Can a World Cruiser Pass a Basic Sailing Course? | Step 324

[@Poorehouse]

Loved the look on Kika’s face as she first backed into the berth! Go Kika! Well done, I bet that felt so good!

[@JamesHueston]

"I need you to trust the happy place" is going to be my go-to line at work now

[@nutsandbolts432]

Sometimes having a certified instructor tell you that your doing it right can be a big confidence booster.

[@vanleroy5182]

Canadian boating license is not recognized anywhere around the world it’s only good for Canada

[@inventiveowl395]

True that. Not just for sailing. Anything.

[@garycolemanml]

@@vanleroy5182 indeed. Safe to get you out onto the water. Other certifications (Power Squadron, Sail Canada, and others) will teach you how to go out on the water, AND how to get home again. Well done

[@robsibley885]

I wonder if all of this talk of chartering different boats and taking courses is leading to catamaran ownership someday.

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

@@robsibley885 THEY NEED a CATAMARAN like LA VAGABOND "had" A ELECTRIC CATAMARAN BIGGER SAILBOAT FOR BIGGER CREWS (maybe a family) some day

[@yachticus]

From an instructor - for experienced sailors, as you are - to take the option of formal instruction is such a smart thing to do - ( even if potentially it could have been embarrassing - it wasn't) Best attitude I have seen in years - and well done to the sailing school for making it a worthwhile experience for all concerned. - Next thing you'll be into is a sail trim course

[@rosskennedy4333]

Guys, I am so proud of what you are doing. For all of us that have watched you for years now you already had street credibility. To see you continue to grow is a pleasure. Getting certified just make puts any naysayers in their place. Kudos!!!

[@kunoknollenbuddler2167]

The way you tell us with your videos your stories is outstanding. You make difficult things looks like easy. And your guests in this Video gives a perfect illusion of a common every day instruction exercise. I don't want to know, how often you had to shoot the same situation again and again, till the perfect footage are done. In my humble opinion this is cinematographic art at its very best. Thank you for your work and congrats to your brand new licences.

[@SailingUma]

wow thank you for the kind words ❤

[@kunoknollenbuddler2167]

@@SailingUma my pleasure

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Allabroad are ace! So glad you’ve enjoyed being with them. Loved doing my ticket there too. Good to see you wearing killcords too! 😉

[@walkerig1]

Great to see you do this, I think we were all pretty sure you would pass. There were a couple of points in your history where you both started to shine. Dan when he rode out that Hurricane solo and Captain Kika when she did that solo passage and sailed in on to the hook. So many years ago now.

[@bdphourde]

I am truly in awe every time I watch and see how nice a 50 year old Pearson can look when it is loved and cared for! Uma is that! Good job guys! In fact I've watched all of it! I thought your instructor was going to renege on his certification on knowing how to sail because he wanted to see 10 years of experience in blue-water cruising instead of a mere 8! Keep "stepping" out!

[@TheNadOby]

Really liked your instructors, they remainded by their attitude mine from my IYT course. And I don't know how but you showed the learning process in a very attractive and engaging way. But that pretty standard for you. Cheers.

[@seaschool_]

It's so good that you guys did this and caught it so well on camera. A basic qualification like the ICC can really help to make sure that you aren't missing something simple, and most importantly that you are adopting an appropriate mindset for going to sea. I know sailing courses are expensive, but unfortunately, so is running a sailing school! We were really impressed by the quality of the tuition from Allabroad. The thing about sailing is that there is always something new to learn or refine, its why its such a wonderful activity. Do let us know if ever you want to do your Yachtmaster Qualification here in the sunny Solent, with some hefty tides to play with!

[@lonestarcj8132]

Congratulations on the training cert. Experience is the best teacher, especially docking your own boat.

[@teedub1990]

It's like the first successful parallel parking job. Such a great feeling of accomplishment.

[@steves524]

Never stop learning, it makes life interesting ⛵️

[@DrClumber]

Those trainers really know their stuff! I learned about the 'wait til you see the middle of your berth' trick from the guy that built our boat, it is spot on advice that really makes a huge difference to reversing into a berth.

