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Find from the full list of classes Please select 10 Rater 11 Metre One Design 125 12ft Skiff 12m 13ft Skiff 16ft Skiff 1720 18ft Skiff 1D35 1DL 2.4m 2000 29er 29erxx 3000 4000 405 420 470 49er 49er FX 5.5m 505 59er 6m 707 8m A Class Catamaran A Scow AC40 AC45 AC50 AC72 AC75 AC9F ACC Adams 10 Ajax Albacore Albin Express AltO Artemis 20 Australian Sharpie B14 Bahamian Sloop Bembridge One Design Bembridge Redwing Beneteau Beneteau 40.7 Beneteau First 21.7 Beneteau First 22A Beneteau First 31.7 Beneteau First Class 8 Bic Techno Bittern Blaze Blokart Bluenose Blusail 24 Boss Bosun Brightlingsea One Design British Moth Broads One Design Bug Bull 7000 BUSA Buzz Byte C Class Cat C Scow C&C 30 Cadet Cal 20 Cape 31 Catalina 22 Catalina 37 Catamaran Catapult CB66 Challenger Charter Powerboat Charter Yacht Cherub Chichester Scow Class 40 Class Mini 5.80 Classic & Vintage Dinghy Classic Yachts Clipper 70 Clipper Ventures ClubSwan 28 ClubSwan 36 ClubSwan 50 Colgate 26 Comet Comet Duo Comet Trio Comet Versa Contender Contessa 26 Contessa 28 Contessa 32 Conwy Fife One Design Cornish Crabber Couta Boat CR:X Cruising Yacht D-One D-Zero Daring Dart 15 Dart 15 Sport Dart 16 Dart 18 Decision 35 Devon Yawl DF95 Dhow Diam 24OD Dinghy Dinghy Cruising Association Disabled DN Ice Yacht Dolphin Dragon Dragonfly Drascombe DX 15 DYAS E-Boat EAORA East Coast One Design ECHO Elliott 5.9 Elliott 6m Elliott 7 Enterprise Environment eSailing Esse 850 IC Etchells ETF26 Europe Extreme 40 F101 F50 FarEast 23 FarEast 26 FarEast 28 Farr 280 Farr 3.7 Farr 30 Farr 40 Farr 400 Farr 45 Farr 52 Fast 40 Figaro Finn Fireball Firebird Firefly Fish Class Fisher Fishing boat Flying 11 Flying Ant Flying Dutchman Flying Fifteen Flying Junior Flying Mantis Flying Phantom Flying Scot Flying Tiger Folkboat Footy Formula 16 Formula 18 Formula 20 Formula Windsurfing Fotoboat Foundation 36 Fowey River Class Foxcub 18 Foxer Fusion Gaffers GC32 Golden Globe Race GP14 GP42 Graduate Grand Surprise Gull H boat H class H22 Hadron Hadron H2 Half Tonner Halo Hamble Star Hansa Hartley 14 Hartley TS16 Hawk 20 Heatwave Heron Hobie 14 Hobie 15 Hobie 16 Hobie 17 Hobie 18 Hobie Dragoon Hobie Fox Hobie Tiger Hobie Wild Cat HOD35 Hornet HP30 HPR Hunter Formula One Hurricane 5.9 SX IC24 IC37 Icon IDRA 14 ILCA 4 ILCA 6 ILCA 7 Illusion IMCO IMOCA Impala 28 Impulse IMS International 12 International 14 International A Class International Canoe International Moth International One Design IOR iQFoil IRC IRM ISO J Class J/121 J/122 J/22 J/24 J/27 J/35 J/44 J/88 J/97 J/99 J100 J105 J109 J111 J120 J133 J70 J80 J92 Javelin Javelin Skiff Jeanneau JMST JOD 35 John Merricks Sailing Trust Joshua One-Design Junk K1 K2 K6 Ker 11.3 Kestrel Kirby Torch Kiteboarding Knarr Korsar KZV L30 Land Yacht Lapwing Lark Laser 13 Laser 16 Laser 2 Laser 5000 Laser Bahia Laser EPS Laser Pico Laser Stratos Laser Vago Leader Libera Lightning Lightning 368 Liverpool Bay Falcon Loch Long One Design Longtze M Class M32 M34 M4 Magic 25 Manly Junior Marauder Marauder 8.4 Marblehead Marine Industry MarineVerse Martin 16 Match Racing Maxi Maxi 72 Class Maxi Cat Maxi One Design MC Scow MC38 Melges 14 Melges 15 Melges 17 Melges 20 Melges 24 Melges 32 Melges 40 Melges E Scow Melges X Boat Menai Straits One Design Merlin Rocket Mersea Fishermans Open Boats Micro Tonner Mini Tonner Mini Transat Minisail Minnow Miracle Mirror Misc MOCRA MOD70 Model Yachting Mosquito Mothquito MRX Multi 50 Mumm 36 Musto Skiff Nacra Nacra 15 Nacra 17 National 12 National 18 Nicholson 32 Nikki Noelex Norfolk 14 Foot One Design Norfolk Punt NS14 NSSA O'pen Skiff Ocean Globe Race OCEAN50 OK One Metre OneFly Open 30 Open 35 Open 40 Open 50 Open 7.50 Open 70 Optimist ORC ORMA 60 Osprey Oyster Oz Goose P class Pac 52 Pacer Pandora Paper Tiger Peacoq Persico 69F Persico Fly40 Phantom PHRF Piper Pirat Platu 25 Poole AB Power boat Power Cat Prima 38 Projection 762 Puddle Duck Racer Q Class Quarter Tonner R19 Race Committee Radio Sailing RC Laser RC35 RC44 Rebel RedFox Redwing Reedling RG65 Rhodes 19 RIB River Cruiser RL24 Rooster 8.1 Royal Burnham One Design Royal Corinthian One Design Royal Mersey Mylne RS Aero 5 RS Aero 6 RS Aero 7 RS Aero 9 RS Cat14 RS CAT16 RS Elite RS Feva RS Neo RS Quba RS Quest RS Tera RS Vareo RS Venture RS Vision RS Zest RS:One RS:X RS100 RS200 RS21 RS300 RS400 RS500 RS600 RS600FF RS700 RS800 Ruffian RYA Sailability S80 S9 Sabot Sabre Sabre 27 Sailing Holiday Sailrocket SailX Salcombe Yawl San Juan 21 Sandhopper Santana 20 SB20 Scorpion Scow Sea View One Design Seafly Seascape 18 Seaview Mermaid Setley Cup Shadow Shannon One Design Shark 24 Sharpie Shearwater Shields Shrimper Sigma 33 Sigma 38 SigneT SK2 Skate SKEETA SKUD 18 SL16 Smeralda 888 Snipe Soling Solo Solution Sonar Sonata Soto 40 SP80 Speed Record Challenge Spice Spitfire Splash Sportsboats Sprite Squib SSL47 St Mawes One Design Star Starling Stella Streaker Sun Fast 30 Sun Odyssey 410 Sunbeam Sunbird Sunfish Sunsail F40 Superfoiler Supernova Superyacht Surprise SV14 Swallow Swan Swan 42 Swan 60 Switch Swordfish Sydney 38 SZV Taipan Tall Ships Tasar Team Racing Tempest TF10 TF35 Thames A Rater Thistle Tideway Tinker Tiwal 3R Topaz Topaz 14 Topaz 16 Topaz Argo Topaz Magno Topaz Omega Topaz Taz Topaz Vibe Topaz Xenon Topper Topper 4.2 Topper Breeze Topper Sport 14 Topper Sport 16 Tornado Tortola Sloop TP52 Trimaran Troy Ultim Ultimate 20 Ultra 30 Unicorn Vaurien Victory Viper Viper 640 Virtual Regatta VJ Volvo 70 Volvo One-Design Vortex VPRS VX One Wally Wanderer WASZP WASZP_X Water Wag Waverley Wayfarer Weta Windermere 17ft Yacht WindRider Windsurfing Wineglass Wing Foil Wivenhoe One Design X-332 X-35 X-41 X-99 X-Treme 26 X-Yacht X1 XOD XR 41 Yachting World Dayboat Yare & Bure One Design Yarmouth One Design Yeoman/Kinsman Yngling Yorkshire One-Design Young 88 Zoom8

