Questions & answers

General

Will I be able plug in my electrical appliances such as my phone charger or hairdryer?

Electrical appliance can be charged on board while sailing, larger appliances such as hairdryers can only be used whilst the boat is in the marina and connected to shore power.

Where will I go on my course?

The course destination will be decided collectively with the crew, taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions for the day. Our home port, Medemblik, provides an array of sailing possibilities across the Ijsselmee, Waddenzee, Markermeer, and the North Sea.

For those embarking on introductory courses like Start Yachting and Competent Crew, the sailing adventure typically unfolds on the picturesque waters of Ijsselmeer and visiting many harbours along the coasts.

As you progress to the Day Skipper course, expect to navigate the tidal waters of Waddenzee, while the Coastal Skipper programme ventures even farther afield, exploring areas such as the expansive North Sea.

Yachtmaster levels involve comprehensive training across a diverse range of environments, including harbours, tidal waters, and non-tidal seas, ensuring a well-rounded skill development experience.

What’s included in my course fee?

All tuition, study aids and literature where applicable, harbour fees, diesel and all food, snacks and drink consumed on board whilst on the course.

There are 3 double cabins, complete with fresh bed linen and pillows.

There are no hidden extras with MOSS Sailing.

At the successful completion of a certificated course, all students receive an RYA Certificate, which is either handed to them on the day of completion, or posted on.

My ambition is to leave my current job behind and work in the sailing industry. What level of qualification will I need?

Although the majority of jobs in the sailing industry will require you to have the Yachtmaster certificate, there are some positions that will accept the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal qualification.

Your certificate will need to be commercially endorsed which means you will also need a Sea Survival certificate and attend a medical with your GP.

Our Fast Track course may be able to help you achieve your dreams.

Is there parking available?

There is a large and free parking facility available in the marina where you can leave you car for the duration of your course.

We cannot however accept responsibility for loss or damage to cars or their contents.

Do your boats meet safety requirements?

Yes. As a recognised RYA Training Centre, we are reviewed and inspected annually and successfully meet with the high safety and operating standards of both the RYA and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

Do I need insurance?

We strongly advise obtaining cancellation and travel insurance. Although our company carries personal liability insurance, it does not extend coverage to personal items.

For added peace of mind, we recommend students keep their mobile phones in their cabins during the course to reduce the risk of these items falling overboard.

Despite being a boat owner for many years, I have only ever sailed in non tidal waters. I would now like to go on some longer coastal passages but as this is new to me I would like some tuition.

There are several suitable options here. A Refresher course, such as a Skill Sharpener course, would offer suitable tuition, a long distance Mile Builder, which would give the candidate support during night sails or an RYA Coastal Skipper mid-week course which would review his skills and introduce advanced tuition.

We would also recommend an Own Boat Tuition as many owners feel more confident on their own vessel.

Can we hire Sailing Jackets and Waterproofs from MOSS

There is no fee for renting waterproofs. We provide these items free of charge to our students.

What to bring

What footwear do I need to bring?

Sailing boots are advisable along with deck shoes or non-marking trainers.

A pair of cheap slippers for the public showers is also advisable.

What do I need to bring?

Ensure you bring warm clothing, including a hat, scarf, sailing gloves, a waterproof jacket, and thermal underwear. A funnel scarf is beneficial for keeping the wind out.

It's advisable to wear several thin layers instead of two thick ones.

If you're a beginner in sailing, there's no necessity to invest in expensive clothing; even an affordable set of thermal long johns and a vest will suffice to keep you warm.

Remember to pack sunglasses, sun cream, personal toiletries, a towel, and a sleeping bag.

Please use soft holdalls only; trolleys are not permitted.

Additionally, bring a small amount of spending money for onshore trips.

Do I need to bring my passport?

If you're joining us for a Cross Channel trip or Distance Cruise, please remember to bring your passport or ID card. According to Dutch law, it's essential to be able to identify yourself at all times.

Can I bring my mobile phone?

Certainly, you are welcome to bring your mobile phone.

Many students choose sailing as a means to get away from their routine or for a holiday. While undergoing instruction, we kindly ask that phones be switched off to prevent distractions, unless there's an expectation of an urgent call.

It's important to note that mobile phone coverage extends only up to approximately 10 miles from land which will generally give you coverage on all courses except distance sails and cross channel trips.

Onboard

What happens if there is an emergency at home whilst I am at sea and I have to leave the course

We will make every effort to safely transport you to the closest port or marina at the earliest opportunity, providing assistance wherever we can.

Will we be in a marina every night?

We try to be as diverse as possible to give students the opportunity of new harbours and destinations or even mooring at sea, whilst conducting a course.

Will I have to share a cabin?

Sharing a cabin is a potential arrangement, given that our new yacht features 3 double cabins and 2 additional berths in the spacious saloon.

In the case of a solo female student, she will not need to share her cabin unless there is another female student present.