[@UmbertoSconfienza]

just curious, what does it mean? You need to turn when you see the middle of pier or when you see half of the boat next to your berth? Not super clear to me...

[@Johnnybridgo]

Hi Guys great episode, as ever. Really lovely to see Phoebe was with you (OK silently in the background!) on the sailing element of the training, she's one experienced lady who we've sailed with in Greece and great fun to boot!!

[@G11713]

Actually, in Canada boats with motors require the operator to have a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator's Card) which ensures they have knowledge of water way rules and safety stuff. It is an online course, however. :)

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get. But not valid outside Canada.

[@hypervanguy]

Ya its only an online test . My wife who has never stepped on a boat in her life did it at a boat show and passed . The only thing I told her before taking the test was which side port and starboard is and their colours . And yet you can’t operate a pleasure craft with out it .

[@TerminusVox]

Seriously iconic backdrops for your boat handling video!

[@johnrainey6545]

I love seeing "the rock" in your videos. Try to see if you can tour the WWII part of the fortifications. Great episode guys!

[@donmears4090]

So let me get this straight?, you sailed solo across the Atlantic Ocean, then to the Arctic and then you sailed south to take sailing lessons in Gibraltar. I love you two and your adventures, I started watching two and a half years ago then went back to the beginning of your vlog and found out that buying my first couch forty eight years ago was my first mistake at the age of twenty. Thank you for sharing your lives and adventures with me. May you have sunshine, smooth seas and good winds.

[@GeneRossano]

Sure are proud of you Dan and Kika. It's comforting to know that you really do know how to sail. On the other side of this, I think that this was a really very good move. Your certification by a government-authorized agency or school will, over time and with the right government and other people, prove to be invaluable. Smart move. It's always a treat to watch you in action each week.

[@divekatdreaming]

You are so inspiring! The fact is that you have more sailing experience than most people and yet you are continuously learning and improving your skills! James and Miles were awesome!!!

[@stevenclarke2592]

Well done for getting your ICC. Gibraltar has most definitely changed since I was there. Next to the runway used to swing moorings. One thing I noticed that was not mentioned was to check which way the prop turns as that gives you advantage when in windy conditions. Another good video. 👍

[@tomriley5790]

Loved Kika's expression after doing the reverse docking! It looked like it almost happened to fast for her to believe she'd done it:-)! Lovely video! Congratulations, looked like you were having lots of fun!

[@normandlandry1398]

Congratulations on getting the important paperwork. I'm sure there's some Inspiration for a new t-shirt in there somewhere. You are very inspiring for having gotten so far over the last 8 years without the paperwork.

[@danielemele9962]

you were already very convincing .... but now you are unassailable ... great job

[@soggybottom3463]

What a cracking little series this has been...Great to see some superb instructors do their thing too, well done everyone!!! 👏👏👏

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Congrats guys, looked like a fun few days with some super chill instructors. Andy UK

[@keebearfull]

WOW! Kika on the reverse docking. I've never seen anyone whip it into place that quickly, effectively and efficiently. The instructor really knew the vessel and the timing/technique. KIka picked it up straight away!

[@roadboat9216]

So cool. Loved Gibraltar. I am a US Sailing instructor. Taught sailing for years inside and offshore San Francisco, Ca. Also in the Caribbean and Mexico. I learned like you did. The school of hard knocks. But professional training like this can cut years of “hard Knocks” learning off. But……….as you know, the way you learned give you a couple of things that is not the strong point of formal training. EXPERIENCE. In fact, our school requierd students to go out and get some experience before we got into the more advanced training. The other facet that you don’t get so much of is problem solving and situational awareness that is developed by just being out there and HAVING to do it! All good stuff. Love your videos and adventures.

[@winstonfoto6505]

Wow!! I can't put into words how awesome this video was. Awesome all the way around!! 👏

[@cherylsibson2529]

Terrific that awesome that you both passed, thanks for bringing us along!