UK Nationals Gear Guide in association with Selden

Please select a class Please select 1720 (0) 18ft Skiff (0) 2.4m (0) 3000 (0) 420 (4) 470 (0) 505 (0) A Class Catamaran (0) Ajax (1) Albacore (1) B14 (0) British Moth (2) Cadet (0) Challenger (0) Cherub (0) Contender (12) Contessa 26 (0) Contessa 32 (0) Dart 15 (1) Dart 15 Sport (0) Dart 18 (0) Devon Yawl (0) Dragon (0) Enterprise (0) Etchells (0) Europe (1) Finn (1) Fireball (2) Firefly (0) Flying Dutchman (0) Flying Fifteen (2) Folkboat (1) Formula 18 (0) GP14 (0) Graduate (1) Heron (0) Hornet (4) Hunter Formula One (0) Illusion (0) Impala 28 (0) International 14 (0) International Canoe (0) International Moth (0) J/24 (0) J105 (0) J109 (0) J70 (0) J80 (0) J92 (0) Javelin (0) Kestrel (0) Lark (2) Leader (0) Lightning 368 (0) Marblehead (0) Melges 24 (0) Merlin Rocket (1) Minisail (0) Miracle (3) Mirror (5) MOCRA (1) National 12 (2) National 18 (0) OK (10) One Metre (0) Optimist (0) Osprey (5) Phantom (0) Quarter Tonner (0) Redwing (0) Salcombe Yawl (0) Sandhopper (0) Scorpion (2) Seafly (0) Sharpie (0) Shearwater (0) Sigma 33 (0) Sigma 38 (0) Snipe (0) Soling (0) Solo (3) Solution (2) Sonar (0) Sonata (4) Splash (0) Squib (4) Streaker (10) Sunbeam (0) Supernova (0) Swallow (0) Tempest (0) Thames A Rater (0) Tornado (0) Unicorn (0) VX One (0) Wanderer (0) Wayfarer (0) XOD (4) Yachting World Dayboat (0) Yeoman/Kinsman (0)

Class Finder

Find a class of boat quickly with our easy-to-use options:

Search for boat type dinghies keelboats catamarans trimarans for any number of crew singlehanded sailing doublehanded sailing three-man sailing with any number of trapezes no trapeze 1 trapeze 2 trapezes 3 trapezes and any number of sails only a mainsail a mainsail & jib only a mainsail, jib & spinnaker a mainsail & spinnaker only

Championship Attendance

The full attendance table can be found here

If your class has had its championships but your attendance is not shown then please email us the figure and we will update the database. You can sort the data by each of the years shown, by alphabetical order or by number of people at an event.

The figure is the number of boats to start at least one race at a championship. For combined championships (such as Worlds and nationals), only the UK boats are counted. For open national championships all competitors are included.

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Understanding the Classification of Yachts A, B, C and D

Understanding the Classification of Yachts A, B, C and D:

  Since 1998, Europe (EEC) classifies yachts according to 4 categories A or B or C or D and this is a law. In order to sell a boat in the large territory of the EEC, it must be classified with a plate that mentions its classification and it must be clearly visible inside the boat, usually near the helm.

At first glance, it sounds very good when you hear class A, but what is it really, what are the differences, is it necessary to acquire a class A…

The brokers at ItaYachtsCanada have written an article on this subject in the past ( click here ), but here are the important characteristics to know about the subject.

The classification allows you to know in which kind of sea intensity you can safely venture, that is to say, taking into account the wind and the wave height in reference to the Beaufort index.

(At the end of this text, there is an explanation of the classes according to the Beaufort index).

Let’s say we focus on class A and B, on the major differences.

First of all, the differences are not very visible to the naked eye or it takes a trained eye to see them.

Depending on the type of water you plan to sail and if the weather guides you on each trip, a B class is also a very good choice.

Of course, you must have all the required safety equipment on board.

Ideally, a boater should always sail in rather peaceful conditions, taking into account the weather first. We always say that boating is fun, so stay away from difficult sailing situations. (Ideally, always with a Beaufort index of 6 and less, ideally a Beaufort index of 4 and less).

Many manufacturers have retained the parameters of the B class to build their boats, mainly for reasons of production costs and that boaters in general do not care much about these characteristics.

The problem is how to differentiate between the vast range of B class boats, how to distinguish those that are closer to an A class (B +) from those that are built as (B -).

