yachtmaster offshore prep week

Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam - One week prep & assessment

This intensive coaching session will help prepare you for the examination which gives you the most respected yachting qualification in the world. You must arrive fully prepared in your sailing ability and with a full knowledge of navigational theory. Practice complex sailing skills with guidance from one of our senior instructors and gain confidence from working under pressure. Our 6 day course means you will receive 4 days full exam preparation/practice time prior to commencement of your exam. Prepare a theoretical passage plan for presentation to your RYA examiner who will independently assess your theory and practical knowledge and skills.

Note: We offer a “ Boat Handling ” combined with advanced sailing skills course in the week preceding this preparation and exam week.

1 week (6 full days sailing)

Pre Course Experience

We will send you a document listing all the disciplines that can be tested by the examiner. For YM Offshore you will be tested on a) MOB under sail & b) Navigation tactics in fog (blind navigation).

Assumed Knowledge

Yachtmaster theory knowledge including IRPCS!!! Ideally you have successfully completed RYA Tidal Coastal Skipper Practical completion certificate - this course teaches you the sailing skills & techniques required to further practice & pass an RYA exam.

Course Content

6 days - 4 days preparation time followed by exam (depending on number of candidates). Drilling and honing the skills. Execute theoretical passage plan (supplied by us!) for presentation to your examiner

Saloon berth €1290

Panel divided twin cabin berth €1290 pp

Single occupancy cabin €1420 (one person)

Double cabin €2580 (couple sharing)

Availability

Contact us for availability

Yachtmaster for Sail and Power (Only available on Amazon) Yachtmaster Exercises for Sail and Power (Only available on Amazon)

Click here for local weather links

Course content

Below is a list of the disciplines you will practice leading to your RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore or Coastal Yachtmaster Exam with Canary Sail

• Passage planning
• Man Over Board
• Managing yacht and crew
• Navigation in poor visibility
• Position fixing/finding
• Yacht handling
• Sailing on/off bouys, berth and anchor

Typical Itinerary for Week

We will meet and welcome you at the San Miguel Marina in Tenerife and settle you onto your yacht. Ideally, you will start preparations and safety brief in the evening in preparation for an early start the following morning. You are then invited to join us for drinks to meet the team, your instructors and fellow students or crew who start their full week courses. You will be made very welcome by the Canary Sail team and we can advise the best restaurants for you to sample!

You will participate in the safety briefing on board, you will be asked to prepare the boat for departure and almost always be taken out for a sailing/MOB session in the wind acceleration zone (WAZ) just off he harbour wall. You will also be given an opportunity to get used to handling your yacht in confined spaces.

Boat handling in and around the marina before making the first passage through the Wind Zone to Marinas and ports in your area.

Plenty of yacht handling and sailing exercises including passage making, pilotage at day and at night, blind navigation, MOB, sailing on/off with the opportunity to work on your passage plan in preparation for presentation to the examiner.

Tuesday evening or Wednesday, your instructor will introduce you to your examiner and leave the yacht. The rest is then up to you – good luck with your exam!

Leave the yacht at 09.00 latest please for your return home or to continue your holiday in Tenerife. Please see our stay page for accommodation .

Exclusive Course Yacht option for couples, families or groups on 36 to 50ft cruise yachts – now also including our Lagoon 38 C2 Catamaran option!

This Yachtmaster Exam assessment week is not a course! The Yachtmaster Prep & Exam week offers just 4 days of exam preparation, comprising of intense “Drills & Skills” practice of the sailing a docking exercises. Theory is also tested – not taught! There is no time for teaching new techniques. These should be covered before one arrives – fully prepared for the Exam week.

The prerequisites for this exam week are a total of 2500 sea miles covered under sail in the last 10 years, half of which must be conducted in tidal waters. At Offshore level, 5 x 60NM or longer passages are required, 2 as skipper and 2 overnight. Ideally, some formal sail training using traditional methods of chart navigation is a significant advantage to the candidate. Very sound knowledge of Navigational Theory and Collision Regulations is a must!

This Yachtmaster Exam Prep & Exam is run over a 6-day period. For the prep practice and testing of knowledge, drills and skills, your RYA Instructor has just 4 days with a max of 4 candidates on board to prepare for the remaining 2 days of assessment when your Prep instructor steps off the yacht and is replaced by an independent RYA Examiner.

Whether the candidate is successful or not in passing the exam, one gains great benefit from participation in such an intense training week. On passing the Exam, the resultant Certificate will help reduce yacht insurance premiums, both privately and for Yacht Charter. This certificate is the International “door opener” into the prestigious world of the Super Yacht and Professional Sailing Industry.

Yes, the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, and in particular Offshore Certificate is widely accepted internationally, both by Yacht Charter Companies and in the pursuit of a Professional Sailing Career.

A theoretical Passage Plan will be presented to each candidate, comprising of Almanac, Charts, Weather Synopsis and all the material necessary to pre-prepare a Passage Plan. For those training in the week(s) leading to this exam week, these will be handed out early. During the exam, passage plans will be presented by each candidate to the examiner. In addition, the examiner will test depth of knowledge of any aspect of navigational theory, and Collision Regulations – e.g. Buoyage, Lights Shapes, Sounds, etc. 

Contact us for further details

A wide range of practical and theory courses offered all year round

Choose from a variety of sail cruises around the Canary Islands and beyond

From Bareboat to skippered charter, we have an option to suit your needs

ACCOMMODATION

Recommended accommodation options in La Gomera and Tenerife

Phone any time on our UK Divert No. (UK call cost): 0044 1252 837648 Phone (USA): 001 855 866-5566 Phone (Spain): 0034 922 141 967

[email protected]

Company Address: Marina San Miguel Urbanizacion Amarilla Golf 38639 San Miguel de Abona Santa Cruz de Tenerife Islas Canarias Espana

Postal Address : Apartado de Correos 211 38800 San Sebastián de la Gomera Islas Canarias Espana

Office opening hours: Monday-Closed Tuesday-Friday 08.30-15.30

Calls diverted outside of office hours, excluding Mondays. Please send us an email and your enquiry will be dealt with promptly.

Please use the form below to email us with your enquiry

• Why Choose Canary Sail?
• Accommodation
• Flight Advice
• Terms & Conditions
• RYA Practical Sailing Courses
• RYA Theory Courses
• Yachtmaster Fastrack
• RYA Competent Crew Practical
• RYA Tidal Coastal Skipper
• Dedicated Boat Handling
• Just Sailing
• Four Seasons
• Lava Charter

Take a look at our feed

Take a look at our feed across the canary sail world, our most recent social media posts, canary sail s.l, recent posts.

• Flotilla Sailing Holidays in the Canary Islands with Canary Sail 3rd April 2024
• Wildlife Watching Guide for Sailors in the Canary Islands 12th March 2024
• What to Expect from Your RYA Practical Course 16th February 2024
• Sailing Courses: Cost Comparison Between the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands 8th February 2024
• Weather Insights for Sailing for the Canary Islands 3rd January 2024
• Embark on an Unforgettable Catamaran Adventure 6th December 2023
• Meet the Canary Sail Team 17th November 2023
• Hidden Gems of Tenerife and Lanzarote 1st November 2023
• Packing Guide for Your Sailing Holiday 5th October 2023
• Catamaran Cruise Sailing/Training!! 29th September 2023

Looking to hire a yacht, take a sailing course or maybe just relax on a boat in the Canaries? With over 20 years experience we offer an unrivalled range of RYA Courses.

