moving to fort lauderdale wanting to do my yatchmasters, looking 4 advice

[shaun1]

Hi guys and girls, hope youv'e all had some fair weather sailing lately.

I am going to be moving to Fort Lauderdale in May this year.
I have done quite a bit of sailing back home in South Africa.
All my sailing has been done off our families yatchs through the years.
I have sailed approx 1800 Nm, give or take.Quite a few night trips too.
I am confident in sailing a mono or cat up to 40ft.
But where I lack is in my charting abilities.
I would like to get into sailing as a carreer in ft lauderdale.
I am a toolmaker by trade, but really have a passion for being out on the water.

I have been looking online at whats available and would like to know if I could start my yatchmaster theory on what experience i have.
Should I consider doing a course in Navigation first.

Im eager to hear what you guys have to say

thanks alot
Shaun

[CSY Man]

Hi Shaun.

Plenty of South Africans in Fort Lauderdale/South Florida: About 3000 or so.

I have been looking online at whats available and would like to know if I could start my yatchmaster theory on what experience i have.
Should I consider doing a course in Navigation first.

Not sure what ya would do with a Yachtmaster ticket around here, that is more of a British thingy.

No ticket required to operate pleasure boats in Florida. To drive commerical boats ya need a "Master" or "6-pack" license.

Plenty of schools to do yer theory exam in the area, but you will not get the actual ticket unless you can show proof of having logged 360 days of sea time for the 6-pack or 720 days for the Master.

[jackdale]

IYT operates out of Fort Lauderdale. You might want to check with them.

Cautionary note: find out where their training is recognized.

Personally I would recommend a coastal navigation course as your next step.

Jack