How to find your way around, especially for a layman…

It is important to know that some manufacturers build their boats with an A approach, but without respecting all the mandatory specifications to be classified A.

Here are some guidelines to quickly see if the manufacturer has done things right.

– Inspect the portholes and closing mechanisms (Plastic or Metal)

– The presence of numerous drains to evacuate water (at the fly and cockpit), it is essential to be able to evacuate any water accumulation quickly.

– Height of the freeboard.

– Engine access hatch, well insulated and secured for water leaks.

– Bilge pumps (number, size and capacity)

– Mechanism to pump water from the engine room massively (e.g. possibility to use the engine water pumps with a joystick)

– The center of gravity of the boat is well balanced (rather low).

Hull joints, a very low center of gravity, excellent weight distribution, electrical system (24 V), are also part of the certification criteria especially for A boats, but difficult to assess for a yachtsman.  It is possible, but in a summary way.

The CE classification allows to differentiate yachts according to certain criteria present, we are talking mainly about structural strength, integrity of essential parts of the hull, reliability of propulsion, steering systems, power generation and all other features installed on board to help ensure the essential services of the yacht.

Therefore, it is important to understand that a Class A yacht is built to a much higher standard than a Class B. This is not reflected in the luxurious appearance of the boat.

What you have to remember is that the major enemy for a boat, besides a fire, is water infiltration on board which can destabilize the behavior of the boat, cause a stop of the engines, major electrical problems, in short which can quickly put the boat out of use and/or out of control.

A classification body such as RINA (see list at the end of this text) has been checking the activities of builders and classifying yachts for over 20 years.

If the boat is sold in the European Community, the classification is mandatory and must be visible near the cockpit. This same classification is not present when the boat is intended for North America or very rarely.

Do not hesitate to contact a professional broker, he will be able to guide you according to your needs, your criteria and especially the places of navigation.

As the CE classification is not always displayed when the boat is destined for the North American market, here are some references on this subject based on the most recent data available (subject to change without notice):

P.S. Let’s mention that as a general rule yachts over 80 ft are Class A, but according to the rules in place, the classification is no longer mandatory or mentioned beyond 79 ft.

Class A (yachts over 50 ft):

BEST KNOWN MODELS :

Ferretti 500, 550, 670 and up

Pershing : 7X and up

Azimut 62, 64, 66, 68 Fly and up

Azimut S8 and up

Azimut Magellano : the whole range

Sunseeker Sport yacht 65, Yacht 88 and up

Princess yacht 80 and up (TBC)

Marquis Yachts (no longer in production)

Montecarlo MCY 66 and up

Searay L650

Class B (yachts over 50 ft):

Sunnseeker 52 fly, 55 fly , 66 fly, 68 fly, Sport Yacht 74, 76 Yacht

Azimut 50 fly, 55 fly, 60 fly, S6 and all Atlantis

Princess : all yachts under 70 ft

Princess Y72, Y78 and less

Ferretti 580 fly

All Absolute

All Fairline

All Beneteau & Jeanneau & Monte Carlo 52

All Searay except L650.

All Cruisers Yachts

For more information, here is an article published by the brokers at ItaYachtsCanada, click here .

There is also the dry weight which can help determine a quality yacht.

Don’t hesitate to compare yachts of the same size based on dry weight, you may be surprised.

For example, a 52′ yacht that weighs 30,000 lbs empty compared to another one that weighs 60,000 lbs empty, ask yourself some questions.

But be careful, it is more and more difficult to get the manufacturers’ empty weights. They have understood the importance of being rather vague on the subject or of making comparisons more difficult. Indeed, we are talking about LIGHT WEIGHT, which is difficult to measure.

The manufacturer who has confidence in thier boat will have no difficulty in giving a total warranty of at least 12 months, 24 and even 36 months.  Please note the  difference here between the manufacturer’s warranty and the dealer’s warranty .

Many European manufacturers sell their boats to dealers in America without a warranty. This means that the dealer assumes the full 12-month warranty out of his profit from the sale. The engine manufacturer, on the other hand, honors its own warranty such as Volvo, Cummins, Caterpillar, MAN, MTU, Yanmar. For other major components, it will be up to you to take the necessary steps to have the warranty honored, such as for the generator, the air conditioning, the thrusters, etc…

Therefore, acquiring a boat requires a much more specialized expertise than that of a car! Contact ITA Yachts Canada Inc. to speak with a professional and independent broker with experience in the following markets (Canada, United States and Europe whether the boat is new or used).

MORE INFORMATION.

Here is some more information about the classification, what the law in Europe says about it.

Here are some links to help you understand the Beaufort index in direct relation with the classification of yachts sold on the territory of the EEC:

Click here for the TRANSPORT CANADA website

Click here for an article on Wikipedia (more descriptive with photo).

According to the EEC rules, here is the description:

The classification of vessels marked “CE

CE marked vessels are classified into four design categories according to their ability to cope with sea conditions characterized by wind speed and significant wave height. Depending on the type of navigation practiced, the boater must choose a vessel whose design category authorizes such practice.

– Design Category A: Recreational vessels designed for winds that can exceed force 8 (on the Beaufort scale) and for waves that can exceed a significant height of 4 meters, excluding exceptional conditions such as storms, severe storms, tornadoes and extreme sea conditions or huge waves (these conditions exclude force 10 and following).

– Design Category B: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 8 and for waves up to and including 4 meters in significant height.

– Design Category C: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 6 and for waves up to and including two meters in significant height.

– Design Category D: Pleasure craft designed for winds up to and including force 4 and for waves up to and including 0.30 meters, with occasional waves up to and including 0.50 meters.

Vessels in each of these design categories shall be designed and constructed to withstand the parameters of each of these categories, with respect to buoyancy, stability and other relevant requirements, and to have good maneuverability characteristics.

The known classification bodies for the EEC:

RINA (Registro Italiano Navale),

BV (Bureau Veritas),

DNV (Det Norske Veritas),

Germanischer Lloyd,

LR (Lloyd’s Register).

Ita Yachts Canada provides the information in this article in good faith but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the status of the data. It is the responsibility of the reader to instruct their agents or experts to verify and validate the information in this article.

