TLDR;)
In Black Sea School I learnt all the foundations of handling a yacht. Knots and ropework are no trouble, and I learnt the terminology as thoroughly as my times tables. On the other hand, all we did was practise techniques. In effect, we left #bss as experienced crew, rather than skippers.
In Kabestan I gained passage-making experience, from berthing bow to wind to keep the draught out of the saloon, to planning longer passages. Their theory gave me a strong foundation: even six years later, I remember the phonetic alphabet, chartwork and meteorology. But would I have got as much from the course without having studied at BSS first? I’m not sure. Perhaps Rita and Yulia could share their thoughts.
I’m glad I took both courses. They complement each other perfectly. My confidence in my understanding of seamanship comes from having studied at both schools.
At the same time, RYA qualifications are better known to charter companies, and sailing English is the language sailors are generally expected to use with each other. That’s probably the system I’ll continue with. A shame #kabestan has closed. Perhaps my next school will be #forcesail.
In Black Sea School I learnt all the foundations of handling a yacht. Knots and ropework are no trouble, and I learnt the terminology as thoroughly as my times tables. On the other hand, all we did was practise techniques. In effect, we left #bss as experienced crew, rather than skippers.
In Kabestan I gained passage-making experience, from berthing bow to wind to keep the draught out of the saloon, to planning longer passages. Their theory gave me a strong foundation: even six years later, I remember the phonetic alphabet, chartwork and meteorology. But would I have got as much from the course without having studied at BSS first? I’m not sure. Perhaps Rita and Yulia could share their thoughts.
I’m glad I took both courses. They complement each other perfectly. My confidence in my understanding of seamanship comes from having studied at both schools.
At the same time, RYA qualifications are better known to charter companies, and sailing English is the language sailors are generally expected to use with each other. That’s probably the system I’ll continue with. A shame #kabestan has closed. Perhaps my next school will be #forcesail.
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