International Flotilla Skipper Sail – Catamaran

This is a 5 to 6 day course aimed at increasing a student’s knowledge sufficiently to be a watchkeeper or a flotilla skipper on a live-aboard sailing catamaran.

Joining a “flotilla” is a fun and exciting way to learn how to confidently skipper a charter yacht for the very first time. A group of boats sail together (flotilla) along a set route, with a “lead boat” in charge, overseeing the safety of all the boats where all the boats are within range of a VHF radio call if required. Before departing in the morning, a route is planned for the day with a set destination for the evenings so that all the boats can anchor or tie up to a mooring buoy (before dark) for the night. Generally speaking, flotillas are restricted to passages close to shore, in fair weather and in good visibility.  They are usually followed in the evenings by a beach bar-b-que or dinner together in a social atmosphere where students can swap stories and learn from each other. It is a great way to make new friends and build your confidence, while still enjoying the freedom of being in command of your own vessel with your family and friends.

• Candidates should be 16 years of age or over.
• No prerequisite sea time required for this certificate
• Must have taken IYT’s International Crew physical course with an IYT Partner School (candidates must either hold an IYT International Crew Certificate proving they have taken and passed the course, OR, a gold seal affixed to the IYT Boating & Sailing Passport signed by the school’s principal). Or they must hold an equivalent qualification from another training organisation
• Hold an IYT VHF Radio Operators Certificate or equivalent from another training organisation.
  * Please note that we do not accept ISSA VHF qualifications. 
  (If you are unsure if your radio license will be accepted, please send a scanned copy of the front and back of your license to [email protected].  We will verify that your license is sufficient to receive the IYT International Flotilla Skipper Catamaran license).  

If a candidate already holds an IYT Flotilla or Bareboat Skipper Sail certificate, the modules for catamaran training should be a 1.5 to 2 day course.   A review of the Flotilla or Bareboat Skipper course should be considered at the beginning of the course.

Those who have obtained the International Flotilla Skipper Sail – Catamaran qualification, can automatically obtain the “International Certificate of Competency” (ICC), provided the student meets the requirements as laid down by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Resolution 40).  Please click this link for more information.  Please note that the ICC Certificate will not state “catamaran”.

Certificate Limitations

• Command of a catamaran sailboat up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 metres as part of a flotilla
• In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore
• In fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions
  • Most charter agencies will insist on daylight hours as a condition to charter.

It is the level of competence required when chartering a boat in the Mediterranean or West Indies where there are restrictions in terms of cruising area and distance from the base.

The “depth of knowledge” required for the theory portion of the International Flotilla Skipper Sail – Catamaran course, is the same as required for the International Bareboat Skipper Sail – Catamaran course, however,  the International Flotilla Skipper Sail – Catamaran qualification is a great |”stepping stone” to safely acquiring the 200 miles and 10 days at sea as required to be awarded the IYT “International Bareboat Skipper Sail – Catamaran” qualification.