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World’s Coolest Boats: The Dabchick class

• September 27, 2024

We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative boats of our times. Onne van der Wal nominates the Dabchick

“The ‘Dabbie’ was a very popular youth boat and one of the best training boats ever. Every person that made it in sailing in South Africa started out on the Dabbie. Designed by Jack Koper and made of three sheets of plywood over a wooden meranti frame it is very simple and inexpensive to build.

“The boat has a flat deck, and a scow-like bow with no cockpit – so in breezy conditions the boat just keeps going and never fills up. The mast is very simple: deck stepped with a main and fractional jib.

“The boat was perfect for the windy Cape Town sailing scene where the south-easter’ regularly blows in excess of 20 knots. The Dabchicks class is still alive and well and the fleet numbers close to 5,000 boats all over South Africa.

“I have very fond wet and cold memories of sailing a Dabchick my father built for me out of Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Club, Cape Town. The Dabbie gave me the passion for sailing which led onto keelboats and then the international circuit, my Everest being winning the 1981/82 Whitbread Race as bowman and photographer on Flyer.”

Photo: Onne van der Wal

Make sure you check out our full list of  Coolest Yachts .

Dabchick class stats rating

Top speed: 12 knots LOA: 3.6m/11.8ft Launched: 1956 Berths: 0 Price: from £700 Adrenalin factor: 60%

Onne van der Wal

Onne van der Wal is one of the most respected photographers in yachting. Born in the Netherlands, he grew up in South Africa. After joining the Dutch crew on Flyer in the 1981 Whitbread he moved to Newport, RI, and has spent nearly four decades shooting the world’s top regattas and sail expeditions.

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200 Course 300

MPT is the most complete full service private maritime school in the country and has been training mariners since 1983. Our Fort Lauderdale based campuses host over 45,000 square feet of classrooms, deck and engineering training labs, the Ship's Store, and student service facilities.

Preparing for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master...

Course description.

  Yachtmaster Certificate of Competency

The Yachtmaster Qualification is the pinnacle of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training and Certification System. It is widely recognized throughout the world as a prestigious accomplishment.

 Holding this credential can:

- Improve your resume for any deck department position on yachts - Serve as prerequisite training for an MCA OOW 3000 GT CoC - Professional Development in your yachting career  - Serve as your Certificate of Competence (CoC) for operators of yachts up to 200 tons

The Yachtmaster Course should be undertaken by crew aspiring to advance to the MCA OOW level up to 3000 tons and by those who are advancing to the command level for Master of Yachts up to 200 tons.

  2 Routes Available – Same Course:

Yachtmaster Coastal Yachtmaster Offshore

Yachting professional candidates are encouraged to start their training and professional development as early in their career as possible. Many will take their STCW Basic Safety Training Program (#140) and then when they qualify, it is recommended to obtain the Yachtmaster Coastal CoC. Candidates wishing to upgrade to the offshore route later can simply examine, without additional required training.

Whether you qualify for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, the training is the same. The only difference is your experience and practical skill level. You will be examined towards whichever level you qualify for.

The MPT Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Course (#300) is taught on a Motor Yacht and the practical training and examination are towards a Motor Certificate of Competence. (If you are applying for a Sail Endorsement, this course will not satisfy your practical training and exam requirements). All sea time must be on a power boat and not on a sail boat under power. The Theory, SRC, PPR, and Basic Training courses are the same for both schemes.

The MPT Yachtmaster advanced level certification is available in a 2 week + exam program combining shore-based theory and practical hands-on techniques for a Motor Vessel and the RYA Practical Examination. The first week of class is in the classroom (theory) and the second week is Practical, out on the boat. In addition, there will be class on Saturday of the first week so please plan accordingly.

YACHTMASTER COASTAL & OFFSHORE Subjects Include:

One week (40 hours) of comprehensive shore-based theory module with written assessment papers including navigation, tidal calculations, international and inland rules of the road, coastal pilotage, meteorology, anchoring and mooring, docking and undocking, buoyage systems, safety, voyage and passage planning, general ship knowledge and seamanship.  A theory examination will be conducted after the completion of the 40-hour theory portion of the program.

One week of Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal practical training is conducted on board one of MPT’s Yachts. These yachts are up to 48’ and are twin screw motor yachts. This part of the instruction covers seamanship skills such as nautical terms, tides, marlinespike seamanship, anchor work, boat handling, docking, general yachting skills, basic weather, navigation and passage planning. This course will be a preparation course for your final Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Examination. The practical portion of the course will be conducted during daytime, evening and occasionally may include weekend hours.

The Yachtmaster Course #300 is an Advanced Review Course and it is assumed that candidates will have the prerequisite knowledge of the Basics of Navigation and recommended to the level of RYA Day Skipper, and the very least, the level of the Essential Navigation On-line course. To increase your likelihood of success, we recommend taking the online pre-course - ESSENTIAL NAVIGATION. Additionally, flash cards are available in the MPT Ship's Store for rules study in lights and shapes. Also, many Apps are available to assist in these subjects for pre-study. It is also strongly advised that you pick up your study material well in advance of the start of your course. Pre-study is essential for a successful outcome of this course. 

The RYA Yachtmaster course is accredited by the RYA and MCA and recognized for service as Captain or Mate (OOW) up to 200gt up to 150 miles from a safe haven, at the Offshore level or up to 60 miles from safe haven at the Coastal level. 

The Yachtmaster CoC meets the STCW A-V1/1 and section A V1/1-4 when combined with Basic Training Courses. Yachtmaster Offshore fulfills the prerequisite for MCA OOW 500 and 3000 GT and the MCA STCW A-II/2 Command Certificate for Master 200GT.

Sea Service Prerequisites (minimums): Note you must be able to provide proof of your sea service before undertaking the exam. This should be provided at least 2 weeks before the course when possible to allow our team to review it and ensure your eligibility for the course. Speak to your MPT Career Counselor or your instructor for assistance.

 Sea Service can be proven by submitting one or more of the following: 

• Log book (RYA or other acceptable)
• Sea Service Testimonial Letters from captains, owners or operators of vessels outlining vessel specifics, time underway, your capacity served onboard and the location of the service (tidal or non-tidal waters, etc).
• Sea Service Forms (calendar style - provided you can supply all of the additional information such as number of miles, etc.) Method 2 is preferred.