[@SailingSVPipedream]

First boat I ever took to sea was the boat I designed and built. I pretty much ignored professionals and never did a sailing course. I remember going out to sea and just guessing how to do the sails (I was single-handed too). I managed fine. Now I have ICC and Yachtmaster, but to this day, the only boat I have taken to sea, or sailed (well apart from a Tinker dinghy), is my boat. Now looking back, I would have had an easier time if I had done courses back then. There is a wonderful feeling from bucking the trend and ignoring the standard road, but it is not an easy road and comes with risk. Whereas you rarely regret doing a course.

[@heracliosilva3835]

Congratulations for your achievement! It shows us that folowing some rules are beneficial. But what call my attention the most is that huge cloud on the mountain in thefirst and last image of the video. That tall mountain make amazing clouds!!

[@ToiOraLAT]

Just love seeing your faces each week. Feel like I know both of you after so long watching your entire oeuvre. Really helps me live vicariously from my little Auckland apartment. Vicarious is kinda like cold pizza, not perfect but not half bad when you are hungry!

[@ivorharry6372]

Just love the discipline you exhibit and, the humility and common sense. This is the stuff that makes for competence. Well done.

[@robertlaird6746]

I've got about as much experience as you two on both power and sail but don't have any paperwork to prove it. When I get my boat to sail around the world, I think taking this course would also help me in my travels just like it's going to help you. Thanks for sharing.

[@myblueocean2]

Ha, had a simmilar experience in Australia. Had a license for a long time but Queensland wanted its own, so back to school. But the school boat was a 600 hp rib! Talking about the need for speed! Cheers u 2!

[@jkonet1]

Well done, great job. Some of the most trying times are at or near docks. When it is windy especially with a beam wind, docking can be almost impossible. Just remember to think backwards in reverse and walla, you are perfect!

[@duncan.5228]

Always stressful but very rewarding too. Well done both. You can now sail off and start adventuring 😂

[@johnburton6984]

Fantastic Fantastic, fantastic... Amazing what I picked up and will use.. Thank you 💕 Congratulations on passing.. Want to see you guys in New Zealand.. Take care

[@kalimer0968]

Welp! That was certainly a lot more chill than the german practical exam I had to take for my first boating license. :D Good on you for getting your shiny pieces of paper!

[@jamesa702]

You two have added much to the dynamics of your journey. Such a joy to be able to witness. Thanks so much.

[@suzannechance5876]

Kika....the bloody Royal Marine! I believe that's a compliment!

[@ghost307]

Well, she did captain that Royal Navy ship a few years back.

[@caperguy2000]

In Nova Scotia and rest Canada you have to take a boater safety course and get licensee.You have care it on your person when operating the boat.You do not need it under 10 hp .I love your channel and adventures

[@edwardpardy7866]

Even if the sailboat has a 10hp motor on it, the sails immediately add HP and then the requirement comes back for us to be licenced

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get online. But not valid outside Canada. It’s more of a common sense certificate.

[@01dumbfrog]

I did have the occasion to go out on another boat and I was introduced to a winch handle I had sailed 3000 miles and never used them before just grab a line put around the winch and pull it till it’s tight.

[@greglight3745]

The state of Washington in the US does require a boater license when operating a vessel with more than 15hp. Born prior to 1955 you are exempt. The license is valid with Transport Canada. Washington has an online class and testing procedure for this license.

[@dennisgiles1891]

You guys seemed to have built a really good relationship with James. He seems like a really knowledgeable and friendly guy. Feels like he's becoming a lifelong friend.

[@perryburgess2894]

Docking gives me anxiety. What a great idea, have the instructor at your hip to guide you through. And so worth it to gain skill and reduce whenever possible.

[@cashincrew3103]

Canadians need a PCOC as a minimum! We are all also encouraged to take CPS courses as well. In our part of Canada on the East Coast, some training is needed to safely deal with extreme fog, tides and currents.

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get. But not valid outside Canada.

[@engineeringconsulting5534]

Dan and Kika, I, and I am sure everyone else, was glad to see that y'all passed the sailing course. If not, how embarrassing would that have been; caught on film? But where was the challenge; I didn't see one iceberg..Smile... Thank y'all for sharing. Cheers! Blue Skies, Fair Winds, and Following Seas. Faithfully, James

[@SuperPancake06]

Watching you guys go through boat handling school would be fun to watch, and informative for those of us who don't have as much experience!

