From zero to hero: becoming Yachtmaster ocean in less than one year!

From Zero to Hero: Becoming a Yachtmaster Ocean in Less Than a Year

Introduction

The Yachtmaster Ocean is the holy grail for sailors. Many aspire to achieve it, but only a select few succeed. When we decided to live on a boat, we had no idea what the inside of a boat looked like. We had never driven or sailed a boat and had absolutely no clue how to set sail. But living on a boat with two small children is a big responsibility, one we do not take lightly.

In Kay’s opinion, you are ready for this journey when you are commercially endorsed. If you are allowed to sail people around for a living, then you must be equipped to sail with your family. So, the captain started at the bottom. In this episode, you see him begin as a deckhand, quickly making his way up to being the captain. It was a challenging journey that cost him blood, sweat, and tears—and a lot of vomit.

Palermo: Where It All Comes Together

We start this episode in Palermo, a special city where, in April 2023, Kay’s extraordinary journey culminated. This journey was not just the qualifying trip from Bologne-sur-Mer to Sicily; it was also the end of a journey in his personal development. A year earlier, he began his Yachtmaster Ocean training. For a year, he was away from home, floating on the sea. He gave it his all, with the grand finale in Palermo. There, he had to leave the boat because we needed him at home. After a turbulent period, we had finally succeeded—our house was sold.

Exactly one year later, he sailed again along the beautiful coast of Palermo, this time with our family. To earn the esteemed title, he had to complete extensive training and a long-distance crossing of at least 600 nautical miles using only celestial navigation. This journey culminated in Palermo, making our return to this city a momentous occasion.

What is a Yachtmaster Ocean?

A Yachtmaster Ocean is a distinguished sailor equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate a yacht anywhere in the world. This is the highest qualification a sailor can attain through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), a leading organization for recreational boating and watersports in the UK. Founded in 1875, the RYA sets high standards for maritime training, ensuring that its certifications are respected worldwide.

The Rigorous Path to Yachtmaster Ocean

Kay’s journey to becoming a Yachtmaster Ocean was intense and thorough. Here are the key steps he took:

1. Basic Sailing Certificates:

• RYA Competent Crew Course: Introduction to sailing.
• RYA Day Skipper Course: Learning to take charge on short passages.

1. Advanced Training:

• RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course: Advanced navigation, meteorology, and safety.
• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course: Preparing for extended passages.

1. Yachtmaster Offshore:

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam: Involving at least 2,500 nautical miles and several long passages.

1. Yachtmaster Ocean Training:

• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course: Covering astro-navigation, ocean passage planning, and worldwide meteorology.

1. Qualifying Ocean Passage:

• 600 Nautical Miles Crossing: Undertaking a long-distance ocean crossing using celestial navigation.

Life on the Sea

Living on a boat has its unique challenges and rewards. During the initial courses, we both learned the basics together, starting with the CWO 1 and CWO 2 courses at the Zeezeilers sailing school in Harlingen. The Dutch sea, with its cold temperatures and challenging tides, prepared us well for the adventures ahead.

Evenings during these courses were filled with laughter and occasional indulgences. Kay’s determination shone through as he tackled tasks with persistence, from mastering the VHF radio to handling night sailing. Every course brought new faces and dynamics, teaching us not only about sailing but also about human psychology and group behavior.

Kay, our experienced observer, has noted an intriguing pattern during all of his courses. For the first three days, individuals tend to exhibit socially desirable behavior, aiming to fit in and gain the favor of the group. However, by day four, friction often emerges, and a natural hierarchy begins to establish itself.

Living on a boat amplifies these dynamics. The confined space, shared responsibilities, and the constant presence of others ensure that social roles and interpersonal relationships evolve rapidly.

Challenges and Triumphs

Kay’s training wasn’t always smooth sailing. One memorable incident involved severe seasickness due to an inflamed wisdom tooth pressing on his inner ear. Despite this setback, Kay’s resilience saw him return to complete his training and achieve his goal.

The Final Steps

Kay’s final training involved advanced courses like the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory with Nigel Rennie and practical experiences, including mile-building trips across the North Sea, English Channel, and beyond. His commitment was unwavering, even in the face of challenging weather and long absences from home.

Pride and Achievement

Standing on the shores of Palermo a year after Kay’s qualifying trip, we reflected on the journey that brought us here. Achieving the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification is no small feat. It signifies extensive knowledge and experience in navigation, safety, and seamanship. It’s a prestigious title held by only a few thousand sailors worldwide.

Conclusion

Kay, I am immensely proud of you. You’ve achieved what many sailors spend a lifetime working towards. Your dedication, skill, and passion for the sea have brought us here, and I am honored to share this journey with you. As we continue our adventures, we carry the confidence and expertise that come with being led by a Yachtmaster Ocean.

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Thank you for watching our journey from zero to hero, becoming a Yachtmaster Ocean in less than a year. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more sailing adventures!