RYA Coastal Skipper Course Overview
Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.
Like the Day Skipper course, this course consists of skippered passages in a variety of situations. Each trainee will skipper more challenging passages and learn more about passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations.
It is important that you have attended the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore shorebased course, or have the associated level of knowledge, beforehand as there is insufficient time to teach you theory during the week. It is a satisfying but intensive week, with candidates often working towards a Certificate of Competence.
This course is for you if you…
Are seriously involved in sailing
Want to become a valuable crew member
Want to skipper your own yacht in coastal areas day and night
Want to take the next step from day skipper with a little experience
Previous experience required
15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours
Assumed knowledge
Boat handling to the standard of Day Skipper and navigation to shorebased Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore
Course duration
5 days, taken over 5 weekdays
Minimum age
17 years
Course content
To learn the skills to take charge on coastal passages day and night preparing the route plans and executing them. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to further their sailing skills and wanting to sail their own boat on coastal or offshore passages. Topics covered include:
Passage planning
Preparation for sea
Pilotage
Passage making and ability as skipper
Yacht handling under power
Yacht handling under sail
Adverse weather conditions
Emergency situations
On successful completion of the course syllabus you will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course completion certificate.
Ability after the course
Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.
Coastal Skippers should be able to undertake more difficult passages by day and night and handle the yacht in more demanding conditions. By the end of the course you should have the knowledge, if not the experience, to become a Yachtmaster™.
Course cost includes
Full board whilst onboard the yacht
Safety equipment, i.e. lifejacket and safety line
Cooking gas
Fuel, although hopefully you will be doing more sailing than motoring
Mooring and marina fees
Secure marina parking
RYA Certificate