Common Questions
WHICH COURSE SHOULD I TAKE?
This really depends on your existing experience.
The Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) cruising program follows a well established modular format taking students from novice crew to an offshore skipper.
The CYA is our national arm of the International Sailing Federation; the world governing body for all sailing events, activities and training. As such it is a recognized training scheme around the world. Each step has specific performance objectives, designed to help you build the core skills and knowledge that lead to independent sailing safely and with confidence.
Each course has clear prerequisites to help you evaluate which level you are at.
If you are unsure where you fit it may be an idea to join us for a sailing evaluation.
Please call the office we are happy to evaluate you at no cost.
CYA Levels:
WHY SHOULD I TAKE A COURSE?
Aside from the skills and general marine knowledge required for boating you will have the opportunity to discover what kind of sailor you are.
Your ideas about what you want often change once out on the water. We have had many students change their mind about what boats they wish to purchase, whether they really are ready to charter, would rather charter or alternatively, end up selling it all, moving afloat and heading for Mexico.
The world of sailing is so vast. The range of boats, equipment and sailing locations ever expanding, a course will give you a good base and access to knowledgeable advice to help you get what you need in the way that you need it.
IS IT SAFE?
There is always an inherent risk in the activity itself. The shear fact you are seeking a course will drastically reduce your chances of being in an otherwise preventable accident. Adventure experts all agree, most major accidents are a series of little mistakes. There is a reason boaters are so ‘OCD’ about their checklists, logs and equipment management!
Our instructors follow a strict curriculum and standard of practice keeping you as safe as possible as a student, ultimately aiming to pass on these best practices to you; as your own skipper.
The marine industry has a strict policy of international on water rules and practice (IRPCS) which as recreational boaters you are required to adhere to, it is inherent in the training that you learn these rules, good boaters take pride in knowing them.
As a school VIMA has a comprehensive risk management policy which takes into account our teaching environment, vessels, students and employees. If you are interested in viewing this policy please call the office.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER GETS REALLY BAD?
Wind conditions and sea state not appropriate to the level you are taking may result in the practical sailing session being changed.
You will however experience other aspects of boating. We will not cancel sessions we adapt them to the course and conditions. If we feel you have missed key aspects of your course due to weather we will schedule extra sailing instruction at no extra cost.
“My mate Jonny has been sailing for years and says……but my Uncle Roger who has been sailing longer says…….and then I met this women skipper and she said………”
WHO IS RIGHT?
They all are!
Once you get into boating one of the joys; yet frustrations, is that every sailor you meet is truely an expert. You may learn a lot from them all but at the same time, when just starting it can be confusing and you will feel like you know nothing, or worse doubt what you have just learnt.
The key is that all of these ‘old salts’ are right. Each has a valuable experience, trick or tip; absorb them all, but be aware they all work in a specific situation.
We sail in such a dynamic environment and no situation/vessel is the same, you really do need a good basic knowledge from which you can take the advice and skills, and adapt it to your specific circumstance.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING THE COURSE WITH ME?
Our ratios as laid out by the CYA are one instructor to four students. However, VIMA day programs will not take more than three students. We believe in order for you to get the most out of the course we prefer to keep our classes small.
Day Classes will only run at 1:4 if specifically requested by the students
Only our Cruise and Learn; liveaboard courses, run at the 1:4 ratio
WHAT CAN I DO AFTER THE COURSE?
That is purely upto you.
Commonly students will move down the bareboat charter route, buy a boat for themselves, join friends with boats or join a sailing club.
If you wish to charter you will need to prove a minimum of experience at the Intermediate cruising level, as well as hold the Coastal Navigation Standard, a VHF certificate and a First Aid qualification. More and more charter companies are looking for evidence of training to this level rather than a resume of boating experience. Once in the charter system you will have access to boating all over the world as well as the opportunity to sail boats that you may otherwise not experience.
For those of you looking to buy a boat; Dayskipper is the recommended minimum level of training. Most insurance companies will ask for this before insuring you to leave the dock.
VIMA operates a sailing club specifically for our students, while courses are essential to start; gaining experience on the water and having access to developing your skills independently is the key to lifetime confidence. Our club will give you access to instruction, support and other sailors, as you move towards your broader sailing goals.
HOW DO IN KNOW IF IT IS A GOOD SCHOOL
Make sure the school is accredited and registered with the advertised association. A properly accredited school is required to adhere to safety policies and standards of practice that will provide you with a better access to the world of boating and ultimately continued professional training.
Call them, if possible talk to the instructors.
Good schools will have a fairly comprehensive application form looking for more details about you, your boating background and your boating aims.
As best we can VIMA tries to match students based on experience and goals. Our instructors are chosen for their sailing & instructional ability as well as being able to adapt courses to the student’s personalities/needs and not vice versa.
Look for a school that will give you continued support and advise after you course.
If you have any more questions please feel free to contact us anytime – 250-532-2257