Will I get sea sick?

This cannot be predicted, however, we do not take the boat out in turbulent weather. You can always bring your own sea sickness medication with you.

Should you feel unwell whilst sailing, we would recommend that you stay up on deck

Who does the cooking onboard?

Responsibilities for meal preparation and boat upkeep are shared between the crew and instructor.

In the RYA Day Skipper course, nurturing and caring for the crew is an essential aspect of the curriculum.

While the "Skipper" ensures snacks and drinks are available throughout the day, we also promote a collaborative approach, encouraging all crew members to participate in preparing tea and coffee for everyone, rather than solely tending to their individual needs.

How many students will there be on my boat?

The maximum number of students is 5 but often less

Do I sleep onboard?

Yes, for a weekend course you would stay onboard on Saturday night.

For a 5 day mid-week course you would sleep on board from Monday till Thursday night.

You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag for the duration of the course.

We supply a freshly laundered sheet and pillow with clean pillow case.

Can you cater for my special dietary requirements?

When registering for the course, we will inquire about any specific dietary preferences or requirements and make every effort to accommodate them.

For individuals with allergies to fish, nuts, or specific fruits, we will ensure that these ingredients are not on board.

We routinely provide catering options for vegetarians, vegans, those with lactose intolerance, etc. Additionally, we have established a tradition of offering a weekly menu with suggestions to assist our students in selecting and preparing their evening meals.

Can I smoke onboard?

Smoking is permitted in the aft top deck but with consideration to the other crew members.

Are there washing facilities onboard the yacht?

Yes, there is a dedicated bathroom on board, equipped with both a shower and toilet. However, in an effort to preserve fresh water, we recommend using the harbour facilities where hot showers are readily available.

Are all meals provided?

Breakfast, lunch, a hot evening meal and plenty of snacks and drinks are all provided on board for the duration of the course. and we encourage students to familiarise themselves with the food store.

There are no hidden extra costs.

Should you wish to eat onshore, then this would be to your own cost.

Practical

What if I lost my certificates?

Should a candidate who has completed a course with MOSS, loose their certificate, we would recommend that they initially contact our office. We would then provide assistance to obtain a replacement.

RYA Day Skipper & Coastal Skipper certificates are registered with the RYA and they will sent you a replacement for a small fee.

Is there an expiry date for the RYA certificates?

No. There is no expiry date for the RYA course completion certificates.

Is there a minimum age for a course?

There is no minimum age for the RYA Start Yachting and Competent Crew course.

Children under 16 years of age however should be accompanies by a legal parent.

The minimum age for the RYA Days Skipper & Coastal Skipper is 16 .

The minimum age for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal & Yachtmaster Offshore is 18.

There is no minimum age for all of the recommended courses

I am a complete novice and want to go sailing with my friends but don't want to get in the way. Which course would help me to understand more?

For beginners, two courses stand out as ideal options: the RYA Start Yachting Weekend and the RYA Competent Crew course. Both are designed to instil confidence and essential skills, enabling novices to become valuable members of any crew.

The Start Yachting Weekend provides a unique introduction for newcomers to the world of sailing. It focuses on familiarising students with the experience of being on a boat for the first time, ensuring they feel at ease and confident. The course combines practical learning with an emphasis on enjoyment, creating a fun and memorable weekend for participants.

I already have sailing experience but no certificates. Do I have to start at the beginning of the ladder?

No. As long as you meet the prerequisite requirements for the chosen course you can enrol.

We are always happy to discuss the courses with students and advise on which course would be best for them.

How do I prove my previous sailing experience?

All your previous experience, sea miles and days at sea can be recorded in a logbook, spread sheet or similar.

Upon first contact with MOSS and subsequent conversations, we take your personal history as a matter of trust.

Do I receive a certificate after every course?

Every candidate who successfully completes an RYA course, including RYA Start Yachting, RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper, will receive an official RYA course completion certificate.

For RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper, a photo I.D. pass is provided, registered with MOSS and the RYA database.

It's important to note that Specialty courses like Man Overboard, Skill Sharpeners, and Boat Handling do not provide certificates.

Do I need to do an actual course to come sailing?

No, you're not limited to just attending certificated courses with MOSS. There are numerous sailing options available, including Mile Builders, Refresher Weekends, Boat Handling sessions, and various trips.

Do I have to be a RYA member before taking a course?

No, deciding to become a member is entirely a personal choice. However, there are advantages to joining as an RYA member, such as the ability to access personal certificates online.

Do courses over 3 weekends have to be consecutive weekend?

No. However, we do recommend not to leave any longer than 4 weeks between each weekend

Are the recommended courses required?

We highly recommend that students consider enrolling in the recommended courses to enhance their proficiency, comprehension, and skill set.

The "Training Ladder" system is strategically crafted to establish foundational skills, progressively incorporating each new achievement to elevate their level of competence.