RYA Coastal and Offshore Theory Course followed by a Training Cruise of The Falklands Archipelago 29 Nov - 20 Dec 2025
A student keeps a steady course in 30-40 knots of wind during the training cruise
A 5/6 day package of RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Theory instruction in Stanley followed by a 14/15 day cruise of the Falklands Archipelago, on board the Pelagic 77 Vinson of Antarctica. There are two standalone components to this package:
PART 1 - A 5/6 day package of RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Theory instruction. Covers the Pelagic RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Theoretical Syllabus during a 5/6 day shore based instruction course covering the standard syllabus. See details here>> ashore in Port Stanley.
Pelagic Expeditions is a recognized and licensed RYA training facility. Pelagic Expeditions will provide a qualified RYA Instructor to conduct the instruction of the Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Theory syllabus.
There will be time to explore the sights of Stanley and the surrounding countryside and beaches during this phase.
Shorebased yacht master coastal/offshore navigation theory
Downtown Stanley
Wreck Stanley harbour
PART 2 - A 14/15 day training and practical pilotage cruise of the Falkland Islands. This 14/15 day cruise reinforces the navigation theory taught and practises boat handling skills such as anchoring in rugged, remote locations. Aspects covered during this phase and later in the ocean voyage include:
• Sail handling and trim
• Tidal coastal navigation and pilotage (including uncharted or poorly chartered harbours)
• Anchoring/mooring for strong weather
• Passage planning for strong weather
• Radar, setup and use of
• Use of paper charts, pilot guides, chart plotters and apps
• Safe tender and outboard use
• Familiarisation with the vessel and its systems before setting out on the ocean crossing
• Crew and vessel management as Skipper
• Practise of celestial navigation
Note: This is an experience, skills and mile building cruise and not part of the Yachtmaster Offshore preparation week (the practical part of Offshore training).
During this cruise there will be visits to various anchorages amongst the stunning beaches and wildlife of the Falklands. There are opportunities to fish, enjoy shoreside BBQs, walk and scramble and abundant wildlife to watch. See the Falklands destination page for more information >>
Boisterous Falklands conditions
Beaver Island
Orca hunts seals on a Falklands beach
Kelp in a bay by a Falklands Camp
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please Note: A reasonable degree of fitness and vitality is necessary for making this an enjoyable experience. However this is a much less rigorous sailing experience than our longer distance voyages to Cape Town, Antarctica or South Georgia, with most nights spent at anchor. It is an ideal taster for those considering a longer voyage or an ideal opportunity to enjoy the Pelagic experience on Vinson of Antarctica/Amundsen for those who cannot spare the time to do one of our longer trips.
In order take part in the theory course it is essential that the student is fluent in spoken and written English.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION POLICY ONBOARD
Vinson of Antarctica and Amundsen are run as a "dry ships" when at sea and possibly at some anchorages when there is a real possibility of having to 'up anchor' and move off. This is at the Skipper's discretion. In port reasonable amounts of alcohol can be consumed but excessive alcohol consumption that leads to situations which put people at risk, or where the harmony of life on board is disturbed to an extent that other guests are made uncomfortable will not be tolerated. If this situation arises, the Skipper reserves the right to return to port and to disembark any Charterer at an intermediary port, or disembark the entire group in a group charter if necessary.
TIMING AND ITINERARY
Students will arrive in Port Stanley 29 Nov via a LATAM flight from Santiago, Punta Arenas and on into Mount Pleasant Airport in the Falkland Islands. Joining crew can immediately go straight on board.
Having moved on board, on 29 November, the next day the students begin the 5/6 RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Theory in a classroom onshore in Port Stanley. This will be followed by a 14/15 day cruise of Falkland Island anchorages .
TRAVEL TO THE FALKLANDS VIA CHILE
We suggest that if you are arriving via Chile that you plan to be in Santiago on the Thursday night prior to the early Saturday morning departure from Santiago to Mount Pleasant Airport in the Falklands. This will allow some slack for missed connections and bags that did not make connections. Note that there is only one flight per week going into the Falklands, so this is critical. We also suggest you stay at the Airport Holiday Inn while in Santiago as it is a walk across the street to the terminal. And, you can enjoy this fascinating city on the Friday and meet up with your team mates.
FALKLANDS TRAVEL AGENTS
The Falklands are a specialist destination. Local agents to book your flights to Mount Pleasant Airport in the Falklands and arrange for transfer to the vessel once there are: International Tours and Travel LTD 1 Dean Street Stanley FIQQ1ZZ Falkland Islands TEL: +500 22041 db.itt@horizon.co.fk Contact: Dahiana Hurst.
VISAS AND TICKETS
Crew must make sure they have visas, if required, for Chile. Photocopies of these visas and proof of a return ticket out of Chile will be required by Pelagic Expeditions. It is essential that you have at least two clear pages in your passport BEFORE entering Chile.
COST
GBP 15,000. This cost includes:
- Provisions while on board
- Use of all navigation and sailing equipment on board
- Use of safety equipment including life harness, PFD and Musto HPX sailing foul weather gear
- Use of Inmarsat communication system on board.
- All port fees and local taxes for the vessel
- Fuel for the vessel
- All RYA course materials and navigation tools.
- Use of sea kayaks during the cruise.
Not included:
- Travel costs to point of departure and arrival
- Meals or entertainments ashore
SYLLABUS OF YACHTMASTER COASTAL/OFFSHORE THEORY COURSE
EQUIPMENT
Equipment List 2
Please e-mail Skip Novak to reserve a place
