory Courses, Barcelona, Tarragona, Spain and Gibraltar

What are the RYA Theory Courses, is there a Yachtmaster Theory Exam?

The RYA Theory Courses start with RYA Day Skipper Theory, which is a 40 hour shorebased course, either 5 day or weekends or by distance learning, the RYA Coastal Skipper which in effect is the Yachtmaster Theory Assessment follows the same format. RYA Yachtmaster Ocean is a 40 hour course studying Celestial Navigation and Ocean Passage Planning.

Ask Your RYA Theory Question Here

RYA Theory STCW 95 Courses - UK and Barcelona, Tarragona - Spain, and Gibraltar

Introducing a new module to our Fastrack Yachtmaster Courses from UK, Spain and Gibraltar. For the Professional Yachtmaster who is going to work in the Yachting Industry, you will need your STCW 95 Certificates. We are now offering Fastrack Yachtmaster Plus which includes the 4 STCW 95 Certificates including the STCW Firefighting Module.

The 14 week Fast Track Yachtmaster course costs 7495 pounds the Fastrack Yachtmaster Plus Course lasts 16 weeks and includes STCW 95 and costs 8495 pounds. Please email for further information or call 0034 972 662 494 These Courses are delivered in association with Blue Oyster Sailing.

'No One Sails Further For Your Sail Training'

RYA Theory Courses In Tarragona

Our RYA Theory Courses In Spain, Barcelona/Tarragona along the Costa Dorada and Costa Brava are residential and can be taken in our Yacht clubs or onboard one of our Yachts. We always have a classroom available should you require one if sailing. Just email or call 0034 972 662 494 for full course details. RYA Theory Courses, RYA 1 Day Courses SRC VHF, RYA First Aid, RYA Sea Survival, RYA Radar.

Ask your RYA Theory Question Here

International Certificate of Competence - RYA Theory Courses in Spain and UK

What level of RYA Theory do I need to have before I can take the International Certificate Of Competence?

You will need to be able to demonstrate a level of Theory compatible with that of RYA Day Skipper, use of day shapes, sound signals, and Tidal chart work to allow the yacht/power boat to be navigated safely by day in familier waters. The ICC is a very useful licence to hold when sailing in European Waters because it is translated into several languages that you may not be familier with.

We run ICC RYA International Certificates of Competence in Spain from bases in Tarragona, Barcelona, and in the heart of the Costa Brava, Palamos, Empuriabrava & Escala Marina in the Bay of Rosas.

Ask your RYA Theory Question Here.

RYA Theory and Practical Sailing Courses Tarragona Spain

In Tarragona, we offer all RYA Theory and Practical Sailing Courses In Spain. RYA Day Skipper Theory & Practical, RYA Coastal Skipper Theory & Practical, RYA SRC VHF, RYA Radar, RYA Sea Survival, RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance and RYA First Aid. You can sail with us in Tarragona and study for an Internationally Recognised RYA Qualification and have an affordable family sailing holiday. We offer affordable day trips on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, stay in a luxury villa with pool and study for an Internationally Recognised Qualification.

'No One Sails Further For Your Sail Training' if you need to know if your sailing school is fully RYA Recognised just ask. Email Tarragona Sailing School or call 0034 972 662 494

RYA Sailing Courses In Spain - Theory Dates for RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper

RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Courses are run in our classrooms at Port DÁro near to Barcelona and include accomodation onboard one of our yachts or an upgrade of 100 GBP pp to half board in a luxury villa. We have 5 day RYA Theory Courses with availability as follows : Monday 1st February, Monday 8th February, Monday 15th February. Our RYA Theory Courses in March commence on Mondays, but if you have the flexibility and would like a weekend course please email us, we´ll do our best to help.

RYA Theory Courses 2010

Here are some of our RYA Theory Courses for the next few months. Availability will be posted and updated regularly here so become a follower and receive all the latest and up to date news on our Sailing Courses In Spain/Barcelona London, Swindon, Bristol, Oxford & Wales

RYA VHF 1 Day Course Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th February
RYA VHF 1 Day Course Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th March
RYA First Aid 1 Day Course Sunday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th February
RYA First Aid 1 Day Course Sunday 7th, 14th 21st, 28th March
RYA Radar Course Saturday 13th and 27th February, 14th and 28th March
RYA Sea Survival Sunday 14th and 28th February, 14th and 28th March

For 2010 our 1 Day Diesel Engine course will run on demand and can be added to either of the above courses so arrive a day earlier or add it at the end. Accommodation can be shore based or onboard one of our yachts, fly into Barcelona-Girona just 20 minutes from our base with www.ryanair.com and benefit from low cost flights. As always our courses are designed around you so just email your requirements and we´ll be right back.

We also offer bespoke courses in London, Bristol, Swindon, Oxford and Wales either for groups or Individuals, alternatively, we can travel to a location suitable to you, so just let us know and we´ll put the RYA Theory Course package together for you this year. No One Sails Further for your Sail Training!

Email or call 0034 972 662 494 or 07740 285 595

RYA Theory Courses In Barcelona - London- Swindon - Bristol

Out of date flares are a pressing issue for all Yachtsman. Don´t carry them in France you will be fined if found onboard, elsewhere they represent a sensible back up, but they are dangerous firearms. To dispose of them safely swap them with your new ones at the Chandler when they expire. Our Yacht Great Escape which is Milebuilding with Fastrack Yachtmasters was boarded by crew from a Portugese Warship in the early hours of Friday 29th January 2010 and they not only inspected ships papers, but liferaft and flares to. Our RYA Sea Survival Course will teach you how to use flares safely, or join us for a RYA Competent Crew Course. Use flares safely and dispose of them by swapping new for old at the Chandlery.

