13.00 hours we had top pick up the examinator in La Linea marina , and we made sure Stellar, our yacht for the event was spick and span. We both were very nervous and Tim and Rob, our faithfull crewmembers had to endure the snarling and bossing from us , trying to get everything as perfect as possible before the exam started.
We picked up Dave exactly at 13.00 hrs and he told us to anchor in the bay outside La Linea, Spain where our paperwork was checked and we received instructions .
Elaine went off to make a passage plan to take us to Tarifa, in the Straits of Gibraltar while Paul went on deck and showed Tim and Rob how to rig a spinnaker pole for holding the headsail opposite the main when the wind comes from behind.
After that we set off in very light winds. During the day we both were tested continuously on navigation, weather, rules of the road etc.
Finally we were tought how to use a sextant sideways to fix a position ;-)
It was not before 22.30 that night when we finally were told we both passed our exam and could call ourselves Yachtmasters.
We were very happy and fellt great relieve now the 14 week drilling had finally paid off.
This paper is going to be our passport to a future of sailing , starting for the winter months, but hopefully permanently.
We want to thank Peter and Carrie from Pasa, the sailing school we attended, and we can recommend them to anyone who wants to obtain any RYA qualification. http://www.pasa.gi/
Spinnaker pole rigged
Paul and crew enjoying the day while Elaine was down below navigating
No comment !
Tim gave a live performance on his flute to celebrate .
