Practical sailing experience is but one part of the story.....it's one thing being able to sail a yacht or helm a power boat, but it's something completely different to be able to read a chart, understand tidal streams and work out whether you can actually gain access to a certain port at a given time and tide status! That's where undertaking some formal theory training comes in very useful.....

Often theory course, or shorebased courses as they are often known, are undertaken over the winter months when it's too 'fresh' to be out on the water. Increasingly you'll find schools offering you the opportunity to attend a combined theory / practical course over 10 days which is another way of doing things.

As an alternative you can also stay warm in the comfort of your own home and undertake a distance learning RYA course via your PC.