Private Theory courses

⚓ Topics You Can Learn in Private Theory Lessons

Whether you’re brushing up before your RYA Day Skipper or Yachtmaster course, or simply want to feel more confident planning your own trips, Och Aye Canoe offers private one-to-one theory lessons designed around what you want to learn.  

As a qualified RYA Shorebased Navigation instructor, Sarah will explain everything clearly and at your pace — perfect if you prefer a relaxed, personal approach or want to focus on particular areas you find tricky.  Send a message to arrange a time to suit you.

Here are some popular topics you can choose from:

🗺️ Navigation & Chart Work

  • Understanding charts, symbols, and compass roses

  • Plotting positions, bearings, and courses

  • Variation, deviation, and course-to-steer calculations

  • Fixing your position at sea and working out your progress

🌊 Tides & Currents

  • Reading tide tables and tidal curves

  • Working out secondary ports

  • Understanding tidal streams and planning around them

  • Deciding safe departure and arrival times

⚓ Pilotage & Passage Planning

  • Creating simple pilotage plans

  • Safe harbour entries and exits

  • Passage planning for coastal or longer trips

  • Spotting hazards and working out safe routes

🌤️ Weather & Forecasting

  • Reading forecasts and pressure charts

  • Understanding wind, weather fronts, and local effects

  • Using the shipping forecast or apps to plan safely

🚦 Rules of the Road & Safety

  • Collision regulations (COLREGS)

  • Buoyage, lights, shapes, and sound signals

  • Safety equipment, ropework, and anchoring techniques

📱 Modern Navigation Aids

  • GPS, chartplotters, and AIS

  • Using electronic charts safely alongside paper ones

  • Handy apps and tools for passage planning

🧭 Skippering Skills

  • Managing crew and watchkeeping

  • Decision-making and passage preparation

  • Responsibilities of a skipper

⏰ Flexible, Personal, and Practical

  • Minimum booking: 2 hours

  • Location to suit both of us – whether at your home, a local café, or suitable venue

Ready to start learning?
Get in touch to arrange your private theory lesson and tell me what you’d like to cover — I’ll plan the session around you.