RYA Zero to Day Skipper Training Package
Guide price
£1675
Additional costs for the Online Day Skipper theory and to complete courses in Barcelona.
Who is this course for
Anyone looking to gain their RYA Day Skipper qualification.
About Course
Gain the skills and confidence to skipper a yacht through a combination of practical training and theoretical instruction, guided by experienced instructors who provide expert tuition, advice, and ensure your safety throughout. The RYA Day Skipper qualification certifies that successful candidates possess the knowledge required to command a yacht on short coastal passages during daylight hours.
This comprehensive training package is designed to take you from complete beginner to qualified RYA Day Skipper. Along the way, you’ll benefit from a unique opportunity to complete practical courses both at our Brighton centre and in Barcelona, offering the perfect balance of English Channel and Mediterranean sailing experience.
Course Content
- Choose the RYA Competent Crew (choose weekends or weekdays) or the Cruising Level 1 & 2
- RYA Day Skipper Theory Classroom Courses (Online version available for an additional cost)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical Sailing Course (choose weekends or weekdays)
- RYA VHF Radio Course (online or classroom options available) – £76 exam fee not included, to be paid directly to the RYA
What to expect?
- All residential courses include accommodation onboard (5 consecutive days or Part 2 weekend courses)
- Breakfast and Lunches provided on residential courses
- You will be involved in the planning of each day as this varies depending on the weather and tidal condition and it is an important skill to learn.
- Enjoy sailing to different locations, courses can go to The Solent, Eastbourne or choose Barcelona in the Mediterranean
- Evenings are normally spent in Marinas with occasional nights at anchor when appropriate conditions allow
- Part of the course is to plan and execute a trip to another location and we have some excellent locations to practice these important skills.
- The courses are mainly practical and very hands-on, learning to sail in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.
Course Objectives
Gain RYA Day Skipper certificate. This is internationally recognised You will be licensed to skipper your own boat and charter a boat both in the UK or abroad. You can also gain the ICC(International Certificate of Competence) with your license.
Become a Silver Sail member to get practice with your Dayskipper
Pre requirements
None.
Duration
This package can be used over 2 years but below outlines the time involved in each course.
- 5 days Competent Crew Practical (2 weekends or 5 weekdays) or Cruising Level 1 & 2
- 5 days Day Skipper Theory (3 weekends or 5 weekdays), an online version available
- 5 days Day Skipper Practical
- RYA VHF Radio course ( 1 day classroom course or 10 hours online + 1 hour in person exam)
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
- 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 and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Waterproofs: We can supply waterproofs for hire, Musto BR1s. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity.
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Logbook, we can sign off the day of sailing and milage
- Lunch for Part 1 Courses
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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.