Web Design by Green Tornado

3 week Yachtmaster Academy

Over the last 10 years, we have trained hundreds of Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Candidates and we are proud of our pass rate. W e are constantly looking for ways to improve our offering and this is where the idea of this newly designed Yachtmaster Academy was born.

Our 3-week Yachtmaster Academy can cater to many different abilities, from those who simply want extra time on board our boat before the exam in order to hone their navigation skills, to those who require the last couple of 60nm passages for their Yachtmaster Offshore qualification.   

About the Course

Pre Course: 

Included in the cost is a copy of the RYA Navigation Exercises book along with 2 training charts, plotters, dividers and a USB Memory stick with extensive chartwork videos and resources for pre-course study.

Week 1: Yachtmaster Theory Course

A 6-day intensive navigation course looking in detail at IRPCS, Chartwork, Passage Planning, Meteorology, and more.

Week 2: Mile Builder

A 5-day practical course putting into practice all the theory from the week before whilst ticking off the last few miles for the Yachtmaster Exam. The emphasis of these 5 days is putting into practice Passage Planning, Pilotage, Electronic Nav, and Radar. This is a fully residential course and, weather dependent, you should get the chance to visit Belfast and Islay before making your way back into the Clyde.

Week 3: Yachtmaster Prep & Exam

The final stage of the course is our 4 day Yachtmaster Prep which is the perfect opportunity to perfect your boat handling and pilotage skills in preparation for your Yachtmaster Offshore Exam on Day 5 & 6.

We have the ability to tailor a package to your exact needs, whether that would be completing your Day Skipper theory course, 1:1 theory training, completing your additional commercial endorsement courses or something else. Please contact us for information.

Click here to download the course flyer.

Pre Requisites 

Minimum of 2300 nm

Minimum of 3 of the 5 x 60nm passages required.

Whats Included

Course dates.

< All Courses

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158) available from the webshop (see right).

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams can be taken under sail or power and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. The candidate or a training centre provides the boat and the RYA provides an examiner. Note: All qualifying sea time and passages must be gained on vessels appropriate to the type of exam i.e. gained in sailing vessels for a sail exam and power vessels for a power exam.

There is no formal training course leading up to the exam, but those who have not previously taken RYA courses often find it useful to book themselves in for some informal training at an RYA centre prior to their exam. This training can be tailor-made to your specific needs and helps to fill any gaps in your knowledge that may become apparent.

The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals.

Boats used for exams

You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.

The boat used must be between 7m and 18m (LOA) and be in sound, seaworthy condition, equipped to the standard set out in the RYA Boat Safety Handbook 2nd Edition (code G103). The boat must be equipped with a full up to date set of charts and navigational publications along with working instruments and either plotter or GPS. In addition to the candidate there should be two crew on board as the examiner will not take part in the management of the boat during the exam.

There may be vessels that will meet the guidelines outlined above but by virtue of their layout, construction, handling characteristics or other factors may be unsuitable for use for an RYA Yachtmaster Practical examination. The RYA reserves the right to refuse an exam on a vessel that, in the view of the RYA Chief Examiner, will not allow the examiner to conduct an examination to the standard required by the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Qualification Panel.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• can provide a boat
• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold an SRC (Short Range Certificate) or higher level GMDSS radio operators qualification
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

• laminated or waterproof charts
• GPS set (may be hand held)
• tide tables
• pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
• plotting instruments.
• Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed .

Useful links

Arranging your exam, commercial endorsements, exam payments service, mca manning requirements, professional qualifications.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep + Exam

***Please Note: In addition to the normal RYA requirement we request that all our YM candidates have completed at least 1000 NM as skipper***

Full RYA requirements for taking your Yachtmaster Offshore Exam are here .

The purpose of the YM prep is to refine existing skills, not to start learning new ones. If you are considering taking your YM Offshore Exam you should already be an accomplished, experienced and adaptable sailor . The 5 day prep allows us to hone these skills and pick up any bad habits that the examiner may not approve of.  This will be a technically challenging week with a lot of night hours.

The actual syllabus that will be tested is similar to Coastal Skipper, but the examiner will looking for a greater consistency and depth of knowledge .

During the prep your instructor will regularly debrief you on your progress, towards the end of the prep they will make their recommendation whether or not you should go for the exam. If they recommend that you don’t they will give you clear feedback on the areas that you need to improve.

Despite the technically demanding nature of the YM prep these courses are a huge amount of fun and we always do plenty of exciting and rewarding sailing in them.

The examiner will also request a passage plan to be prepared, so they can discuss it with you. We’ll provide you with all the necessary charts for this during your prep week.

We recommend you complete your Yachtmaster Theory Course before starting your YM Prep, or be at a similar standard with your navigation and IRPCS. It’s also increasingly important to have a good understanding of radar. All this knowledge needs to be fresh and up to date before you start your prep. There’ll be some homework we’ll set that will help with this. This will be done through our online resources. Purchasing this course gives you one-year complimentary access to all our video tutorials and other online resources.

What’s included: Food, fuel and accommodation onboard. Mooring fees are shared amongst crew, and we suggest you budget approximately £50 for this course. RYA Exam fees are additional £231. Please see our Crew Kit List for details of what you should bring.

To see what else makes PSS standout see  here.

If no dates are available in the calendar below, please contact us for availability. 

It’s very important to us that we get you on the most suitable course or voyage for your level and for your future sailing ambitions.  If unsure which course you should book, or to discuss your sailing plans, do get in touch.

Duration: 5 days + 2 day Exam

Previous Experience Required: Minimum 50 days aboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles logged, 5 passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper (Half the qualifying sea time must have been conducted in tidal waters). VHF radio operators certificate and a valid first aid certificate. Current theory knowledge to RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster theory level.

***Please Note: In addition to the normal requirement we ask that all our YM candidates have completed at least 1000 NM as skipper***

Ratio:  Upto 4:1

Price: £995 inc VAT + Exam Fee (£241) ( solidarity price £597 + Exam Fee)

See all dates on the calendar at the bottom of this page. To reserve your place on this course sign up through our booking form here:

© 2021 All rights reserved​

Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Advance your maritime career.

UKSA’s Professional Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is a bespoke, ALL-INCLUSIVE, comprehensive training package that will provide you with the skills you need to start your career in the maritime industry.

Our yachting career students will tell you that we provide unbeatable  course content, training and facilities.  You will also enjoy modern shorebased accommodation and freshly prepared daily meals while you are training with us.

About the Professional Yachtmaster course

This unique, premium qualification has been developed by Richard Baggett , one of the world’s top yachting instructors, and his highly experienced team at UKSA. The course is constantly monitored and adapted to ensure it remains relevant and always covers the current requirements for you to start working in the industry straight away. UKSA’s highly regarded Yachtmaster opens up the most opportunities for employment within the maritime sector. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, working on superyachts, flotilla, tug boats, and employment in the Merchant Navy.

• 16 weeks training
• 70 days afloat
• 2,500 tidal miles covered
• Navigation training
• Radar training
• Basic engineering and safety training
• Careers guidance from our professional team
• Networking within the industry

Train at UKSA and experience our unbeatable value, world-class tuition and invaluable industry support and insight.

