barriers to racing

The RYA system has just changed again for juniors - now all run out and buy new logbooks Basically: 1,2,3 (eq to L2) then join the adult advanced modules. There is to be an intro to racing 4 I think. Will know more once I have a log book. I would guess the changes will be on their website by now.

so i'm canadian and we have a much different system. where do i fit in? our system is white sail 1,2,3 is basic sailing skills (tacking, gybing and just learning the very basics) then Bronze 4 and 5 are advanced sailing like rudderless, spinnaker and trapeze and all sorts of theory like vectors and air flow then there is silver 6 and that is basic to intermediate racing skills. like tactics, roll tacks and gybes and that sorta thing. then there is gold 7 which is advanced racing like every adjustment possible and crazy tactics and you have to have a season plan and place in an international event. I have my silver 6 and am working on my gold seven. where would I be in the RYA system?

sounds good at sailing centers

Sarah

I don't really think it's that important to have the badge, but doing an RYA course is an easy way into the sport for a lot of people. Furthermore, if a club is running a course along the same lines as the RYA then you might as well include a certificate to those who complete it successfully. I also think providing some tangible measure of success encourages younger sailors.

however, I do think it's important to be qualified if you teach, for two reasons:

1. If you had a serious accident it makes demonstrating your competance much easier
2. It gives parents (in particular) and course participants some confidence that the training will be safe

That is not to imply that training run by unqualified caoches and instructors is not as good or that it is unsafe. Although I don't think you can get instructor/coach insurance unless you're qualified - which could leave you a bit exposed if something went wrong (even if its not your fault).

I seem to have drifted off the point...

are the RYA certificates and badges really that important (in the sailing world, not the questionare)???
I don't have any and it hasn't effected my sailing, so what are they actually for??