Which RYA course is right for me?
RYA practical and sailing courses are perfect for sailors of all abilities. You can enter the scheme at any level, depending on prior experience and training, and progress as far as your ambition takes you!
If you are not sure which course is right for you, or would like to speak to someone about the most appropriate training pathway, don't hesitate to contact us.
Beginner Courses
Courses perfect for exploring whether sailing is for you, or learning key skills and gaining confidence before going sailing as crew for family and friends.
Start Yachting
This short course is for novices looking to get their first experience of sailing, and gain basic skill.
Recommended Pre Course Experience: None
Duration: Two Days
Competent Crew
A week-long course, aimed at those with no sailing experience, to give you the skills and confidence to sail safely with friends and family or progress to skippering qualifications.
Recommended Pre Course Experience: None
Duration: Five Days (three days for holders of a Start Yachting Certificate)
Click here to explore beginner courses
Intermediate Courses
Courses to develop your ability to safely skipper a boat on your own
Day Skipper Practical
Recommended Pre Course Experience: 5 days at sea, 100 miles sailed, 4 night hours.
Theoretical knowledge at least equivalent to the Day Skipper Shorebased (theory) course is also required.
Duration: Five Days (three weekends or two long weekends)
Coastal Skipper Practical
Recommended Pre Course Experience: 2 days as skipper, 15 days at sea, 300 miles sailed, 8 night hours.
Theoretical knowledge at least equivalent to the Coastal Skipper Shorebased (theory) course is also required.
Duration: Five Days
Click here to explore intermediate courses
Advanced Courses
Yachtmaster Coastal
Recommended Pre Course Experience: 2 days as skipper, 30 days at sea, 800 miles sailed, 12 night hours.
This is reduced to 400 miles and 20 days for holders of the Coastal Skipper certificate.
Duration: Five days preparation, followed by a practical exam of around two days duration.
Yachtmaster Offshore
Recommended Pre Course Experience: 50 days at sea, 2500 miles sailed, at least five passages over 60nmm (two passages must have been at night, and the candidate must have acted as skipper for two passages)
Duration: Five days preparation, followed by a practical exam of around two days duration.
Click here to explore advanced courses
Mile Builders
Mile builders are a way of building your experience to level required to gain your RYA Coastal, Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications. From time to time we need to deliver our vessels to ports distant from our base in Northney. We use these voyages to provide experience for our trainee volunteers but also offer any spare places on the open market at a rate that is substantially less than you get get this experience elsewhere.
Click here to explore Mile Builders
