Yachtsmen can now take a new RYA course in response to ISAF safety regulations that require crews competing in offshore races such as the Fastnet, to have a proportion of crew members trained in survival techniques.

The new measures will ensure that a significant number of the crew will be better equipped to deal with a variety of emergencies that can occur at sea.

  The RYA has worked closely with ISAF and the offshore racing industry to develop an accessible course that sailors can complete to qualify. The RYA training course will commence over two days and will cover survival, first aid and emergency procedures. The course will be available from selected RYA Training Centres that meet the criteria, including having an RYA Instructor with substantial offshore racing experience.