ASY Skipper Programme © Andrew Simpson Foundation
From novice sailor to experienced yachtsman, this course could transform your future:
You're someone with a unique set of hard-earned life and work skills looking for a fresh challenge - let's provide you with the pathway.
So it really isn't about where you're coming from that matters - it's about where you want to go.
Qualifying to be a professional yacht skipper can open up a whole new world of work, life experiences and adventure. Your ticket really could take you anywhere you want to go.
About the Andrew Simpson Yachting Professional Skipper Training Programme
Based on the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster™ Scheme, the course is designed to take you all the way through the preparation needed for the RYA Yachtmaster™ exam. You can set your sights on the Coastal qualification or push yourself to the Offshore level. With either, you can apply for the RYA/MCA Commercial Endorsement - the key that unlocks the door to the wide variety of career options in the marine industry.
About you
The programme has been designed to get you to the point where you are eligible to take the RYA Yachtmaster ™ Coastal exam. From the day you start, to the last day of your exam will be around 60 days in total. You will log at least 800 nautical miles (the minimum required to be eligible for the RYA Yachtmaster ™ Coastal exam), and undertake some longer distance passage-making to get a flavour for living aboard a yacht for more extended periods.
Preparation for life and work afloat
Of course, a major part of the programme is about being afloat. But as well as learning the fundamentals of yachting, skippering and seamanship, we will also give you the other skills and knowledge you're going to need in your career. These include:
Navigation theory
VHF radio
First Aid
Diesel Engine Maintenance
Radar
Sea Survival
And because it is a really useful ticket to have in the marine environment, we will also train you to drive a powerboat.
All this will be delivered by proven, knowledgeable instructors - people who don't just know their subject but also have plenty of experience to share.
Ongoing support and mentoring
But the package doesn't stop there. We understand that the programme is demanding, and the transition to fully-fledged skipper has it's own challenges. So, we provide support and guidance with formal mentoring sessions as well as informal and ad hoc support along the way.
And remember. Skippering a yacht is also about being a leader. We will work with you to develop and evolve your leaderships skills, so that you can confidently take charge, lead your crew and make safe and seaman-like decisions effectively and consistently.
Next steps
At the end of the first season, you have the option of returning to undertake further training. You can opt to complete the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore exam. Or you might decide to aim to become an RYA Cruising Instructor.
In certain circumstances, Andrew Simpson Yachting will consider offering opportunities for work to successful candidates who are interested in developing their career in training.
Interested?
For more information visit ASY The Aspire Programme and to discuss your aims, contact the Chief Instructor on tim@andrewsimpsonyachting.org or call us on 02392 522777. We will then arrange a suitable time for video interview and a detailed conversation.
About us
Andrew Simpson Yachting is part of the Andrew Simpson Foundation family - a charity established nearly 10 years ago, to create access for people from all backgrounds to life-enhancing experiences and to offer the potential for careers in the watersports, yachting and marine industries. We are a not-for-profit organisation. Any surplus income generated is re-invested to support this mission.
We are based in Haslar Marina, Gosport - right at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, gateway to the world class training grounds of The Solent and English Channel.