Own Boat Tuition
Guide Price
Prices starting from £185
Who is this for
Own Boat Tuition is for powerboat, motor cruiser and sailing yacht owners who want to build confidence, improve skills or prepare for independent cruising on their own boat.
About the tuition
Brighton Boating provides professional, friendly and flexible training delivered by experienced RYA-qualified instructors. Our Own Boat Tuition allows you to learn in a familiar environment, using your own equipment and systems.
We operate primarily from Brighton Marina, with the option to train from other locations by arrangement. Our focus is on building practical skills, confidence and good seamanship — not just ticking boxes.
Tuition Content
Each Own Boat Tuition session is bespoke and built around your goals. Training can be practical, qualification focused or confidence based, and may include:
- Boat handling and close-quarters manoeuvring
- Berthing practise
- Safe operation of engines, sails and onboard systems
- Passage planning and navigation
- Local area knowledge and trip preparation
- Safety procedures and emergency drills
- RYA syllabus training (where applicable)
Sessions are delivered on your own boat, ensuring everything you learn is directly relevant to how you boat.
Course Objectives
The aim of Own Boat Tuition is to help you:
- Gain confidence handling your own boat in real conditions
- Understand how your boat responds to wind, tide and power
- Improve safety awareness and decision-making
- Develop calm, controlled close-quarters manoeuvring
- Prepare for independent cruising or formal qualifications
By the end of your training, you should feel more relaxed, capable and ready to enjoy your time on the water.
Pre requirements
Your boat must be fully insured, seaworthy, and equipped with required safety gear. All participants must complete our Own Boat Tuition Form, which we’ll send by email before the session.
Duration
Options include:
- Half day (3 hours) for Power under 10m
- Full day tuition
Depending on what you would like to cover, it may take multiple days.
Location
Booking
Location
What to bring
- Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
- Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
- Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
- Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Money for lunch or a packed lunch
- Completed Own Boat Tuition Form
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FAQ's
How to Book
Courses can be booked directly through our website. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our team is happy to advise.
Yes, availability is displayed on each experience page. If your preferred date isn’t shown, please contact us as we may still be able to accommodate you.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular courses like RYA Day Skipper during the spring and summer season.
Course Information
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
For most people, reaching RYA Day Skipper takes several months to a year, depending on availability and experience. A typical pathway includes:
- RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- RYA Day Skipper Theory (online or classroom)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
Our Zero to Day Skipper Package is the fastest and most cost effective way to achieve the Day Skipper certificate.
There is no formal written exam during the practical course. Assessment is continuous and based on competence and confidence on board.
In the UK, the ICC is usually issued through the RYA. You can obtain one by:
Holding an accepted RYA qualification (such as Day Skipper) and applying to the RYA directly to convert it to an ICC, or
Passing an ICC assessment with an RYA-approved training centre
Yes. Once you hold RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can apply for an ICC without further testing.
During the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses you will be expected to stay onboard for:
Part 2 (3 days) & 5 Consecutive days
The boat will visit marinas during this course, if the boat is in Brighton Marina then you are welcome to stay at home.
Our Part 1 Yacht courses and Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run as non-residential and you are not expected to stay onboard.
Any other questions
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.