Glossary Archive

A navigational fix when only a single landmark is available.  Two bearings are taken and plotted at different times, making allowance for distance travelled

The ropes, lines, and cables that control a sailing vessel’s sails and other movable components. Running rigging is a critical part of a sailboat's overall rigging system. It is divided into two main categories: standing and running. While standing rigging supports the mast and remains relatively fixed, running rigging is dynamic and used to adjust...

The national governing body for sailing, motorboating, and other recreational boating activities in the United Kingdom.  The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is responsible for promoting and regulating boating activities, ensuring safety standards, and providing training and certification for sailors and powerboaters. Established in 1875, the RYA oversees a wide range of disciplines, including dinghy sailing,...

The RYA DofE Centre course is aimed at individuals and organizations offering Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award activities with a sailing or water-based focus. This course provides guidance on integrating RYA training into DofE programs, emphasizing safety, skill development, and participant engagement. It ensures leaders are equipped to deliver high-quality, rewarding experiences that align with...

A lightweight Plotter, suitable for use in a classroom for navigation exercises. This handy size plotter has been specifically designed to be slightly smaller, lighter, thinner and more flexible; perfect for the smaller chart table, sending overseas and including within packages of other material. The plotter includes: Chart symbols for DR fix, Estimated Position, GPS...

The RYA Diesel Engine course is designed for boat operators seeking to understand their engine's basic maintenance and troubleshooting. This one-day practical course teaches participants to diagnose and fix common problems, ensuring reliability during voyages and fostering confidence in engine care.

The Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2 builds on the basics introduced in Stage 1. Young sailors refine their steering and sail control skills and learn to handle a dinghy in slightly more challenging conditions. The course emphasizes safety, confidence, and independence, making it a fun and educational next step for budding sailors.

Youth Sailing Scheme - Stage 3 introduces advanced sailing techniques, such as upwind and downwind sailing, alongside improving overall boat handling skills. Participants gain confidence in navigating more varied conditions while focusing on independence. This course is a crucial stage for progressing into competitive or more advanced sailing.

The RYA Coastal Skipper course prepares experienced sailors for extended coastal passages. Covering advanced navigation, passage planning, and night sailing, this course ensures you can handle challenging weather conditions and manage a crew effectively. Perfect for those aspiring to take charge on longer journeys, it typically spans five days.

The RYA Radar course provides an introduction to using radar systems for marine navigation and safety. Participants learn to interpret radar displays, adjust settings for optimal performance, and use radar to avoid collisions in poor visibility. The one-day course is ideal for all boaters.