Day Skipper
Whether you own a yacht, plan to charter one for a holiday, or want to develop your sailing skills, the RYA Day Skipper course is the ideal next step. This internationally recognised qualification equips you with the knowledge and confidence to skipper a cruising yacht in familiar coastal waters by day.
The 5-day RYA Day Skipper Practical course focuses on real-world skippering skills. You will plan and execute passages, manage crew, interpret weather forecasts, and carry out navigation and pilotage to select safe and efficient courses. The practical course builds on the knowledge gained during the RYA Day Skipper Theory course, ensuring you arrive well prepared and confident.
During the course you will live aboard the yacht, giving you a full immersion in the cruising lifestyle. Evenings are usually spent ashore enjoying local marinas and ports, and at least one night sail is included. Night sailing is a vital part of skippering, teaching you how to identify navigation lights and safely return to port after dark.
What Our Students Say
“The instructor Steve Hacker was outstanding; friendly, patient, and extremely knowledgeable with a wealth of experience. He ensured a calm and methodical approach to the Practical Day Skipper course and created a variety of scenarios for each drill that needed to be covered (such as man over board, mooring, night navigation etc) which increased our confidence, experience and understanding substantially. Everything was very well-explained and well-executed.”
Dayskipper, Nikki McLeary, Barcelona (Oct 2014)
RYA Day Skipper Locations
One of the unique benefits of training with Lagoon Watersports is the flexibility of our sailing locations. You can choose to complete your course in the UK, Spain, or even split your training between locations.
Brighton – South Coast UK
Our Brighton base offers easy access from London and open coastal waters ideal for learning. The wide sailing area provides excellent space for manoeuvres, navigation and sail handling, with scenic views of Brighton Pier and the Sussex Heritage Coast.
Barcelona – Mediterranean Sailing
Our yachts are based in Port Vell, in the heart of Barcelona. Training here offers warm weather, consistent winds and outstanding cruising grounds. Sail south to Sitges or Tarragona, or north toward the Costa Brava with its secluded coves, beaches and coastal villages — perfect for an unforgettable Day Skipper experience.
Our Yachts and Instruction
All RYA Day Skipper courses are taught by highly experienced, RYA-qualified instructors aboard modern, well-maintained cruising yachts.
Course Structure
RYA Day Skipper Theory (5 Days)
A comprehensive introduction to cruising, navigation, meteorology and safety. In the UK, theory courses are usually delivered over winter weekends in our Brighton classroom.
RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 Days)
Gain hands-on experience planning passages, close-quarters manoeuvring, marina berthing and night sailing. Successful completion also allows you to apply for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
Courses run:
Over two weekends from Brighton and Gosport
As a continuous 5-day course from Brighton, Gosport or Barcelona
FREE Additional Theory Course
All Day Skipper packages include a free one-day course, choose from:
RYA Diesel Maintenance – Learn basic engine care and fault prevention
RYA First Aid – Practical marine-based emergency training
RYA VHF Radio (SRC) – Essential marine radio operation (exam fee not included)
Fast Track: Zero Experience to Day Skipper
If you are new to sailing, start with the RYA Competent Crew course. This 5-day practical course teaches the fundamentals of sailing and onboard safety. Our flexible fast-track packages allow you to progress from beginner to Day Skipper over a short period or across a year, training in Brighton, Gosport or Barcelona.
After Day Skipper – What’s Next?
With your RYA Day Skipper qualification, you can charter yachts in the UK and abroad, explore secluded anchorages and continue building your experience. Lagoon Watersports also offers yacht charter opportunities from Brighton, Gosport and Barcelona.
For those looking to progress further, we run RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster courses, ideal for advanced cruising, longer passages or professional sailing careers.