Yachtmaster Coastal: Motor - Option 1

Without RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate:

• 2 days as skipper on vessels of less than 24 meters

Note: No more than half of the required miles can be on vessels over 24 meters

Yachmaster Coastal: Motor – Option 2 A & B

  With RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate:

Can be used to enter OOW 3000GT program and modules

A. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels less than 24 meters

• 20 days on board
• 2 days as skipper on vessel less than 24 meters

B. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels greater than 24 meters

• 30 days on board

Yachtmaster Offshore: Motor  

• 50 days sea time overall on motor vessels
• 5 days in the command position on the vessel (as Master)
• 2500 nautical miles logged with half transiting through tidal waters and half on a vessel of less than 24 meters that is not a tender.
• 5 passages over 60 nautical miles, including 2 overnight and 2 in command (as Master) of vessel.        

Yachtmaster Ocean:

• Obtain Yeachmaster Offshore
• Complete the RYA astro/ocean shorebased theory #306
• Ocean passage of 600 nautical miles or more as captain or mate
• Complete oral exam with RYA examiner successfully

For Commercial Endorsement:

In addition to the SRC and First Aid (must have been taken within 5 years) you will need to obtain an MCA Certificate of Medical Fitness (ENG-1) as well as the Personal Survival Training (4 Modules of STCW 210) and the online Professional Practices & Responsibilities (PPR) Certificate. If you are planning to work commercially, you should simply add the STCW Basic Training Program, which will include the approved Personal Survival and First Aid automatically and will also allow your Yachtmaster CoC to have the STCW endorsement as well. Most boats internationally require this of all crew working commercially. We also recommend the Security Awareness or Designated Security (VPDSD) Course if you are working commercially as well. These are all separate fees from the Yachtmaster Course however MPT offers Package discounts, speak to an MPT RYA Specialist for more information and assistance. There is also a fee candidates will pay to the RYA for the commercial endorsement.

Written & Practical Exam Information:

The written exams are administered at MPT at the end of the shore-based theory segment of your program. They include all of the topics covered in the course. All of the shore-based courses and experience criteria must be fulfilled before the RYA Examiner will conduct the practical assessment. The final exam will be conducted by an independent and unbiased RYA Yachtmaster examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral and practical examination on a motor yacht. Candidates who have taken MPT's Yachtmaster course may use one of the MPT vessels for the exam at no additional fee. The practical exam will take an additional one-two day and is scheduled when the examiner is available and generally immediately after the course, weather permitting.  Once your eligibility has been reviewed (sea time and prerequisites met), the schedule for the practical examination is predicated on several things:

1)The weather as this is a practical underway examination 2)The availability of the RYA Examiner (this is not an MPT employee)

Examinations may need to be scheduled for additional days which may not be consecutive to the dates of the course.

Exam Subjects:

We will review with you the knowledge-based subjects during your shore-based theory week and also fine tune your boat handling skills during your practical course, but you should be familiar with the following areas when you join the class and proficient by the exam date. (Note if you are not already well versed in these subjects when you arrive, you are strongly encouraged to take the Essential Navigation (online course) as there is not sufficient time to cover the basics in the 2-week program. Ask about #333) 

• Knowledge of the International and Inland Rules of the Road.
• Safety. The candidate will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a yacht.
• Boat Handling, Maneuvering, Docking: Yachtmaster Coastal students will be expected to answer questions & demonstrate ability in simple situations only. Yachtmaster Offshore candidates are expected to demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise.
• General seamanship, including maintenance.
• Responsibilities of the skipper
• Navigation, Basic Weather 
• Radio Communication & Signaling
• Command presence, management and direction of crew.
• Essential Navigation (online course)

Practical Exam Fees:

The RYA Examination Fee for the initial examination will be paid by MPT as part of your course tuition. Additional RYA fees are paid by candidate if a subsequent examination is needed.

 If at the end of your course you wish to postpone the practical exam date, you are permitted to return for exam and RYA exam fee paid by MPT, within one calendar year, space permitting.

Additional Recommended or Required Courses:

• Essentials of Navigation (Online Pre-Course) #333
• First Aid & CPR #143 or Take STCW Basic Safety Training #141, 142, 143, 144
• SRC VHF Radio License #303 Required (offered Online) or GMDSS GOC #404
• RYA PPR (Professional Practices & Responsibility) #335 ONLINE COURSE
• MCA Approved Engine Course #440
• USCG Radar Course #148 & ARPA Course #150 or MCA Nav/Radar/ARPA Course #402

If you have three years of yacht service, speak to a career counselor about continuing straight through your OOW or Chief Mate 3000 GT program.

Required Materials

RECOMMEND PRE-STUDY: Essential Navigation online, course #333, COLREGS Study Apps or flashcard, and course notes. AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE or bring with you the following: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white- like magic rub or Staedtler), Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles – your choice), Dividers (we recommend two- one as divider and one as compass), Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x), Hand Bearing Compass - optional though recommended (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004). Pick up at MPT when you register or when you check-in: Yachtmaster Shore based Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT).

11 day class in Fort Lauderdale

RECOMMENDED PRE-STUDY: Available at MPT Ships Store Complete Course Training DVD Flashcards AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE OR BRING WITH YOU: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white - like magic rub or staedtler) Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles - your choice) Dividers (we recommend two - one as divider and one as compass) Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x) Hand Bearing Compass (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004) PICK UP AT SCHOOL WHEN YOU REGISTER OR WHEN YOU CHECK-IN: Yachtmaster Shorebased Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT)

Course Photos

Testimonials

Not suggestions. Thanks for letting me be your student! Alejandro, Friday August 2015 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

A bit more time would be nice! But Steve was an awesome instructor.Very easy to follow and very thorough. Arthur, Wednesday November 2013 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

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How safe is your yacht’s keel?

• Ben Sutcliffe-Davies
• September 27, 2024

Regular checks can help prevent catastrophic ballast failure, which can be seriously dangerous and occasionally fatal. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies explains what to look for…

Few yachts have issues caused directly by the design of the keel. Almost all the failures I deal with are from hull damage that has gone unnoticed or poor repairs of common problems, such as constant, regular grounding, or rare incidents such as contact with a submerged shipping container.

While it’s important to check keel fittings over time for signs of stress, the most obvious moment to check them is following a grounding. Groundings come in two forms: the regular expected grounding and refloating of a boat left on a drying mooring, and sudden, unexpected groundings. It’s important to remember that sand can be surprisingly hard to ground on, while mud can create suction tight enough to hold the hull, and even force the hull and keel fastenings apart.

