Seatime: 4400 miles and counting!
One of the big requirements for the Yachtmaster Offshore ticket that I am working towards is seatime. The pre-requisites, as laid out on the RYA website, are as follows:
50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
Although I was pretty sure that I had met those requirements, you never really know until you put it down on paper, which is exactly what I did the previous two days. I was both surprised and pleased to see that since leaving Canada, we have racked up over 4400 miles and have completed 15 passages over 60 miles! This, of course, doesn’t even include the sailing that we did the year prior to setting out, or the time we have spent sailing on other’s boats. I assume this will be acceptable to the RYA.
You guys have come a long way baby! It has been interesting to watch you grow as an old salt. Considering your humble beginnings, this next milestone is truly remarkable.
I agree… we have come a long way, both in miles and experience. I guess this proves that anyone could do it, now that chart plotters are available. Without a chartplotter, I’m not so sure. 🙂
I was going to say that but I wanted to be nice! You spelled St Maarten wrong! There, I feel better 😛
Maarten is the Dutch spelling. We were only on the French side and they spell it St. Martin.
Very well done indeed in your distance and individual legs. It totally dwarfs my small experience over the last 50 years!
Mike
Thanks Mike. We certainly weren’t trying to build up miles… it’s just a long way to get down here from Canada.
I don’t think you need worry about meeting the minimumrequirements! Well done, both of you!
Thanks Helen. Yes, I agree that we seem to have surpassed the minimum by a little bit.
During your learning, try to remember I`m already sure that you know this) that the RYA is there help you pass the exams and not to trip you up! they want good, knowlegible and safe mariners, as we all do of course, and your doing great, good luck! Rob! I really enjoy your posts! great job!
Thanks Rob. You’re right of course.