Please note:  On occasion your sea phases may involve travelling outside of the UK. Therefore, to avoid restricting sailings we highly recommend that all Professional Yachtmaster Offshore students/Cadets are vaccinated against Covid-19 with the current maximum number of doses.

  Please note this is not mandatory in order to complete the course but a recommendation.

Why train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

• Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building when shorebased for the duration of your course *
• Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
• Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
• One-to-one mentoring throughout the course from your instructors
• Dedicated careers course manager
• Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
• Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
• Use of our swimming pool
• Access to our fully equipped gym

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

Qualifications gained

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail) or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail)
• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• RYA Short Range Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Commercial Endorsement

To work professionally within the maritime industry, you must be commercially endorsed. To commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Certification at the end of your training, you will need to complete the RYA application for Commercial Endorsement Form, but you will gain all qualifications needed to commercially endorse your ticket during training.

Entry requirements

You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click  here   for more details) and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement (click  here  for more details). We recommend all students secure this before attending a course.

There are no other pre-requisites necessary to start the course. All that we ask is that you have enough sailing experience to know that you want a life at sea. If you don’t have any previous experience, we recommend you talk to our course advisors on  +44 (0)1983 203038  or  [email protected]

Funding available

We are here to support you

UKSA is committed to making training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Funding could be available for this Yachtmaster course. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our  funding opportunities page  or call us to talk about your options with our experienced course advisers on  +44 (0)1983 203038 .

Frequently asked questions

How to get a commercial skipper’s license

The recommended route to obtaining a commercial skippers license is to do two training courses which consist of the Day Skipper Shorebased course and the Day Skipper Practical course. These are both included in the Professional Yachtmaster offshore course. The first covers the theory and knowledge-based training, such as meteorology, navigation, pilotage techniques and collision regulations; the second is putting this theory into practice in addition to developing the practical skippering skills of crew management, boat handling, practical pilotage and passage making.

What is a Yachtmaster?

A Yachtmaster is a person with a wealth of maritime knowledge who can cope with plain sailing and motor cruising and is also able to cope in demanding situations. Our Yachtmaster offshore qualification is recognised and respected all around the world and is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.

Who are the RYA?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) are the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.

View more Yachtmaster FAQs.

Dates and pricing

Don’t just take our word for it.

“The course is very professional, the instructors are experienced and highly motivated, and everyone is friendly and keen to help you succeed. The key reason I joined UKSA is to get my yachting ticket from an organisation that is well respected in the yachting industry. I also wanted to benefit from the careers support to be able to break into a career in professional yachting.”

Get free careers advice

• First name *
• Last name *
• How did you hear about UKSA? * –None– Absolutely Education magazine Below Deck Bestadventurejobs.co.uk Bluedome.co.uk Careers-in-sport.co.uk Cowes Harbour Handbook EscapeTheCity.org Event Facebook Falmouth Marine School General Knowledge Google Ads Independent School Parent Senior Instagram IOW College IwCollege.ac.uk Neilson Outdoor collateral Press Referral RYA Dinghy Show RYA magazine RYS Sailing Today with Y&Y Sea Cadets UK Solent Handbook & Directory Southampton Boat Show Superyacht Knowledge SuperYachtNews.com The Apprenticeship Guide The Price is Wight The SuperYacht Report Website Yotspot.com
• General notes
• Opt-in to receive course information and relevant offers
• Accept Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

#SeaChangeStories

I jumped at the chance to compete in the Golden Globe Race. This was everything that I had worked for and I had a chance to live it. For the past few years, I have been working flat out with a team of people to realise my ultimate goal of doing this race. It will be a challenge like nothing I have done before and I am throwing myself completely into it. Gregor McGuckin -Golden Globe Race/Professional Yachtmaster

You may also be interested in

Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email us

RYA YACHTMASTER

Yachtmaster exam training.

The 3 Different RYA Yachtmaster certificates

The RYA scheme includes 3 different Yachtmaster certificates, administered (incl. the exams) by the RYA on behalf of the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

Yachtmaster Coastal

Yachtmaster Offshore

Yachtmaster Ocean

Preparing For Your Exam With Atlantic Sailing

With the proper preparation at Atlantic Sailing, we will work with you to prepare you for the Yachtmaster exam. You need to demonstrate a high level of competence in your skills, and a profound knowledge of the YM syllabus, both theory and practical.

However, to fulfill the prerequisites for the exam is no guarantee that you are up to the expected pre-exam level.

We are serious about the YM exam preparation week, that’s why we at Atlantic Sailing we have put together several modules to compliment different candidates:

1.   ONE WEEK: PREP WEEK INCLUDING EXAM

This program includes 1 or 2 exam days and 4 training days. The aim is to polish up on your skills and to get familiar with the exam area, your crew and the yacht. Your exam passage plan also needs to be prepared prior to the exam date. There won't be time to teach you any new skills and/or recap on theory.

2.   TWO WEEKS: SKILL BUILDING WEEK and YM PREP/EXAM WEEK

The Skill Building week will focus on the practical skills (boat-handling under power and under sail) of the exam syllabus. There will be time to teach you alternative and even new techniques. Crew organisation, management and communication are another important ingredient of this course. There will be some time available to polish up on theory as well.

3.   THREE WEEKS: PASSAGE MAKING and SKILL BUILDING and YM PREP/EXAM

The passage-making week encompasses the Coastal Skipper syllabus, with special attention for safety equipment and emergency situations, pilotage and navigation, weather and crew management.

WHAT IS RIGHT FOR ME

Nothing is more frustrating than to start an exam and feel ill prepared. In order to assist you we have prepared a Yachtmaster Questionnaire ( click here to download ). Check it out, fill it in and return it to us and we will contact you by phone to discuss the options.

Based on our experience, we recommend that every candidate join us for the Two weeks Yachtmaster Training program. The program is scheduled as follows:

Week 1: 

Skill Building week prior to YM prep/exam: 

For 5 days/7 nights on board

5-days Skill Building training, 2 days off to work on the exam passage plan and review theory

Week 2: 

YM Prep/Exam week:

For 6 days (4- days prep & 2-days exam)/7 nights on board

4 days Yachtmaster Prep, 2 days exam (when there are more than 2 candidates)

NOTE: we don't take more than 4 candidates per YM program

This includes examiner booking and expenses. This does NOT include the RYA exam fee.

Price for the 13-days/14-nights on board:  Euro 2.600 per person based on your own private cabin .

The Exam (Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore)

A RYA Yachtmaster Examiner, who operates independent of RYA training centres, oversees the exam. Outside the UK, the YM exam has to be organised via a recognised RYA training centre, operating in the exam area. The duration of the exam can be a minimum of 4 hours (Yachtmaster Coastal, more then 1 candidate) to a maximum of 12 hours (Yachtmaster Offshore, one candidate).

Please feel free to email me at [email protected] for further information or if you would like to discuss your training.

• [email protected]
• +961 70 216 457

The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence examination is the ideal addition to the RYA Coastal Skipper course. Once completed, and following some coastal sailing, it will allow you to put the lessons you have learned into practice. 

The holder of an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal passages but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer offshore passages.

Course Overview

-Preparation and brush up for the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence.

-Revision of advanced skippering techniques, close-quarters handling under power and sail, navigation and pilotage by day and night, man overboard recovery, and overall yacht management skills.