If you accidentally find the seabed, there are several actions you should take as soon as possible to check whether there has been any significant damage. It goes without saying that you should have your boat lifted and inspected after any significant unexpected grounding.

With bilge-keelers, even if there is no damage internally, repeated intentional groundings can eventually cause the keels to splay apart, bending the studs and weakening the laminate. This should be checked on an annual basis, ideally at lift-out for winter.

In the 1970s and 1980s many boat builders, such as Moody, used iron studs and coated the fastenings and backing plates with gelcoat. This never caused much of an issue other than some corrosion to the nuts and backing plates that frequently develop when they are exposed to wet bilges over a long period of time, or with some movement or stretching of the fastenings where they needed torquing down.

On the majority of modern production yachts these days, the keels are secured with stainless steel studs or bolts that are wound down into the casting. These, just like iron fittings, are perfectly acceptable as long as moisture can be reliably prevented from reaching the fastenings.

Sealant failure, or fastenings not being torqued regularly (every seven to ten years), can lead to moisture ingress into the hull-to-keel joint, causing crevice corrosion to stainless steel when oxygen cannot be replenished due to the fact that the chromium layer stops reforming. Over the years I’ve seen some spectacular failures in stainless-steel fastenings when used under water.

So, when it comes to looking after your keels, try to keep your bilges dry and your fastenings clean internally, inspect them regularly, and don’t ignore the sealant around the hull-to-keel joint. And do try your best to keep away from sandbanks!

Freshly released hull moulding, showing the encapsulated keel of a Rustler 37. Photo: Graham Snook

Encapsulated keels

Many boats built in the 1970s and 1980s have encapsulated keels, where the keel is moulded as part of the hull, then filled with ballast. The ballast can range from lead ingots to steel punchings (the middles of washers). The way the metal is embedded into the keel void can range from having a mixture of sand and cement to, if you’re lucky, steel punchings mixed into polyester resin.

An encapsulated hull is considered to be the strongest and safest way of incorporating a keel. However, sailing performance, compared to a modern keel profile, will be significantly reduced with the production process also relatively more costly and time consuming. Another disadvantage is that if the keel gets damaged water can work its way into the ballast chamber and, if iron-ballasted, will cause corrosion and material expansion issues.

If you have encapsulated ballast, check it regularly by lightly tap-testing and listening for detachment of the ballast, looking carefully for swelling or splits around the keel lamination. Pay close attention to the leading edge and underside of the keel where it may have hit obstructions or been abraded. Water causes iron ballast to swell as it rusts which can lead to bulges in the hull. Lead won’t rust or swell, but trapped water will swell if it freezes.

External keels

The most common material used today to bolt on external keels is stainless steel. We no longer see many builders using high tensile steel or silicon bronze (a low-lead brass alloy). The sizing of the backing plates used to secure an external keel is vital. I’ve seen some backing plates buckle under normal use where the size and gauge of the plates haven’t been big enough.

Yachts can sink if high moisture content compromises the strength of the laminate. Photo: Ben Sutcliffe-Davies

Combination keels

Some builders use a combination of a lead bulb and a cast iron top section, which is generally considered to be a good compromise, but it can lead to issues with how the two materials are connected. Some builders use long bolts that run through the iron and then secure within, or even pass right through, the lead base.

Know your keel fastenings

Get to know where the keel fastenings are on your yacht. They usually align with the main areas of the keel, but there will sometimes be a smaller fastening forward and aft. Look for any evidence of weeping around the fastenings or under the plate washers.

If you have clean bilges and there are areas of staining developing from under the fastening washers, there may be an issue. Using a camera to take photos and then magnifying the images is a useful way to identify problems up close and in detail. Lightly tapping the tops of the fastenings with a small hammer will also help identify issues, with dull notes indicating that a particular fastening is no longer under the same tension as the others. Be mindful of when they may need to be torqued up.

The best time to test keel safety is when your boat is held up on strops. Photo: Tim Woodcock / Alamy

Inspecting keel bolts

A visual inspection is advisable every season. Make sure the bilges are dry, then look for moisture seepage around the fastenings. Use a small hammer to tap-test the fastenings, and inspect the laminate around the fastenings for potential stress. If possible, inspect the craft when it’s lifted out the water and on strops, looking for any gapping of the keel joint.

If you are able, do a tip test of the keel with some light sideways force, and check for movement or deflection of the hull around the root. When the yacht is set down, look for movement between the keel and hull or sagging along the keel. Any movement or opening of the joint needs a further proper inspection by a professional.

Always check your keel after any unexpected grounding. Photo: Kieran Flatt

Checking a bolted-on keel

Bolts holding on an external keel will have been specified by the designer to have an infinite fatigue life, so loads applied to them in normal use should never be high enough for fatigue to be an issue. Fatigue should only arise where corrosion has removed load-bearing areas from the bolts. Small failures can allow the keel to move, spreading to separation of structures, loss of strength, and, ultimately, the loss of a keel.

Several signs might indicate that all is not be well with your keel and its supporting structures. The checks that follow (see right) should be undertaken after any unexpected grounding, or if you have never done them before.

If you are in any doubt, seek advice from a surveyor or experienced repair yard. If you’ve had an incident, contact your insurance company as it may want to appoint a surveyor of its choice.

Regular external checks can prevent catastrophic keel damage. Photo: Ben Sutcliffe-Davis

External checks

When the boat is lifted, look at the hull-to-keel joint to see if there is a gap between the keel and the hull. Does the gap close when the boat is put down? A hairline crack in the antifouling is normal at a hull-to-keel joint, especially if flexible sealant has been used to seal the joint.

Are there streaks of corrosion from the hull-to-keel joint? It can be hard to judge the origins on an iron keel. Corrosion on the top flange of the keel can start loading stresses. Corrosion streaks developing on a lead keel with stainless steel bolts must be taken seriously.

When the hull has dried out, is there water still leaking from the hull-to-keel joint? This is a clear sign that the seal has failed.

Can you see cracks or damage on the hull? The keel may have moved and dislodged some paint. You may have to remove the coatings to expose the hull, but in some cases the cracks are clearly visible.

