"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
The "chartwork" portion of the USCG test is actually rather demanding.
Its not
so hard for those of us that learned to navigate the "old way," but a lot
of
newcomers have trouble with running fixes, etc. I know several people
that
passed the other portions but failed chartwork.

While its true that the Yachtmaster test has a real live "hands on"
component
that is lacking in the USCG test, it is possible to get the highest level
with
only 2 months experience. The "Coastal Skipper" only requires a few
weeks.

The "2 months" version is a recent course, that IMHO violates the spirit of
the Yachtmaster certificate.

AFAIK, only one school offers such a short course. It is used by people who
want to work at sea.

Most recreational sailors would have 5-10 years experience before doing the
practical test.
I've only done the shorebased element.



Happy Christmas

Donal
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