Snowed in this winter? It’s a perfect time to study your theory.

Have you been affected by the unusually cold weather in the UK? Or do you live in a part of the world where temperatures of less than zero are the norm in winter?

Take advantage of the fact that it’s too cold to enjoy being out of doors or too icy to venture onto the roads by preparing for your RYA sailing course.

Now is the perfect time to get to grips with the theory you will need to do an RYA Day Skipper or RYA Coastal Skipper course.

It really makes a difference if you are competent and confident with navigation, rule of the road, lights etc. when you step on board. You’ll have enough challenges with the practical exercises without having to also worry about learning or revising theory.

We’ve mentioned the materials from Ocean Training before. Available in either British or American versions they are simply the best we have seen in terms of clarity of explanation and the accent and script of the presenter.

The courses cover the full RYA shorebased syllabus for each level in the RYA sailing scheme.

Ocean Training supplies their courses to customers throughout the world, and they come recommended by both the Royal Yachting Association and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). They are training providers to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Marines (Special Boat Squadron).

Each course is supplied on CDs and they are fully interactive. You’ll find animations, simulations, and presentations using the latest technology.

In addition to the CDs you’ll be supplied with a training manual and, as you work your way through each module in the manual, you will complete a learning exercise.

Upon completing the course you can take an examination which must be invigilated. We are happy to do this for you when you come to take your practical with us and we can also arrange a one-day refresher with an RYA instructor if required.

Details of the Ocean Training materials can be found on www.oceantraining.com

If you don’t have the time or patience to work through the complete RYA Day Skipper shorebased syllabus, and don’t intend to sail in tidal waters, a shorter option that covers enough material for RYA sailing courses in Greece is the online RYA Basic Navigation and Safety course available through www.elearnmarine.com

This course takes just 2 days or around 5 evenings to complete and is available at a special price of 160 EUR /140 UKP if ordered from us at the same time as an RYA practical course. Contact Melody for more information.