[@italianlifestyle7911]

What a life.. I'd sure love to sail my life away!🌅⛵

[@familien4msoplevelsersamtr447]

Tak!

[@terryandreasen5160]

Some great training AND you are in Gibraltar!!!! How cool is that! Love your adventures!

[@saenole66]

Fun episode. I have been power boating for over 65 years and have never taken a boating course. Learned by doing from 3 hp outboard 8’ boats to 250 hp 25 ‘ center consoles. Always been a fisherman so sailing wasn’t applicable.

[@Scrambler49]

Congratulations! Seems as since you have 8 years of sailing experience and you did excellent on the practical exercises you have self taught in the correct procedures. Nice to have the internationally recognized document to prove your expertise.

[@mrm4400]

Well done to you both. You have reason to be very proud of yourselves. Blessings from Cape Town.❤🇿🇦

[@normandlandry1398]

As I'm sure you are planning a reunion with Project Atticus very soon, I'm looking forward to your next multi-part video together. I'm sure you have been tracking each other's progress through and between videos so I'm looking forward to what is yet to come.

[@Jyock]

Living in Spain I had a problem getting g my boating license here because exam are in Spanish. Went to Gibraltar for my RYA Day Skipper course and then applied for ICC. Course was very enjoyable and informative even after owning multiple boats and being a Navy diver for 28 years.

[@Locajabra]

I’ve never thought about your licenses before you mentioned it. You guys have sailed in many types of waters and have definitely shown an extremely high level of competence. I am glad you’ve been able to make it official. Congratulations. Fair winds

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

UK reg. boats do not need an ICC either but, as anyone who sails to France will tell you, it is expected that you have one, as Franch boats require a license. Their test is so basic that accident rates on the French side of the Channel are 1.5 times higher than the UK. Like a car license, you then have to go out and learn.

[@Locajabra]

@@jonathanwetherell3609 You don’t need it on the French side if you’re a citizen or have residency

[@jimilipi5493]

In France, the licence is only for motor boats, with sailboat no licence is required regardless of the size of the sailboat.

[@ericricher]

By the way, you do need a permit in Canada to operate a pleasure craft. It’s called the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You get it through an online training class that covers safety, navigation aids, etc. There is no practical exam and you don’t even have to know how to drive a boat. It easy, maybe too easy, to get. There are also sailing certification similar to that of the RYA and the ASA but they are not mandatory. And finally, to operator a VHF radio, you need a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate.

[@makanimike]

I think there are hardly any countries that require you to be licensed, as long as you don't do it commercially. If you own your own boat, and as long as you don't expect to get anything from any insurance you buy (assuming you are even sold any in the first place)

[@winky32174]

Wow, you guys... Gibraltar has been like an epiphany for you. STCW, Power and Sailing schools... you two may be the most trained 'couple' sailors at this time. Good luck and smooth sailing!

[@XCAK]

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the last three episodes. The learning, training, and for me the safety. The instructors are awesome and very informative 👍🏾 👏🏾.

[@Carsten-Berlin-Wi]

Ha, ha😂 as a german I never thought about you having no licences, my first I had as an 8 year old for sailing my „Optimist“ on the lakes and rivers of Berlin. But we always joked that it was so full of boats that it seemed to be possible walking from one boat to another to cross water.

[@angeliqueward5119]

Well done you guys for going the extra mile to educate yourselves. It is not only to be able to keep yourselves safe but possibly one day to save someone else in destress. Well done for passing with flying colours 🏆🎉⛵️

[@danabg2011]

I think it's important to get the licence. Well done!

[@rayb3117]

You guys are off the charts fun to watch. Congrats on ya shiny piece of plastic / paper to say you are capable sailors. Like we all didn't already know that though. Enjoy!!

[@austinswift1602]

Great job guys, you nailed it! 🙂

[@johndavidwolf4239]

Congrats at now over 400K subscribers.

