Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any prerequisites to the course?

There are no formal prerequisites for this course, however it is recommended that you already have some sailing experience and are familiar with the basics of navigation.

What if I can't make one or more of the teaching sessions?

If you can't make one of more of the teaching sessions of the course it is up to you whether you still want to sign up. Most of the material can be self learnt at home if you need to catch up on a session. However bare in mind that you will already have a few hours of homework per week from each session.

What if I can't make one of the exam days?

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 as they are essential to the course.

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.

What if I already have an RYA Day Skipper (shorebased or practical) certificate?

Some Day Skipper level material is reviewed at the start of each section of this course, however we move swiftly on to Yachtmaster level material. The costs to us of providing the course to you are the same.  However, you will have the option not to take the General Assessment exam paper 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.