5 days – Meeting on Sunday, with the preparation week running Sunday to Friday lunchtime and the exam usually commencing on a Friday afternoon and finishing in the evening of the Saturday (the exam duration is approximately 10 to 12 hours per candidate)

Previous Experience Required

• 30 days aboard
• 2 days as skipper
• 800 miles logged
• 12 night hours
• VHF Radio Certificate (SRC: Short Range Certificate)
• Suitable First Aid Certificate
• Radar Knowledge (preferred but not compulsory)
• Accommodation on board for the duration of the course and exam
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Bedding + 2 pillows (bring your own Sleeping Bag is preferable)
• Towels (Hand and bath towel)
• All breakfasts
• All lunches
• 2 Dinners + night of the exam
• Lifejackets
• $1000USD + Exam Fees paid directly to the Examiner

RYA Yachtmaster Prep and Exams

Client:     Advanced Sailors wanting the coveted RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore certificate of competence.

Dates:     Two prep/exam sessions available in 2023  September 4-9 and September 11-16.

Info:      Five day live aboard exam preparation week, followed by 2 days of exams.

Instructor:  Dave DeWolfe

Prep Details

We offer RYA Yachtmaster Exam preparation on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, the home waters of the schooner ‘Bluenose’. All courses are conducted on the 35′ sloop ‘Michaela’, a centre cockpit Swedish built Hallberg-Rassy.

For information on RYA Training click here.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep Week and Exams

An RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.

Unlike other courses in the cruising programme, there is no formal training to complete in order to become a Yachtmaster. Instead, provided that you have sufficient experience and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge.

We offer customized tutoring to identify your strengths and weaknesses very early during the prep and then work to set you up for success for the examinations.

Duration 5 days, 4 nights

Material provided  The Complete Yachtmaster: Sailing, Seamanship and Navigation for the Modern Yacht Skipper by Tom Cunliffe, or RYA Yachtmaster Handbook by James Stevens

Student:Instructor Ratio 3

How to Pass

RYA Certificates of Competence are some of the most useful and credible of all yachting qualifications. They thoroughly test the skipper’s ability, and can therefore appear daunting to potential candidates. But well-prepared skippers with the right experience needn’t worry. With practice and preparation, you should be able to relax sufficiently to let your skills shine through any exam nerves.

This guide will help prepare you, whether you are taking the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachmaster Offshore – What’s the Difference?

The definition of a Yachtmaster is: ‘A yachtsman or woman competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage that can be completed without the use of astronavigation’.

Yachtmasters should be able to enter any well-charted harbour for the first time, with sufficient depth, by day or night.

A Yachtmaster Coastal has ‘the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises, but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages’.

In other words, the theory is the same for both, but less practical experience and skill is required for the Yachtmaster Coastal exam.

Pre-exam Experience

As with any exam, the more practice you have beforehand, the more confident you will feel. Before your exam, be more adventurous than the usual weekend trip to your favourite anchorage. Enter some new harbours to refine your pilotage. Attempt the occasional night entry and be aware of the problems.

There is no requirement for you to attend an RYA course before your exam. However, it is often worth receiving some tuition, if only to find out your  strengths and weaknesses. Many centres offer an exam preparation service.

What Happens During an Exam?

Your RYA examiner will meet you onboard and talk you through the plan for the day. They understand that you could be nervous and will do their best to allay your fears and make sure you are clear about what they want you to do. They are there to find out what you can do, rather than pick holes.

You will be asked to undertake a short passage, but you may have to plan a longer one. In general, you should skipper the yacht in your normal style. If this means putting the kettle on every half hour, then do it!

You must know your position reasonably accurately throughout the exam, but don’t make the mistake of being so busy plotting fixes that you forget to look around you. Often, a quick glance on deck will confirm your position from a buoy or transit.

Make sure you know how to use a GPS, but there is no need to over-navigate.

You will usually be given practical problems involving tidal streams and heights. Make life easy for yourself and look them up beforehand – it’s not cheating. Practice a few tidal calculations so you are happy with the methods you are going to use.

Boat Handling

You need to know how your boat will react, its turning circle and any predictable quirks to its handling. There will be some close quarters manoeuvring, usually in a harbour, to demonstrate your skills at berthing and leaving pontoons, piles or moorings. Sailing yachts will complete this section under power, but make sure you practice manoeuvring under sail too, picking up mooring buoys and short tacking.

Your examiner isn’t looking for first-time-every-time success, but you will need to demonstrate competence and a good understanding of how the boat reacts at slow speed. Don’t hesitate to change sails or reef, if you think it is necessary for the task.

Experience in a variety of conditions will be your biggest help in these situations.

Man Overboard

Exams almost always include a man overboard recovery exercise. The multitude of methods for this can be confusing, but we coach you in what is currently best practices, before the exam, both under sail and under power.However it’s done, you must end up with the yacht stopped next to the man in the water. during the exam you may (or may not) have the engine available.

Make sure you understand and follow safety procedures, and give a safety brief. If you decide that harnesses should be worn at night, take your own advice.

Meteorology

Listen to the forecast before your exam and be prepared for questions about the current weather and how this might affect a passage plan. Understand how weather systems influence sea conditions and how to plan based on this knowledge. The type of boat and strengths of your crew can have a bearing on decisions based on the weather, so your examiner may ask you to consider various possibilities. There is rarely a definitive answer, so it is your informed opinions that are required.

Skippering Ability

This is where your experience and knowledge will really show. Whether you are fully in command of the yacht is the most important assessment that your examiner will make.

A good skipper leads the crew and communicates with them, making sure they understand what is going on and listening to them when they have something to say. They do not shout a stream of commands, leaving their crew in a quivering mess. Quiet competence instils confidence, helping your crew feel safe in the knowledge that the right decisions are being made.

So, are you ready for your exam?

Why take the exam?

• The RYA Yachtmaster standard is the ‘gold standard’ for yacht training around the world and demands a high level of skill and knowledge.• It is a great benchmark of your years of sailing and commitment to the sport of yacht sailing. Many of us take great pride in accomplishing the Yachtmaster standard; demonstrating a culmination of our sailing, boat handling, navigational, boat management and seamanship skills.

• Should you receive the Yachtmaster Certificate, you are eligible to have your certificate commercially endorsed. This endorsed certificate is the recognized professional yacht skippering ticket in Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, UK and Europe.

• Should you wish to join the growing yacht training industry, a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster certificate is the minimum entry requirement to become an RYA Cruising Instructor within an RYA school anywhere in the world.

Exam Pre-requisites

1. SEA-TIME – Minimum of 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 sea-time must be within 10 years prior to the exam.  Please be advised this is an absolute minimum requirement to be examined!

2. VHF – ROC (M) with DSC or higher

3. Valid First Aid and CPR qualification – CPR within one year.  First aid course must be 8 hours or longer.

Commercial Endorsement

The following are not pre-requisites to the exam but are additional requirements should you wish to have your certificate commercially endorsed:

1. Transport Canada Medical certificate

A list of Designated Marine Medical Examiners in Canada

2. Sea Survival Course The recommended minimum level of safety training is the MED A1/A2. However to ensure recognition internationally we recommend you take the STCW Basic Safety offered at all Marine training institutions across Canada.

3. The Professional Practices and Responsibilities on-line course – you can take that with us.  Online, and priced at $70.00.