[@PtangPtangBiscuitBarrelSmith]

If Kika has a bit of spare time, we have a vacancy going for Prime minister...

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

Who are "we" , Brits or Canadian? Doesn't matter, we both need somebody competent. Sigh!

[@SailingJura]

Kika backin it up like a boss, you're a lucky man Dan!

[@defmonk2]

Thanks!

[@SailingUma]

thank you so much for the love Mark ❤☺

[@SailingUma]

thank you so much for the love Mark ❤☺

[@nadavelyashiv]

I am quite shocked you went through all these miles without learning the skippers course perior to that! As someone who couldn't dream about going just a few miles off shore without knowing beyond the basics. Good you did this training! Safe ways in the future! Looking forward to host you in our sailing club in Israel if you come here.

[@tomburton8239]

The UK too doesn’t require a license to operate a boat, well a sailing boat that doesn’t carry paying passengers anyway. FWIW, 40 years ago I got my Competent Crew and Day Skipper tickets (simple stuff) ten years ago - and that was that for 30 years and 60,000 nm. Then, ten years ago, on retiring, I decided to get my Offshore Yachtmaster ticket (the only one bigger than that is Ocean Yachtmaster - which YM + sextant). There were two of us being tested: me (skipper for decades); and the mate of a big charter boat. As it happened, I was ok, but the mate screwed-up big time. She had almost never been in command of the boat, and kept asking what to do, and made a few spectacular nav mistakes - culminating in putting the boat aground. Memories….

[@SailingUma]

Yup. Still don’t “need” it for our boat. But like we said, it’s for those rare times we want to rent a boat for side trips.

[@SailingSVPipedream]

The cool thing is that in the UK, you can design and build a boat too without any need to talk to naval architects etc. First boat I took to sea was mine - I had no training and the boat that I had designed and built had never been inspected. It was a great if somewhat scary feeling, but by that point I already had a lot of faith in my self-taught welding too as a broken gear lever had let me test that on concrete (that dock had no chance). Now with hindsight, I would never recommend such an obtuse solitary approach to getting to sea as it is significantly easier to learn from others than to learn from your own mistakes, but it is great that we are still free enough to make that choice for ourselves.

[@karenrussell9672]

Looks like a great course to take for any boater. Here in Ontario, Canada we need to pass a boating course in order to drive a motor boat.

[@darb4091]

PCOC is Canada wide and has been for at least a decade.

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get. But not valid outside Canada.

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get. But not valid outside Canada.

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get. But not valid outside Canada.

[@scyz2807]

That was a really fun episode. It didn't look to be all that difficult. But then I have a 20 foot pocket yacht and don't keep it at a marina. So I don't have lots of docking in a marina" time. However, I do put my boat into and out of the water every time I sail her. In the process tying off to a dock at the boat launch is required. And what I am quiet skilled at is sailing out of and back into the boat launch - no motor assist at all. That can be very tricky, depending on the winds and other boats in or heading toward the boat launch. So, I think, after seeing your examples, I could probably pass the courses. : - )

[@tammy6992]

The responsiveness of that forward thrust a diesel gave the power to keep you off the dock at that speed

[@SailingUma]

Electric is even faster and more torque. It was strange to get used to how slow and clunky the diesel was in comparison.

[@PhilosophyProf14]

That reverse docking, wow!

[@miro9143]

very nice video, Thx a lot, Shalom from Germany

[@jacklougheed4561]

If you want excellent practice in maneuvering a power boat, and running man-overboard drills: go tubing. It’s fun, a lot of coming around to pick people up, and you get seat time.

[@waynemckee9170]

So, FYI Canada does require a” Pleasure Craft Operator Card” . It’s a written test no on boat testing.

[@SailingUma]

From our understanding, it’s not a license. It’s a basic safety certificate that Canada requires. It’s super easy to get. But not valid outside Canada. And definitely NOT a certificate of competency. It’s more like a common sense card.

