Which RYA Sailing Course?

Start Yachting Course
This 2 day course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course,
participants will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.

Competent Crew
This is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.
By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in
all the day to day routines.
This is a 5 day or 3 weekend course and will normally give you over 100 miles for your RYA logbook.

Day Skipper
The practical course gives you a chance to take charge on short passages under instruction with plenty of
advice and help from the instructor. Designed for tidal waters it is advisable to be at least Competent Crew
level and have navigation experience provided by a Shorebased course or time at sea. This is a 5 day or 3
weekend course and will normally give you over 100 miles for your RYA logbook. By the end of the course
you should have the confidence to skipper a suitably crewed yacht.

Coastal Skipper
This is an advanced skippering course for yachtsmen and women who have considerable knowledge of
sailing and navigation and are usually aspiring towards a Certificate of Competence. Designed for Tidal
waters. The recommended minimum pre course experience is 30 days at sea, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles,
12 night hours (for holders of Coastal Skipper Practical Course Certificate 20 days, 400 miles). The course
completes with an intensive practical examination conducted by an independent RYA examiner. An exam fee
of Ł130 payable to RYA is required for this service.

Yachtmaster Offshore
This is the ultimate test of an experienced yachtsman's skill and judgement. Candidates will be set tasks to
demonstrate their ability as skipper of an offshore yacht, including questions on collision avoidance,
navigation, pilotage, meteorology and boat handling. Minimum pre course experience is 50 days at sea, 5
days as skipper, 2500 miles, 5 passages over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper. VHF Radio
operators licence or SRC. First aid certificate. The course completes with an intensive practical examination
conducted by an independent examiner. An exam fee is payable in addition to the course fee, this is Ł147
and payable to the RYA.