Sample Joining Instructions

Yachtmaster Prep joining instructions and course notes

Fees and booking

Fees and booking.

Price $2295.00 .

The above price covers the cost of specialized tutoring from a current RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Instructor/ Examiner.  The examiner for the exam is a different person.  The exam fee is separate and is paid to RYA. It is about $380 for the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam, and about $425 for the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam.

Request more Information

Register for the course

If you need a room before and after the course, we have negotiated a special Discovery Sailing room rate for your convenience.   If you would like to book a room using our Discovery rate (20% discount), please call or email Jeff Green at 902-627-3361 or at [email protected] .

“I liked the practical hands-on approach to each problem couples with the extensive experience of the instructor”

Very knowledgeable and encouraging Instructor and Examiner Opportunity to learn and practice new techniques Better practices, techniques, record keeping demonstrated

Tel +33 (0) 6 08 65 45 01

Email [email protected]

• Cruising Area
• Client Feedback
• RYA Start Yachting
• RYA Competent Crew
• RYA Day Skipper
• RYA Coastal Skipper
• Combination Courses
• ICC International Certificate of Competence & CEVNI
• RYA Theory Courses Online
• RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship
• RYA Day Skipper Online
• RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Online
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Online
• RYA Interactive VHF/SRC Radio Course
• RYA First Aid
• RYA Diesel Engine Course
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Modular
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Assessment Days
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Prep' Week
• Professional Practices and Responsibilities
• Commercial Endorsement
• Exclusive Skippered Cruise
• Bespoke Tuition
• Corporate Events
• Tidal Conversion Course
• Mile builders
• Gift Vouchers
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Prep' Week

You are here:

• You are here

An RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.

We recommend our Yachtmaster preparation week prior to the exam. This is an opportunity for you to fine tune those hard earned skills prior to taking your Yachtmaster exam. During the week prior to your exam our experienced instructor will put you through your paces on all aspects of the syllabus, from blind pilotage to close quarters boat handling both under sail and power. It will also give you the opportunity to revise the theoretical side of the Yachtmaster requirements from Colregs and course to steer to tidal height calculations. 

This week of intense preparation will give you familiarity with the boat and if you have not sailed with us before it will be an opportunity to experience some of the splendor of the Golfe de Morbihan and Baie de Quiberon.

The week will end with your instructor leaving you and your crew with the examiner for an 8 – 10 hours practical exam.

The prep' week is 1280€ excluding the exam fee, which is payable directly to the RYA.

See our ' Downloads ' for details of Pre-Requisites, Exam Requirements and Commercial Endorsement.

Please contact us for further details.

Great school..

Had lot of experience and learnt a lot from instructor, Dave, while always having fun in what we were doing. Excellent food items and menu appealing to all tastes.

Very comfortable and well-maintained boat. Great instruction. And very good organisation! It made me comfortable with the choice I made even before coming to Brittany, thank you Alison. Excellent food! Now I understand better the comments left on the website.

I really enjoy the style of teaching, the atmosphere and felt Dave's experience could not have been beaten by similar school.

Friendly, patient and take time to explain you when you don't understand. Perfect, good instruction, friendly, excellent food.

Dave was brilliant

I had complete confidence in him, loved his sense of humour. Food was absolutely excellent and plentiful. Booklet of cake recipes would have been brilliant too! Never thought that I would enjoy it so much - loved it.

Really professional & well run

Training was well delivered & effective, well-tailored to my training needs & matched to experience. Dave has a well-judged & supportive approach to training - an excellent mentoring style, creates a great environment for learning. Catering was outstanding, many thanks Alison. It would be invidious to choose between the excellent cakes - Yum. A really professional & well run course, a well-equipped & maintained boat, a thoroughly enjoyable & good humoured week of mentoring & learning.

Complete our online enquiry form and we'll be in touch

• Email Address *
• Submit enquiry form

Keep up to date with our sailing news

Follow us --> --> -->

Contact Form

e.g. 27890001111 " autocomplete="on"/>

• Entry Level Courses
• Steward/ess Career Course
• RYA Day Skipper Career Course
• Intermediate Course
• Yachtmaster Coastal With Commercial Endorsement
• Advanced Course
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore With Commercial Endorsement
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore upgrade with commercial endorsement

Short Courses | Recreational Sailing

• RYA Courses

• SAS Courses

• SAMSA Courses

• Extra Courses

More About Atlantic Yachting

• Why Langebaan

Langebaan Lagoon  offers the only  RYA approved sailing examination waters in South Africa. The lagoon is the perfect sail training playground, with tides, streams, commercial traffic, calm and rough seas to provide for all training requirements.

• Read more about Langebaan

Useful links

• Charter & Team Building
• Accommodation
• Meet the crew

• View our gallery
• All Career Courses

Recreational Sailing Short Courses

• Extra Course
• All Short Courses
• Our Gallery

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Prep Week

•  Pre-requisites: Listed below
•  Minimum age: Yachtmaster Coastal - 17 years / Yachtmaster Offshore - 18 Years
•  Where: Langebaan
•  Duration: 5 days prep + exam 3-4 Days
•  Ratio: 5:1

This course is aimed at the more experienced sailor

NB!! PLEASE READ PRE-REQUISITES CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING UP

Exam Preparation/Boat handling Coastal/Offshore

This course is designed to revise the theoretical and practical aspects of the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Exam. It is assumed that all aspects of boat handling and theory are familiar to the student and only revision is required.

• Practical navigation
• Boat Handling (sailing on and off docks, ferry gliding, blind navigation, picking up moorings, tidal stream work etc)
• General Seamanship
• Responsibilities of a Skipper
• Safety checks & briefing

*** Signed off in logbook *** (includes food and accommodation onboard)

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Exam

• 1 day passage plan
• 3/4 days practical exam

(We have allowed 3 – 4 days for the external exam to cover any unforeseen circumstances therefore you should not make any personal plans over this period)

(compulsory to sleep onboard – food included)

• Food and accommodation onboard
• Nutritional menu plan typically used on a yacht
• The use of Foul Weather gear should you need it (no extra charge)
• Personal Logbook
• Atlantic Yachting T-Shirt & Cap
• Navigational Equipment – on loan (option to buy own equipment from the office)
• Charts + All course material – which is yours to keep after the course
• Sheets, Pillows and pillowcases on yachts
• Fully equipped galley + cleaning materials
• Diesel + Berthing Fees
• Access card to Marina ablutions ( on loan )
• Tea, Coffee and Sugar on yachts and at the office

External fees not included in package

RYA Exam Fees:

Payable directly to the RYA by providing credit/debit card details 

• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal £ 193.00
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore £ 224.00
• RYA Commercial Endorsement £ 35.00
• RYA PPR online course (payable to AY) R1 000.00
• RYA VHF Exam Fee £ 60.00 Or SAMSA SRC Exam Fee R1150.00

STCW 2010: (if not completed already)

• STCW 2010 course fee – payable to A.Y. R8 750.00
• STCW transport to fire grounds (payable to AMM) R575.00/person
• STCW accommodation CT – 11 days arranged by A.Y. ±R330.00pp/pn

MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

• ENG 1 (Dr Rosendorff 021 4242003 / Dr Dungan 031 261 8291) ±R2 800.00 OR SAMSA SEAFARERS MEDICAL ±R500.00

(Medical done prior to joining Atlantic Yachting)

• Elwierda Bus Service: 0861 011 094 ±R120.00 one way
• Private Taxee Service: +27 (0) 722174953

What you need to bring with you

• Suitable clothing – layers are a good idea (T shirts, weatherproof jacket, baggies, long sleeve T-shirts, rash vests, tracksuit pants, jeans, flip flops and warm clothes)
• 2 x Colour ID/Passport photo
• Polarized Sunglasses, or you can purchase from our shop – From R800.00
• Gloves, or you can purchase from our shop – R300.00
• Sailing shoes or any soft-soled shoes (i.e., takkies or trainers)
• Sleeping bag and a blanket
• Sun cream, hats, towels and toiletries
• Warm socks and a beanie
• Extra money for food and beverages

Optional Extra’s for those aiming to work in the International Super Yachting Industry

** Optional extra courses are booked on request **

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Pre-Requisites:

Yachtmaster coastal £193.

