RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Theory
Guide Price
Prices starting from £418
Who is this course for
Experienced skippers with Day Skipper level knowledge who want to progress to Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster and plan longer coastal or offshore passages, by day or night.
About Course
The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course provides advanced training for experienced skippers, building on the knowledge gained from the Day Skipper Theory course. It develops your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams, with a strong focus on advanced navigation and meteorology.
This course is aimed at those looking to plan and execute complex offshore passages by day or night, including sailing into unfamiliar waters. The theory course complements the practical course and is particularly relevant when skippering passages over 60 miles.
Course Content
- Position fixing
- Course shaping and plotting
- Tides, secondary ports, streams, anomalies
- IRPCS Lights, day shapes, sound signals
- Pilotage and navigation in restricted visibility
- Electronic aids to navigation
- Advanced meteorology; interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems and predictions through observations and use of barometer
- Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad
What to expect?
Shore-based classroom or online training
Advanced navigation and tidal calculations
Weather forecasting and meteorology
Coastal and offshore passage planning
Preparation for Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore practical exams
Course Objectives
This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.
Pre requirements
You will need to have a good grasp of all subjects covered by the Dayskipper shore based theory course.
Duration
The course is taught over 40 hours with three exam papers, usually run over 5 continuous days.
Location
Brighton Marina, BN2 5UP or you can choose to complete some of your course in Barcelona
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- 2HB Pencils and a rubber
- Notepad and/or Paper or anything you use to take notes and write
- Lunch or money for lunch
- Plotters & Divider (we sell these for £39)
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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.
We generally recommend not taking part in our activities if you’re pregnant, as being on the water can involve movement and conditions that aren’t always predictable.
If you do feel comfortable taking part, we usually suggest no later than around 21 weeks, but this is very much a personal decision. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so please go with what feels right for you and consider speaking to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
If you let our team know in advance, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you decide what’s best for you.