This knowledge will enable you to become more involved on board
Complementing your practical race training, this specially designed course will broaden your understanding of offshore sailing and help you to get to grips with everything you need to know.
In addition to the mandatory training, Clipper Race participants will also have the option to participate in a six-day shore-based course.This elective course will cover basic navigation techniques and ocean meteorology, the operation of a VHF radio, yacht systems and maintenance in addition to offshore safety.
This challenging course is does not require any exams to be sat and is certainly not designed to catch you out, but instead to enable you to understand the basic principles and develop a deeper understanding of offshore sailing. This knowledge will enable you to become more involved on board and understand what you and your crew are trying to achieve, rather than simply following instructions.
Your six days will be divided up by the following three components:
Yacht systems and maintenance
On board one of the Clipper Race fleet you will learn about the various systems on board and the maintenance they require to operate effectively. You will be taught how to check the rig, maintain the winches and repair sails along with other important tasks you may have to carry out during your race.
Ocean navigation and meteorology
In order to assist your skipper with tactics during the race you will be taught elements of basic navigation as well as ocean meteorology. During thisthree-day classroom element of the six-day shore-based course you will also cover collision regulations, the racing rules of sailing and the operational use of SeaPro (the software used on board the racing yachts).
Offshore personal survival
An intensive day of classroom based theory covering topics such as basic first aid, fire precaution and fire fighting, VHF radio operation and heavy weather procedures.
Please note this six-day shore-based theory course will only be available until March 2013.