Ask Your RYA Theory Course Question Here.

RYA Theory Courses - Costa Brava Sailing

Confused about navigating, three ways to get from A to B.

A Dead Reckon (DR), historical, you did the journey and you think you are at B. Direction, distance from the log, how long e.g you went North & travelled at 5 knots for 1 hour - you´re 5 nautical miles further north than you were an hour ago. Then you realised you had tidal set and drift information to hand, when applied to position B you're somewhere else - position C! That´s an Estimated Position (EP) historical.

The thinking Yachtsman plans in advance - A Course to Steer (CTS) clear of any obstructions and safe. He travels from A and gets to B! First he puts on the tidal set and drift at the beginning of his journey, at position A. Once drawn, he applies his dividers, set with appropriate boat speed (1 hour of boat speed for every hour of tide) to the end of the set and drift line. He makes a mark where the dividers cross his intended route. Now measure that angle, convert to magnetic and you have a CTS (Course To Steer).

RYA Theory Courses - Your Questions Answered Here.

Trimming to weather in light airs - advice from Blue Oyster Sailing Gibraltar

Trimming in light airs is far more important than you might think. Keep the yacht moving at all costs! Blue Oyster Sailing´s advice when sailing to weather, go for twist in the main and the genoa. The main first - kicker off, clew eased, traveller/mainsheet up the track to weather (but keep the boom on the centre line by easing the mainsheet), lastly ease the main halyard a few inches. Second the genoa, don´t sheet too hard, ease and check the twist in the stripes aloft are parallel. Look up and you should see an open slot between the sails and twist. Note your boat speed before and after, you´ll notice the difference.

RYA Theory Courses - Questions Answered Here.

RYA Theory Courses In Spain with Costa Brava Sailing Academy

I am struggling with learning all the chart symbols on Admiralty and Imray Charts, can you help?

We certainly can, check out book 5011 or for Europeans and International Yachtsman Int (International) 1 this contains all the information you need, as long as you carry one onboard you will never need to learn all the chart symbols, just the more common everyday ones.

Ask your RYA Theory Course Question Here

When Should I use a Tidal Stream Atlas as opposed to a Tidal Diamond?

Use a Tidal Stream Atlas when you are far enough away from a Tidal Diamond to make it ineffective. The Tidal Stream Atlas will give you a good overview of the set (speed in knots) of the Tide, and the drift (direction) over a wider area. You´ll need to know whether it is Springs or Neaps and the time before or after HW. Remember to use your box of Facts as discussed in the previous question.


Ask Your RYA Theory Questions Here.

The Facts of Calculating Tide

For a tidal question if there is a date you will need your Nautical Almanac to calculate HW. When you start think of the Facts you will need and write them down!

The Date - immediately correct for DST if you need to.
The Time - of High Water relevant to your journey/position.
The Range -  of HW and LW.
Is it Springs or Neaps - the difference in the Range compared to the panel beside your Tidal Curve.
Period Of Time - for a Tidal Diamond/Tidal Atlas i.e The hours before or after HW that you are there.

We bracket tide half hour before HW half hour after. So HW 1000 hrs becomes HW 0930 to 1030. Draw your diagram to show  the hours before and after HW. You will then know which period of time you are working in relevent to tide. Remember your Box of Facts, write them down immediately.

Ask Your RYA Theory Question Here.

Heard the phrase KMT?

Yes we use KMT at both of our sailing schools. Kicker, Mainsheet, Topping lift. Whenever the sail is hoisted ease the Kicker (Vang) ease the mainsheet and tighten the topping lift (supports the boom when not sailing). If the helm wanders off the wind the main will still flog and you should have no difficulty with the hoist. When the sail is aloft with the luff correctly tensioned reverse the process. TMK - ease the topping lift, trim the mainsheet and depending on the point of sail tighten the kicker.

Your questions answered here.

RYA Day Skipper Theory - A Question of Variation

"Hi, just wondered if you had any easy ways of remembering how to calculate Magnetic Variation"?

The books are full of different expressions some easier to remember than others. We use a simple method, think of the chart as being a grid (The lines of Latitude and Longitude) remember this. "Grid to Mag (The Compass) Add the Westerly Variation, Mag to Grid (The chart) Get Rid of the Westerly Variation. Simply do the opposite for the Easterly. The formula works for Deviation in the same way - towards the Compass always add the Westerly. Email  RYA Day Skipper Theory - A Question of Variation

RYA Theory Courses

Welcome to our new online RYA Theory Help Centre. Wherever you are studying if you have a problem you can email us here, we will do our best to help. We run RYA Theory Courses In Spain and in the UK. We have excellent classrooms in Barcelona, Gibraltar and between London and Bristol, in Swindon. Modern facilities with fully qualified RYA Theory Instructors. We offer the complete range of RYA Theory Courses, from RYA Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster and Yachtmaster Ocean, plus all the one day courses, VHF, First Aid, Radar, and Sea Survival. One to one coaching or small groups, a location to suit you or with us we have a course waiting for you.

We´ll be posting here answers to your questions and any help we can give to help you with your shorebased course. If you would like to join us for your RYA Theory Course please just email us and we´ll get right back to you.

If you are looking for a RYA Practical Course then have a look at www.barcelonaseaschool.com or www.blueoystersailing.com all of our Instructors teach practical courses too.