Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any prerequisites to the course?

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sailing experience and a basic knowledge of navigation. If in doubt, please contact the course organiser
Christina Boukouvala (profile).

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

We recommend that if you cannot make more than 2 of the teaching sessions then do not take the course. Most of the material can be self-taught at home if you need to catch-up on one or two sessions. However, bear in mind that there is also 3 hours of homework to do each week. If you want to discuss your availablilty please contact Christina Boukouvala (profile).

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

What are plotters and dividers?

A plotter is a device for drawing  and measuring bearings (angles) on nautical charts. Dividers are used to measure and draw distances. Unless you already have some of your own, you will need to buy some from us as they are essential for the course. We do not make any profit on the sales of plotters and dividers or logbooks.

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.

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 Christina Boukouvala (profile).  All payments will need to be completed before sign up closes (January 14).

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

Yes, refunds will be processed no later than a week after the start of 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. However, if you decide to cancel your place on the course before sign up closes (14^th of January) you will almost certainly receive a full refund.

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

This course goes well beyond RYA Day Skipper level. You will be best placed to get the most out of this course if you are already familiar with the material to RYA Day Skipper level. If you plan on taking a RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam in the future you need to sit this course.

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.

I am a member of another club or society.  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?

Please check your spam folder. If you still have issues please contact Christina Boukouvala (profile)

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 CUYC account, complete their Crew Register and sign up for themselves.