RYA Day Skipper Course Overview
A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.
Learn to skipper a short passage with the instructor on hand to give advice and encouragement and ensure your safety. Experience being in charge, taking credit when it all goes well and being responsible when it doesn't.
This course is for you if you…
Are involved in sailing
Want to become a more helpful crew member
Want to skipper your own yacht in the local area
Want to take the next step from competent crew
Previous experience required
5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht
Assumed knowledge
Theory to the level of Day Skipper. It is recommended you attend the Day Skipper shorebased course beforehand.
Course duration
5 days, taken over 5 weekdays or 3 weekends.
Minimum age
16 years
Course content
To experience being in charge at the helm, making simple route plans and executing them, basic night sailing. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to further their sailing skills and wanting to sail their own boat in familiar waters. Topics covered include:
Preparation for sea
Deck work
Navigation
Pilotage
Meteorology
Rules of the road
Maintenance and repair work
Engines
Victualling
Emergency situations
Yacht handling under power
Yacht handling under sail
Passage making
Night cruising
On successful completion of the course syllabus you will be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Course completion certificate.
Ability after the course
Able to skipper a yacht on passage by day.
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