FAQ

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites at all, not even having been on (or even seen) a boat.  However you are likely to find some parts of the course easier (particularly some later parts) if you have sailing experience. So we would recommend some practical sailing when you can.  There will be an opportunity to sail with us most weekends of term.

What if I can't make the exam dates?

There are various things that we can do, but we need to know what your situation is to be able to offer a solution? Please email training@cuyc.org.uk for futher advice.

What are plotters and dividers?

A plotter is a device for measuring and drawing bearings (angles) on charts and dividers are used to measure and draw distances.  They are shown in the image on the right.  Unless you have some of your own already you will need to buy some from us

Why do I have to pay in advance?

Most of the costs involved in running the course need to be paid by us in advance, including the costs of course materials and room hire. 

Why is Paypal asking me to pay 20p more than the total charge?

Paypal charge us a fee for every transaction, which is 20p + 1.6% of the total charge.  You pay 20p and we pay 1.6%.

Is there an alternative to paying by Paypal?

Anybody with a credit or debit card can pay us using Paypal.  If it is impossible for you to use Paypal because your bank hasn't given you a card, please contact training@cuyc.org.uk.  However it is likely that it will be easiest in the long term for you to arrange appropriate banking facilities.  All payments will need to be completed before the course starts.

Will I get a refund if there isn't space for me on the course?

Yes, refunds will be processed a week after the course, and will include all charges including the 20p paypal transaction fee.

Will I get a refund if I decide to drop out of the course?

Refunds are solely at the discretion of the committee, and cannot be guaranteed.

Is there a discount for taking just Day Skipper theory and not Yachtmaster?

No.  The cost of course materials, room hire etc. is the same, as is the amount of teaching.  The only difference is the exams that you take at the end of the course.  In any case we advise that everybody starts the course intending to take the full set of Yachtmaster theory exams.  As the course progresses you will be able to decide (in consultation with an instructor) whether you would rather just take the exams for Day Skipper theory.

Can I take the Yachtmaster level exams later?

Yes, though there may be an extra charge for this, particularly if you need extra teaching.  Provided that you attend all of the lectures it should not be necessary for you to take the course again.

What if I already have a Day Skipper theory certificate from another training school?

We interleave Day Skipper and Yachtmaster material throughout the eight weeks of the course, so the costs to us and to you of providing the course are the same.  However, you will not need to take one of the four final exam papers as it only covers Day Skipper level material.

Why do students get priority for places?

CUYC exists primarily for the benefit of current students of the University of Cambridge.  Other people can join our courses only if there is space available after students have had a reasonable opportunity to sign up.

Why do you charge more for non-students?

The student price is consistent with our aims of making sailing and related training as cheap as possible for students.  We do not wish to compete with other training centres around Cambridge, and hence the non-student price is similar to that charged by other training centres.

I am a member of the casual sailing / windsurfing / some other club.  Do I still need to pay for membership?

Yes, we do not have recriprocal membership arrangements with any other club or society.  The only reason not to pay for membership is if you have already paid for membership of CUYC in the last year.  If you are unsure, go to http://www.cuyc.org.uk/accounts/profile/transactions/ and see if there is a transaction on your statement labelled "Membership" less than a year before the start date of this course.

I can't find the e-mail that was sent to me when I registered for an account?

It has probably ended up in your spam folder.

Why do you want so much information from me on the "Crew Register" page?

Since this is a shorebased course rather than a sailing trip, you don't actually need to fill the full form in.  If you click on the "submit" button, the fields that you do actually need to fill in will be marked. This is your contact details, plus the details of one next of kin.

Can you take sign-ups by e-mail?

No, all sorts of things (particularly you paying us) break if you don't have a working account on our website.

Can I sign up along with another person?

Everyone who would like to attend this course will need to have their own account on this website and fill in the crew register and sign up form themselves.  If you want to attend this course ONLY if you can attend along with another person, please make this clear in the "Other Information" box on the sign up form. We can't promise to accommodate all such requests as we may run out of space.