[@waynemckee9170]

@@SailingUma your absolutely right but you do need one here to operate a boat and it is super easy to get. Chartering in Greece next summer and they would not accept it. Sent them my experience, 42 years sailing, Power Squadron, Basic Boating, Seamanship Sail and Advance Piloting and they waved the ICC requirement. None of these courses include on water testing. Not sure they knew that but looks like we’re good to go.

[@jamiej779]

RYA is a fantastic organisation in the UK its standards are high and training is great well worth doing I’m ex RN but gained my RYA Powerboat level 4 and RYA Day Skipper and Dinghy sailing over the years. Well worth doing but would just like to say I have sailed with a few skippers with higher RYA Qualifications in the past and they were rubbish. Great Vlog guys Love Gibraltar 😂

[@sheerluckholmes5468]

Learning to back a boat into a tight spot is definitely a good skill to have in Europe especially, where mostly you tie off at the stern.

[@donnakawana]

Kika ,Girly you blacked into that berth like confident sista... You inspire me on my journey. I'm grateful for all the stuff you've both taught us thru your own intelligence an moxie.. Thanks for sharing your lives with us ✌🏼💗😊❣️

[@BohemianBeatster]

I think that was a smart thing to do. Not just for you but for your viewer's as well.

[@saltlessshakedowns4999]

Congratulations on having someone affirm what you already know. It is like winning an academy award basically worthless but but makes you feel accomplished.... Regardless of your real abilities sorta like my degree or any other government document I have every received... Good on you for sharing the experience!

[@jorgeconcheyro]

In AR you have to go through 3 training courses (timonel-patron-piloto) to be able to cross oceans. Love the channel guys!!!!

[@tomaskrashevsky818]

To be honest guys, I think you did that just for fun and because you could for a nice video content. Anyone who does the power boat training and especially sailing, would know, if they only saw your channel, that you can be given yacht master ocean certificates right away. Your skills as well as humongous sailing experience qualify you for that without any doubt. You know how to sail a boat, know how to go under power, how to manoeuvre in ports and marinas, you know how to navigate, plan and calculate you course, including currents and tides. Man, good fun though.

[@banyameadow8864]

the speechless joy after first time backwards docking I know very well. But I know as well you have to be alert for the 2nd one. This one is mostly a mess, as we could see. But take it easy, everything goes better with practice and I’m sure you will nail it. I docked my father’s boat for the first time in a sneaky place and now I’m looking forward for my 2nd try in the next season 🙈

[@neilfairbrother5803]

Would also be useful for boat handling to spend a week or so doing "bumps & grinds" in areas with a high tidal range such as the Solent.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

Learning how to get a single line on and then using the engine to pin makes docking so simple. And yet where I am almost no one ever does it.

[@lotophagi711]

As an experienced PB driver the only criticism I have is that there were no checks behind before putting into gear - avoids rope tangles or chopping up people in the water... Don't laugh I've seen both happen.

[@jamesholmanbjj]

They did check. Just not on the video. 15 minutes of a 16 hour course. :)

[@deanparsons9512]

You do you need a boating license in Canada it’s called boat Smart Canada. You can complete it online. you have to be 16 years of age to complete it.

[@SailingUma]

It’s not a license. Just a common sense card. And not worth diddly outside Canada.

[@howardhudson11]

Good call Miles. And I hope you found them to be good students.

[@svenbeowulfsson641]

Great, congratulations on the two licenses. Now you are officially "able" to sail sailboats and motorboats with large engine power. It was funny to see that you, both with great experience in sailing, mooring and maneuvering your sailboat with electric motor in international waters, now had to prove your knowledge on a sailboat with diesel engine. The powerboat was exciting to see, but you have mastered it very well. Sven from Sweden

[@alleycat5472]

Wow. Great job. Looking forward to the visitors visit. As always Thanks for Sharing :)

[@julianbatcheler9970]

Same in the UK. We don’t need any docs. But the ICC seems to be becoming more common and helpful to have.

[@sockeatinggolden8316]

I cannot suggest a grab box or bag enough. I operate my speedboat and my parents' pontoon. I have an orange dry box that I keep in my truck that has keys and emergency supplies. Both boats are also equipped.