Yachtmaster
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Training and Exam Preparation
We have extensive experience preparing professional crew, including superyacht crew, for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications. These are internationally respected yachting certificates that demonstrate a skipper’s competence, decision-making and ability to manage a cruising yacht safely.
While the Yachtmaster exams are rigorous and can feel daunting, well-prepared candidates with the correct experience consistently succeed. With focused preparation, structured coaching and time on the water, the exams are very achievable.
What Is the Difference Between Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore?
The RYA defines a Yachtmaster as a skipper competent to take charge of a cruising yacht on any passage that does not require astronavigation.
A Yachtmaster Offshore is expected to skipper a yacht on longer passages and enter unfamiliar, well-charted harbours by day or night. A Yachtmaster Coastal has the theoretical knowledge to skipper a yacht on coastal passages but may have less experience of extended offshore sailing.
The theory requirements are the same for both qualifications; the key difference lies in the level of practical experience and passage mileage required.
Yachtmaster Exam Preparation
At Lagoon Watersports we offer a dedicated Yachtmaster preparation week prior to your exam. During this time we review the full syllabus, refresh key skills and provide coaching tailored to your experience and exam readiness.
Exams can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters. If completing the exam in non-tidal waters, candidates must still demonstrate a clear understanding of tidal theory and passage planning. This is essential, as at least half of your qualifying sea time must be completed in tidal waters. The Yachtmaster certificate itself does not distinguish between tidal and non-tidal endorsements.
Yachtmaster Coastal Prerequisites
30 days at sea
2 days as skipper
800 miles
12 night hours
If you hold the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate, this is reduced to:
20 days at sea
2 days as skipper
400 miles
12 night hours
At least half of qualifying sea time must be in tidal waters.
Yachtmaster Offshore Prerequisites
50 days at sea
2,500 miles
At least 5 passages over 60 miles (rhumb line), including:
2 passages as skipper
2 overnight passages
Minimum 5 days as skipper
At least half of the mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years of the exam date.
Additional Requirements (Both Qualifications)
GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher
Valid First Aid certificate
Commercial Endorsement
To commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster certificate, you will also need:
ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness certificate
RYA Basic Sea Survival or STCW 95
Exam Locations and Next Steps
With the addition of Barcelona as a training base, Lagoon Watersports now offers Yachtmaster exams in both the Mediterranean and on the UK South Coast, in sail and motor. We run a high volume of exams and strongly recommend speaking with us before booking to ensure your experience matches the correct qualification pathway.
For advice or to discuss your Yachtmaster preparation, contact us at:
info@brightonboating.co.uk