FAQ GENERAL
Look at FAQ Northsea for general questions. FAQ SAILINGSCHOOL
- Is it necessary to have experience with dinghy sailing before starting yachtsailing?
- I have never sailed before and subscribed for the "Competent Crew" course, what do I take aboard?
- Do we stay aboard during the training period?
- Do we cook aboard?
- I'm afraid of getting seasick, what do I do?
- How many participants are aboard?
- Is it possible to sail a yacht after the "Coastal Skipper" course?
- Is it easier to sail a yacht on the Mediterranean?
- I do have the experience but no certificate. Do I start in "Competent Crew"?
- Are there livejackets on board?
- I'm never free during weekends. Can I attend a course?
- What certificate is needed to sail on sea?
- Can I sail a yacht when obtained the yachtsman certificate?
- Is the examination difficult?
- Do I need a certificate to navigate?
- What is the minimum age?
- Are there other conditions to obtain a certificate?
- What does" good condition" mean?
- Is preparation to the theoretical examination compulsory?
- Duration of the course?
- How to proove my experience?
- How many practising hours?
- On what boat?
- Where does the boat, on which practice course take place, leave?
Is it necessary to have experience with dinghy sailing before starting yachtsailing?
No preliminary experience to sail on a yacht is necessary. You'll need to give it time as sailing is a sport based on experience.
I have never sailed before and subscribed for the "Competent Crew" course, what do I take aboard?
- in spring and autumn warm clothing (cap, scarf, gloves)
- rubber sole shoes (no black soles, no leather)
- sleeping bag, toiletry, waterproof clothing(can be hired at Channel Sailing)
- toiletpaper,
kitchen towels, dishcloth, shades, sunprotection. Put all this in a folding
travelling bag.
Do we stay aboard during the training period?
Unless you prefer otherwise, you do.
Do we cook aboard?
Normally yes. All utencils are available on board. You can always decide otherwise within the group.
I'm afraid of getting seasick. What do I do?
Before leaving take a pill against seasickness and avoid going inside during sailing.
How many participants are aboard?
4 to 5, depending on the boatsize, and the level.
Is it possible to sail a yacht after the "Coastal Skipper" course?
The speed in obtaining the necessary knowledge is strongly dependent on the talent and the skills of the participants. You learn to sail through experience so next to the different level courses, practising sailing is necessary. (Sailing around with friends, renting a boat with skipper). When you obtain the knowledge and experience quickly, you can sail a yacht after the "Coastal Skipper" course.
Is it easier to sail a yacht on the Mediterranean?
Absolutely, no tide and currents to take into account. You can sail on sight....
I do have the experience but no certificate. Do I start in "Competent Crew" ?
No, you check the requirements needed for a certain level and then you start.
Are there livejackets on board?
Of course, all safety equipment is aboard and also a life raft.
I'm never free during weekends. Can I attend a course?
Yes, we give midweek courses (5 days). You can join on programmed dates, or choose your midweek and even split up in 2 days + 3 days. (See our midweekcourses for interesting offers)
What certificate is needed to sail on sea?
For cruises on the Northsea you don't need any certificate. Because of safety precautions it is advisable to take an examination to get the theoretical yachtman's certificate.
Can I sail a yacht when obtained the yachtsman certificate?
You may but you won't be able, because the course is too theoretical and you need to attend the practical training as well.
Is the examination difficult?
There is a lot of subject material, but it is not that difficult. Attend lessons regularly and keep up with the material. You'll be well prepared then and the test is not that difficult!
Do I need a certificate to navigate?
In Belgium you need a "stuurbrevet" to navigate a yacht at a speed higher than 20km/h and/or larger than 15m, on inland waterways.What is the minimum age?
It's 17 when subscribing. You'll get it at the age of 18.
Are there other conditions to obtain a certificate?
- You have to be in good condition.
- Succeed the theoretical examination.
- Have practice experience.
What does "good condition" mean?
You need to see a doctor (free of choose) for a medical check-up. The doctor needs to examine your general condition, sight and hearing.Is preparation to the theoretical examination compulsory?
No, but it helps to succeed.
Duration of the course?
10 evenings during 3 hours.
How to proove my experience?
When subscribing for your theoretical test, you'll get a logbook. the sailing school will note down your experience. You'll need to send it to obtain your certificate.
How many practising hours do I need?
When doing this in a sailing school, 6 hours will do.
On what boat?
Op een RIB – motorboat.
Where does the boat, on which practice courses take place, leave?
Normally in Ostend, the base, but elsewhere is an option.