This stud with crevice corrosion wouldn’t have been discovered if the keel hadn’t been removed. Photo: Ben Sutcliffe-Davis

Another obvious test is to push the bottom of the keel to see if you can move it. Does it swing when you let it go?

With the boat resting on the keel, can you see any upward deflection of the hull? This can sometimes be seen aft of the keel where the hull should be flat and is less likely if there is a keel stub. Failure in any of these tests suggests the keel structure may have been weakened, and further investigation is required.

Internal checks

Is there water in the bilge?  Leaking keel bolts are a sure sign all is not well, particularly with stainless steel. Check for other more obvious leaks, including the plumbing, to eliminate them before tackling the bolts.

Look closely at the keel bolts, nuts and washers. Use a brass wire brush to remove built-up crusting and debris. Steel bolts often look terrible at first, but further investigation might reveal no significant loss of material.

Nuts can be removed one by one to allow inspection of the threads below. New nuts may be needed if there is any damage to the old ones.

Tea staining around stainless bolts should be taken seriously. If you believe your stainless steel keel bolts have been wet for some time, you must suspect they are corroding and take action to investigate.

Is there any sign the bolts have moved? Check for tell-tale marks on the hull which may indicate this.

Example of a worryingly corroded keel stud. Photo: Ben Sutcliffe Davies

Are the nuts tight and washers still flat? Enlarged holes and re-tightening of nuts can deflect washers into a cup shape. Glassed- over studs may have corrosion stains visible, and a light hammer may reveal one that sounds different from the rest.

Do the sole boards fit and are the sealant bead joints still in place around the bulkheads? Do the doors still open and close? All can indicate the hull shape has changed. Look closely around structures that support the keel. You may have to remove screwed-down sole boards.

Laminate fractures are a clear sign of movement beyond design, and a gentle hammer tap-test can be used to find areas where the internal pan liner and matrix structures have detached from the hull.

Are there signs of repair? Is there a record of the repair? Poor finish and different colours are easy to see (as is dust) in hard-to-reach spaces. Signs that the keel was not removed, such as resin over the keel bolts or repair edges around the keel bolts, might be signs of inadequate ‘sticking plaster’ repairs. Painted studs and nuts may be a sign of good maintenance but could also be an attempt to hide something.

Damaged keels often have to be chiselled away from the hull. Photo: Ben Sutcliffe-Davis

Removal of the keel

If you suspect that your keel bolts are failing or might have an issue, the only way to be sure is to remove the keel to have a look. This shouldn’t be taken lightly and will probably require mast removal in the first instance and a hoist or crane to support the boat. Have a strong structure ready to support the keel. Damaged keels might not lower easily and may have to be chiselled off.

If you find or suspect damage to the internal structure, then a full repair is likely to require the keel to be removed to allow the hull to regain its proper shape. A few bits of matting and resin are seldom enough to replace lost strength. If you are in any doubt you should seek advice from a surveyor or yard with experience of keel repairs.

If you suspect you have a problem, contact your insurance company as you may be able to recover some of the cost.

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More From Forbes

Greenline team launches new brand gx superyachts at monaco yacht show.

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The GX42 is the newest brand to break into the superyacht category, launched at this year's Monaco ... [+] Yacht Show. This is the Coupé version, featuring a roof covered in gleaming solar panels that slide apart to reveal a sunning and Jacuzzi area.

The unveiling of a new superyacht brand doesn't come along very often, but when it does it is big news, particularly when it is on a global stage like the Monaco Yacht Show. The new superyacht brand, GX Superyachts , is the "brainchild" of the principals of Greenline Yachts , known for production of efficient hybrid yachts up to 58 feet. Greenline, headquartered in Begunje, Slovenia, began building yachts over 15 years ago, employing smart hull design, solar charging, and hybrid propulsion.

About The Yachts

GX Superyachts offers a custom lineup of yachts ranging from 78-164 feet (24-56 meters) constructed of aluminum, with priorities on quality, innovation, and respect for the planet. The yachts will also pay homage to sustainable but distinctive designs with high levels of luxury. The yachts will fully embrace Greenline's commitment to responsible yachting, aiming to set new standards for environmental performance.

The GX Superyacht, a brand new marque in the superyacht sector, is a product line of Greenline ... [+] Yachts. Two versions of the GX 42 both offer a large beach club with fold out wings and hydraulic step.

Greenline yard owner Vladimir Zinchenko explains, "Our journey started with Greenline Yachts, where we pioneered the world's first serial production hybrid yacht over 10 meters back in 2008," continuing, "With more than 1,000 yachts delivered globally, Greenline has been at the forefront of innovation in the boating industry. Through that time, we have tried to further our vision of responsible yachting — from sourcing raw materials right through to the operation of the yacht itself."

Andrea Armas To Act As Consultant To Board

With 28 years of experience as an owner's representative working with major international shipyards, Andreas Armas has earned a post as consultant to the Board of Directors at GX Superyachts. A naval architect and marine engineer, Arnas specializes in yachtbuilding supervision for experienced and discerning owners.

Arnas noted, "I am backing GX Superyachts because I admire their ambition and vision. My goal is to help the team translate their decade-long experience in hybrid recreational boat building into the highly regulated superyacht sector."

This rendering of the GX Superyachts 42 Coupé shows the view of the stern. The GX Superyachts brand ... [+] is the newest superyacht marque, bringing an entirely new look to the market.

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At the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show, a 32-foot (9.9-meter) all electric Greenline yacht found His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, known for his keen appreciation of environmental practices, requesting an escort to the Monaco Yacht Club in the boat. That scenario sparked the idea to expand the Greenline models to include superyachts. The result brought GX Superyachts to fruition at this year's 2024 show.

Sustainable Capabilities And Solid Range

"Each yacht in our GX Superyacht range is equipped with our innovative hybrid propulsion system, allowing for both efficient electric cruising and powerful diesel performance when needed," Luca Raumland, Chief Commercial Officer, commented. He further stated that at 6 knots in electric mode, these yachts have a 100 nautical mile range, extending to 11,571 nautical miles at 6 knots. The yachts can make trans-Atlantic crossings at 12 knots.

Comparisons to conventional yachts show that the GX range will emit less than 40 percent in comparable carbon emissions. Designed with a large solar array and lithium battery bank, the yacht can sit silently at anchor for over 48 hours, running full hotel systems including air conditioning without requiring help from a generator. That also translates to noiseless, vibration-free, odor-free operation that finds increasing appeal with superyacht owners.