(Candidates require credit/ debit card details for exam payment)

Experience and minimum sea time:

• 30 days sea time
• 2 days as skipper
• 800 miles logged within 10 years prior to exam
• 12 night hours
• At least half qualifying miles logged in tidal waters
• Miles logged on sail yacht < 78ft or 24m (at least 50%)

** Those holding a RYA Coastal skipper practical course completion certificate have a partial reduction to the sea-time of 400 miles and 20 days at sea **

Certification required before examination:

• 2x ID photos (name written on back)
• Copy of current First Aid certificate (STCW)
• Copy of GMDSS Short Range Certificate or equivalent
• Logbook complete (sea time)
• RYA application form with payment details completed

Minimum age: 17 years old

Yachtmaster Offshore £224

Minimum age: 18 years old

• Yes, up to 50% qualifying mileage and days.
• The candidate must supply supporting testimonials or Seaman’s Discharge book.

Commercial Endorsement £35

(Candidates require credit/ debit card details for payment)

RYA/MCA Day Skipper to Yachtmaster & Steward/ess courses for those starting out in Super Yachting industry

• Intermediate Courses
• Advanced Courses

Ready to get started?

[email protected]

Mobile: 0030 6971638893

Skype: Thessalia Sailing

Whatsapp: 0030 6971638893

RYA sailing courses in Greece

RYA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE (Combined) Including the online theory course provided by Navathome.com an RYA-recognised training centre specialising in online training.

Price including vat     .

€1,980

​ Required pre-course experience

Minimum age:  18

You must have:

Sailed 2500 miles in the last 10 years, Half in Tidal waters.

Completed 5, 60 mile passages, 2 as Skipper and 2 at night (Tidal or Non-Tidal).

Spent 50 days on board (not consecutively) .

You must also:

Hold a recognised VHF Licence.

Hold a recognised first aid qualification, such as RYA First Aid.

For Commercial Endorsements, you must: :

Hold a valid Sea Survival Certificate, such as RYA Basic Sea Survival

Hold a valid Medical and Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)Cert

A holder of the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore certificate is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour.

A commercially-endorsed yachtmaster offshore certificate allows the holder to work in the industry, anywhere in the world..

Pass your Yachtmaster in the idyllic conditions of the eastern Mediterranean.

You will be expected to have completed the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course before joining us in Volos.

Under the professional tuition of an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, you will be coached to meet the exacting requirements of the RYA Examiner during the preparation week.

With a maximum of 4 students to 1 instructor, you will have plenty of time to practice: sailing by day and night, theory revision, and brushing up on your personal sailing skills.

The course begins on Saturday in Volos. The exam will begin on Wednesday morning and finish on Thursday, depending on the number of students

Duration: 6 days, including the exam, plus about 50 hours for the online theory course.

Price includes the exam fees and the examiner's travel expenses.

Price also includes courier delivery for the theory pack.

Dates for 2024: (Alternate dates may be available on request)

August 10th-16th 

September 21st-27th

Course content - Theory course:

Position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer and by observation, collision regulations, customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

Course content-Practical course:

The instructor will asses your strengths and weaknesses and coach you in the areas required to pass the examination.

Special attention will be paid to:

passage planning, man overboard recovery, close quarters handling, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations.

You will be fully debriefed at the end of each day, giving you chance to work on any weak areas.

Included in the price:

Theory: Delivery of the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore theory pack, mini radar simulator. Instructor support from 0800 to 2100 seven days a week from full time RYA instructors that are there when you need them.

Practical: Use of the school yacht and all the equipment. The cost of the exam and the examiners travel expenses.

Breakfast, lunch and 3 evening meals on board the yacht. You’ll get freshly laundered linen & towels, pillows, and bedding. Also included are fuel and mooring fees.

Method of assessment:

Theory: Online examination

Practical: 8-12 hour practical exam conducted by an independent RYA Examiner.

Certificates awarded: RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased certificate, RYA Yachtmaster certificate of competence.

Other courses for experienced sailors

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (excluding the online theory course)

​ Mile Building Trips

​ Thessalia School of Sailing is an RYA-recognised training centre offering RYA sailing courses in Greece

Preparing for your Yachtmaster Certification

Achieving your Yachtmaster is one of the most fulfilling experiences you will encounter, the sense of achievement and new found freedom to explore the world, safely and efficiently is truly one of the greatest feelings.

At SunSea Yachting, all our prep weeks are run by our Principal and Chief Instructor, Colin Jaquiss, who has plenty of experience and an excellent record of success in preparing candidates for the RYA Yachtmaster examination.

We understand the standards required and know how to coach you to achieve them. However, in the end, you have to have the knowledge and skill and be able to demonstrate them on the examination day.

Our preparation course is designed to identify and address any weaknesses and polish skills and performance to achieve a high probability of success at the exam. Candidates must arrive on the course already equipped with the basic knowledge and skill and in reasonably current practice. There is no time to teach this knowledge and skill from the beginning.

We concentrate on advanced boat handling skills, good skippering psychology, pilotage, blind navigation, heavy weather techniques and general fine tuning of your sailing skills and theory knowledge. There will be no long passages, but it will include a fair amount of night sailing and evening revision.

By repetition and refinement of the sailing drills you might be put through on the day, this Yachtmaster prep course will help you to fully prepare for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Exam.

The Exam Itself

We will arrange for an RYA Yachtmaster Examiner to come aboard the yacht to conduct the exam. This is often quite a daunting experience as each candidate can be examined in excess of 12 hours each. The examiner is there to pass you if at all possible and won’t try to mislead or trick you. Never the less, you will be nervous and feel under pressure to perform at your best.

Our prep week is simply intended to give you the best possible chance to do just that – perform your best.

Pre-requisites include a VHF license and First Aid Certificate.  Yachtmaster Coastal requires 800 logged miles and Yachtmaster Offshore requires 2,500 logged miles.

Duration:-   5 Days

Maximum 5 Students

For prices, click here.

For Booking Form, click here.

Back to Sea School Courses …

Maritime Training & Consultancy

Rya/mca yachtmaster coastal/offshore power.

An RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.

We provide 4 tailor-made training days to prepare you for the exam, which we give 1 days for following the course.

Please note this is a purely practical week on the motorboat followed by the exam, it does not include the RYA Yachtmaster Theory which is a separate course. 

