The RYA Day Skipper Theory Course introduces the aspiring skipper to the wide range of subjects needed to take a cruising yacht to sea. These include the construction, parts and equipment of a yacht, emergency and safety equipment and procedures (such as distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, life jackets and liferafts).

RYA Day Skipper Theory candidates are taught the basics of coastal navigation and pilotage covering chartwork, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting, a knowledge of tides and the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea. Day Skipper Theory candidates sit two exams, one on navigation and the other a general paper covering, seamanship, meteorology and the collisions regulations.

At the end of the course students will be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Shore based Certificate and will have sufficient knowledge to undertake the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course. The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is held in a modern classroom and includes all course materials, morning and afternoon tea.

4 days (as part of combined course)

The RYA Day Skipper Practical Course is designed to teach you to “Take charge” safely and confidently. Skippering a yacht for the first time can be a daunting yet exhilarating experience.

An RYA Day Skipper does much more than navigate, they are responsible for the complete safety and well being of the yacht crew. A Day Skipper is responsible for weather forecasting, victualling, engine maintenance, sail selection and handling, passage planning, watch keeping, navigation and pilotage. Your RYA instructor will teach you these skills and you will put them into practice as you skipper the yacht on short passages around the Solent.

RYA Day Skipper course has particular emphasis on boat handling and during the 5 days you will practice mooring under various conditions. RYA Day Skipper candidates live aboard for the duration of the course and visit many different harbours and anchorages to practice pilotage techniques.

RYA Day Skipper candidates will complete at least 4 night hours sailing to experience night pilotage and identify lights. At the end of the course you will be confident to skipper a cruising yacht on short passages by day.

Students who successfully complete the Day Skipper course are awarded the RYA Day Skipper Certificate and can charter from the school.

5 Days
Maximum 5 students per course