The GX RPH flybridge is the latest marque to enter the superyacht scene, with brand launch recently ... [+] at the Monaco Yacht Show.

GX42 In Build

Already well underway with the keel laying ceremony on June 1, 2024, the first GX 42 will go to a customer that came through the Greenline network. Specializing in composite construction up to 78 feet (24 meters) in the Slovenian shipyard, the GX team needed to select a new build partner experienced in building larger aluminum yachts. They signed with SES Yachts in Tuzla, Türkiye, a custom aluminum yacht expert.

According to Elif Yildirim, Managing Partner of SES, "We embrace custom and semi-custom projects, and the new GX Superyachts range plays perfectly to the skills we have in house." Yildirim also emphasized the importance of being a family-owned business focused on sustainability, acknowledging that collaboration has been very smooth on this first build, looking toward a future with GX and many more yachts.

The Importance of Design

The GX Superyachts GX42 RPH has an expansive aft beach club deck, designed by Marco Casali of Too ... [+] Design.

Described as "achingly sleek exterior lines," the GX Superyachts sport lines from Marco Casali, displaying an efficient, low-profile superstructure allowing large interior volume. Two variations of the model, the Coupé and the RPH, are available.

The Coupé sports a long, curved superstructure. The roof is covered in gleaming solar panels which slide apart to reveal a hidden sun deck with jacuzzi and bar. The RPH version is designed with a large flybridge in clean, modern aesthetics, with 353 GT volume. Both versions offer guests an expansive beach club with fold-down wings and hydraulic step platform.

For the interiors, Casali continues the chic simplicity of the exteriors, styling the first GX42 with impressive bath fixtures from Antonio Lupi and porcelainware from Dornbracht. Loose furnishings from Poltrona Frau and Rugiano are complemented by Foglizzo leathers and Cadorin natural wood flooring.

Casali, founder of Too Design, commented, "Our studio has long worked with Greenline Yachts, so we understood exactly what the new GX Superyachts brief required. "I am proud of the way we have reinterpreted the timeless looks of the smaller yachts to give soul and purpose to the lines of the new superyachts."

The latest superyacht brand, GX Superyachts, will be built in two versions: a Coupé and an RPH. Both ... [+] will be sustainable, have long range, and enjoy suitable luxury superyacht amenities.

Technical Talent

Underwater hull lines maximizing stability and speed potential from Francesco Rogantin of NAMES Studio proves an important element in achieving the long range of the GX Superyachts with respectable speed. Rogantin said, "The challenge was to analyze the different operational scenarios and ensure that the hull and appendages performed to their best for each one."

Delivery Schedule

On track for a summer 2026 delivery, the first GX42 will put the exclamation point on this new superyacht brand. To learn more about GX Superyachts head to the website , or stop by the stand at the Monaco Show, QA1 Quai Antione IER.

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Home / School, courses also ONLINE / Russia

Sailing schools and courses (ISSA, RYA, IYT) in Russia

The possibilities for yachting in russia are unlimited, since this is a country with a long maritime history. you just need to choose where you want to sail. small and big lakes, full-flowing rivers, warm and cold seas — all this is available to those who want to try sailing in this country..

Practical yachting

You will be able to master the skills of sailing; learn to feel the boat, approach and leave the pier, learn about the safety measures on the water and much more.

There are places in 1 team

International Bareboat Skipper (IYT) Course

Having received the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate, you can independently charter a yacht on a charter and operate it in the waters of any country.

More details

ISSA Offshore Skipper course

The certificated confirms the skills sufficient to sail the yacht in light and dark hours at a distance from a sheltered port up to 100 sea miles.

IYT International Crew course

This is a certificate of excellence for those candidates who wish to train to become an active crew member on a power or sailing yacht. It includes Introduction to Boating for power and sail yachts.

IYT Introductory Sailing Skills course

This course is great for groups of friends or like-minded people to get together for a few days of fun sailing while learning skills to better help as crew onboard.

IYT Try Sailing Course

It’s a fun hands-on course to enjoy being on the water while learning basic sailing skills.

Yacht management training in the Moscow region

In three hours of training, you will learn the basic techniques of managing a yacht, learn some of the specifics of working with a yacht, a helm, sails.

RYA Coastal Skipper course

Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

RYA Competent Crew course

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.

RYA Day Skipper course

A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

RYA Start Yachting course

A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.

Sailing yachts like Mike Lynch's are 'unsinkable bodies', CEO of boat manufacturing firm says

Bayesian superyacht which sank off Italy is an "unsinkable" vessel, Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, said.

By Ashna Hurynag, news correspondent and Eleonora Chiarella, producer

Sunday 25 August 2024 08:48, UK

Vessels like Mike Lynch's stricken superyacht are "unsinkable", according to the chief executive of the firm which makes and sells them.

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, told Sky News there are no flaws with the design and construction of the Bayesian superyacht which capsized in a storm off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, on Monday.

Five bodies were found by divers on Wednesday - taking the number of confirmed dead to six.

The Italian Sea Group also owns the firm that built British tech tycoon Mr Lynch's Bayesian, and Mr Costantino said the vessels "are the safest in the most absolute sense".

"Being the manufacturer of Perini [boats], I know very well how the boats have always been designed and built," he said.

"And as Perini is a sailing ship... sailing ships are renowned to be the safest ever."

He said their structure and keel made them "unsinkable bodies".

Read more on this story: Why search of superyacht wreck has been so difficult Hero mum 'slept with baby on deck when storm sank yacht'

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Mr Costantino said news of the sinking "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other".

"This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," he said.

It is understood Italian prosecutors investigating the incident are continuing to hold interviews with the survivors.

On Tuesday they questioned the captain for more than two hours to help reconstruct what happened and provide useful technical details.

Four British inspectors are also in Porticello and have begun a preliminary assessment of events.

It is understood they will look at all relevant aspects of the incident, including the design, stability, and operation of the vessel. They will also examine the effects of the weather conditions experienced.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel, 15 of whom were rescued - including Briton Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter Sofia.

Divers will resume efforts on Thursday morning to bring ashore a body they found earlier. One more person remains missing.

Related Topics

• Superyacht sinking