Book on a Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep week below. Future dates are  available, please contact the office for details. 

Filter by category: Show All 5 Day Sail Course Advanced powerboat AEC Boat Maintenance cmhb Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory COSHH Day Skipper Motor Day Skipper Theory ECDIS ECS & Radar EDH Fire Fighting First Aid Food Safety HealthSafety HELM (operational) Helmsman Highfield Fire IMO 6.09 Intermediate Powerboat ISAF Manual Handling MCA MCA Master 200 MCA STCW 95 Mile Builder Other PB2 PDSD Plymouth Powerboat Instructor PSSR/PSA Radar Risk Assessment RYA RYA Diesel Engine RYA Powerboating RYA VHF/SRC Saturday Sail Security Small Ships Nav Radar Stability Stability Survival Tender Operator USV Weekend Sail Yachtmaster Yachtmaster Motor Yachtmaster Sail Dates

Price: £1100 Previous Experience: VHF/SRC Licence, valid and in-date First Aid (RYA, STCW or SeaFish) Coastal Seatime Requirements – 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours (this halves if you hold the Coastal Skipper course completion certificate). Half of the sea miles must be in tidal waters and on a vessel between 7-24 metres Offshore Seatime Requirements – 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles including 5 passages over 60 miles, 2 as skipper and 2 overnight. Half of the sea miles must be in tidal waters Assumed Knowledge: Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster Theory level and boat handling to Day Skipper level Duration: 4 Days (+ 1 day for the exam) Location:  Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, Devon UK

Course Content: There is no fixed syllabus for this course but we try to focus on areas that you need to work on, and that the examiners tend to look at during the exam. For example:

• Skippering Skills
• Boat Handling
• Safety Awareness
• Meteorology

Costs include lunch, snacks, tea & coffee, fuel and mooring fees etc.

Courses are non-residential so accommodation is required in one of the many hotels or guest houses nearby. We can provide a list of recommendations.

YOUR YACHTMASTER EXAM FEE IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PRICE.

What’s Next?

News & Coming Events

Inland nw masters championship swim meet – april 13, 2024 (scy).

This year’s Inland NW Masters Championship swim meet was hosted by the Moscow Chinooks Masters Swim Club in Moscow, ID. Thank you to the Chinooks and all the swimmers that participated in this fun meet!

Results Now Posted!

Facility: University of Idaho Swim Center 1030 Rayburn St. Moscow, ID  83844

Spokane Club and US Masters Stroke & Turn Clinic – April 20, 2024

USMS is sponsoring a stroke development and improvement clinic for swimmers of all abilities. The freestyle stroke will be evaluated and corrected with the use of drills and coach instruction. Starts and turns will also be evaluated upon request. Bill Brenner and local Masters coaches will be on hand to help you improve your technique and teach you drills that will enable you to continue to refine your stroke. All swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 200 yards comfortably. 

Facility: Whitworth University Aquatics 99251 W Hawthorne Rd Spokane, WA 99251

2024 Starlight Open – June 21-23 (LCM)

The USMS Velocity Swimming club is hosting this event in Wenatchee, WA. This dual event is sanctioned under the USA Swimming and Inland Empire Swimming as well as the Inland Northwest Masters Swimming Committee for USMS. As a dual meet, registered swimmers will include children as young as 11 to adults. See the Info and Registration page for full details.

Facility: Wenatchee City Pool 220 Fuller Street Wenatchee WA  98801

Indianapolis 2024 Spring Nationals – June 20-24 (SCY)

Registration Now Open!

The ultimate swimming experience: compete against your fellow Masters swimmers during the day, watch Team USA qualify for Paris at night, and chance to swim in the trials pool.

2024 USMS Spring National Championship Qualifying Times

Go The Distance (GTD)

GTD is a yearly self-directed event intended to encourage members to regularly swim and track their progress. Distance is the important metric for this virtual event, not speed or time. Certain distance milestones also have prizes attached to them.

GTD is on the honor system—you track the distance you swim and report daily, weekly, or monthly).

2022 – Click here more information and registration . You can also find 2021 results here; broken all the way down to individual swimmers.

2021 – Go The Distance Inland Northwest LMSC Results

1974-1997 USMS Open Water & Postal National Championship Results Posted

The History and Archives Committee has worked diligently for 15-plus years to locate, scan, and document event information and results for AAU Masters and USMS Open Water, Long Distance, and Postal National Championship results. 

They have located and documented 128 result files (wow!) for AAU Masters and USMS Open Water, Long Distance, and Postal National Championships from 1974-1997. All result files have been posted and can be found on the Open Water National Championships and ePostal National Championships pages under the Prior National Championships section on each respective page.

A special thank you to the History and Archives Committee for their research, efforts, time, and dedication to this project.

Jump to navigation

• Request new password
• Managing Your Finances Offshore
• Money Saving Tips for Expats
• Types of IFA
• Choosing an Adviser
• Yacht Crew Planning
• International IFAs
• Why talk to an IFA?
• Impartial Advice
• About Offshore Banking
• Is Offshore Banking for You
• Offshore Accounts
• International pension planning
• Why is it important?
• How do I choose?
• Benefits of Planning Offshore
• Risk & Pension Optimising
• QROPS Pension Transfers
• QROPS Tax Implications
• QROPS Alternatives
• What is a QROPS?
• Is a QROPS right for me?
• What are the benefits?
• QNUPS Explained
• Pension Plan Checklist
• UK State Pension
• Why Invest Offshore
• Benefits of Confidentiality
• Top Investment Themes
• Ethical Investments
• Risk and Diversification
• Managing your Wealth
• Offshore Bonds
• How to Pass On Wealth
• Types of Trust
• Hybrid Companies
• Estate Planning FAQ
• How an IFA Can Help
• Which Tax Haven
• Why Tax Havens
• UK Inheritance Tax
• Simple Tax Solutions
• Income Tax and Residency
• Tax and Working Offshore
• How an IFA helps with Tax
• EU Savings Directive
• Expat Living

Destination Guides

• Contact an IFA

Search form

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Working on a yacht
• Financial News
• Offshore Banking
• Living Abroad

Moscow City Guide

Moscow is a vibrant and bustling place to live and work. If you’re planning to move abroad and start anew then it isn’t a bad choice for the discerning expat.

A city storied in history, Moscow is full of stunning sights and architecture and there are a number of wonderfully tranquil neighbourhoods, filled with friendly locals and well kept parks. Since the demise of the communist empire Moscow has embraced the flashy side of capitalism and littered the shopping districts with well known western stores and luxurious designer boutiques. The streets of Moscow that were once bleak and desolate are now busy with life and energy, there are many market traders and street vendors selling a host of different wares. One of the downsides of moving to Moscow is that it has the dubious honour of being one of the most expensive cities in the world.

The weather in Russia is often described as iconic. The classically cold harsh winters eventually make way for a warmer summer season, there is little rain in Moscow but there is much snow, often starting around October and lasting all the way to spring. Another seasonal factor worth considering is the lack of daylight that Moscow receives in winter, some days only six hours are recorded.

Employment, Work Permits and Visas

Becoming an expat in Moscow is not without its difficulties as immigration laws are becoming tougher and tougher. You must apply for a visa and work permit before you reach Russian shores as it is extremely difficult to obtain these documents if you travel to Russia without them.

However, recent changes to the strict immigration laws have made life a little easier for foreign workers who are highly skilled. From 1 July 2010 highly qualified foreign professionals will be able to apply for special three year work permits. To qualify for this longer permit you must have key skills in a specialist field, and gain a contract of employment worth £43,000 per year or more.

It is not advisable to travel to Moscow with the intention of securing work once you get there. The majority of expats who journey to Russia have secured employment; or are sent there through their existing employers, as it is very hard for foreigners to source work once in Russia. In fact Russia actually has a yearly quota of work permits that can be given out via the Federal Migration Services. However, there is a large amount of corruption and patronage and these permits are often given out previous to the year in question.

If you work in construction or oil you may be able to gain special expat packages enabling you to work in Russia. The types of sector where expats are likely to be able to gain employment are management, engineering, IT and banking. A problem that arises for foreigners seeking employment in Russia is the fact that home-grown, English speaking Russians, will generally work for less than their expat counterparts. If you have been offered a job in Moscow then your prospective employer will most likely have applied for the permit on your behalf. Contact the Federal Migration Service for more information.

Business Culture

If you start working in Moscow you will notice that Russian business practices are very similar in essence to the western sensibilities you are already used to. Russian business folk are direct and do not put an emphasis on establishing personal relationships. Dress code is generally smart and you can make a good impression on new associates by delivering a good firm handshake and making strong eye contact. When ordering business cards it would be wise to have two sides printed, one in Russian and one in English.

Accommodation

Expats moving to Moscow may face potential difficulty finding somewhere to live. Rental prices in Moscow can be very expensive and lower priced apartments located in the industrial areas are hot commodities due to their cheaper rents. However, these cheaper apartments tend to be basic with often just one room. Many expats will find that it can take up to one month to find accommodation so you may wish to opt for one of the short term apartments that are on offer, which tend to charge by the night. If you are interested in purchasing a property in Moscow then once again you will find that prices are very high. There is a strong expat community in Moscow and many of these expats tend to flock towards the same areas, areas such as Patriarshiye Ponds and Chistye Prudy are both popular.

If you already hold a valid driving licence in your home country then upon relocating to Moscow you will be able to use this existing licence for a total of six months, however you will also need to submit a translated version of your licence, a valid medical certificate that cites good health and that you have no history of substance abuse or mental illness and also your passport. After submitting these documents you will have to take a driving exam, which is completely in Russian and does not allow the use of a translator. The test is made up of 20 questions that are pulled from a bank of 300 stock questions.

If this all sounds a bit daunting then take solace in the fact that the Moscow metro system is one of the most efficient and best transport systems in the world. Lavishly decorated with sculptures and mosaic art, 150 stations make up the metro network and not only is it fast and reliable, but it is also cheap. The metro runs until 1am.

There are also numerous buses and trams to help cart you around Moscow along with special passenger vans (essentially private buses) that actually follow bus routes. Independent, or private, taxis are also found on Moscow’s roads but be aware that as a foreigner you will most likely be charged a higher fare and, whilst mostly safe, these private cars may also be dangerous come nightfall, especially for women.

Healthcare can come with a hefty price tag and sometimes medical insurance will not be accepted. If you require emergency care then be aware that a lack of funding means that there are often delays to the service, also it is uncommon for the emergency telephone operators to speak any language other than Russian so be prepared for this potential barrier. A silver lining in this potentially lethal raincloud is the fact that there are a few international hospitals that do actually cater to foreigners living in Russia. Two examples of these are the American Medical Centre , and the European Medical Group . These facilities both have staff that are predominantly educated at western institutions and they will be able to speak in a variety of different languages, English included, to ensure there are no problems in describing your symptoms. Both of these facilities also have a wide range of medical services available, more so than the standard Russian hospitals.

The authorities of Moscow, indeed the whole of Russia, hold the importance of education in high regard and for this reason you will find that there are many schools to be found in Moscow. There are numerous English-language schools and also specific international schools. Some schools also offer more specialist teaching, focusing perhaps on just math, or foreign languages. Russian children partake in a compulsory eleven year programme of secondary education.

As per most popular expat destinations, there are a number of schools that actually stick to the English National Curriculum. An example of this is the English International School ; which has been operating for over 12 years, and the British International School .

As a UK expat you may not be well versed in the Russian language itself, so if you are thinking about learning Russian you may be interested in attending the language school at the Lomonosov Moscow State University, a popular choice for working expats. Here they offer intensive courses aimed at people who are completely new to Russian, focusing on important phrases and terms that will help you in your day-to-day life.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Moscow is a truly beautiful city with a phenomenal amount of culture and history. When you first arrive in Moscow it may be worth your while to embark on one of the many city tours so that you can get an idea of the feel of the city, its attractions and prime locations. A city tour will not only show you around Moscow but also gives you a veritable history lesson and fills you in on all the social and economic factors that have helped build your new place of residence into the cosmopolitan hub that it is today.

Given its unique history it is no surprise that Moscow plays host to a wealth of wonderful museums. The Pushkin Museum is home to the second largest collection of fine European art in the world, showcasing the works of such artistic luminaries as Vincent Van Gogh, Matisse and Renoir.

As touched upon before, Russia is a very expensive place for expats to live, but a benefit is the comfort of western sensibilities, which means all the big brands you are used to will have stores in Moscow to cater for your shopping needs. There are also many market places where you can sample a slightly more authentic Russian shopping experience.

Moscow is a city that provides a wide variety of entertainment during both the day and night. There are a huge amount of swanky bars and lively nightclubs waiting for you to step past their bouncers and relax after a hard week’s work with the aid of some authentic Russian vodka.

The Russian embassy in the UK can be found here: http://www.rusemblon.org/

Courses Category: Yacht Master

Package deals.

Best prices for our our best course package combinations!

Yachtmaster Intensive Coastal

This combined Theory and Prep is held over a period of a minimum of 11 consecutive days on board

Yachtmaster Intensive Offshore

This intensive Theory and Practical Prep course is held over a period of a minimum of 11 consecutive days on board

Yachtmaster Prep Week

The Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Week prepares experienced sailors for the Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Coastal Exam.

Mile Builders

We offer a variety of Mile Building trips for those who want to brush up on their skills, take their sailing to the next level, or increase experience and nautical miles towards a Yachtmaster qualification.

Atlantic Crossing

A fantastic opportunity to experience an Ocean passage add to your nautical miles towards the Yachtmaster, practice Celestial Navigation and enjoy sailing!

Own Boat training

Improving your skills or going for a full RYA recognised training course on your own vessel

Sailing courses in Italy

Come and do RYA sailing courses in Tuscany with us! Our Italian sailing season is from June to November.

• Jolly Harbour Marina,
• Antigua and Barbuda
• (New office building next to Al Porto Restaurant)
• +1 268 723 9343
• [email protected]

Privacy / Cookies

Copyright © Second Star Sailing School

Powered by  Dotflorence® Srl

Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

Click Here For More City Street Guides!

(A New Guide Posted Every Other Wednesday)

Comment Here! Cancel reply

For patreon exclusive educational content:.

Limited Edition Postcard Prints!

Street Photography Workshops

Donations Always Appreciated

I'll always keep Shooter Files free for everyone, but any donations would be greatly appreciated and help me keep it going. Many thanks to everyone following along!

Cheers! -f.d. walker

Search the Files

For Exclusive Patron Content: