RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Course Content

• Extended passage planning
• Heavy weather sailing
• Negotiating traffic separation schemes
• Preparation for sea
• Pilotage
• Passage making and ability as skipper
• Yacht handling under power & under sail
• Adverse weather conditions
• Emergency situations

Course Overview

• Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to have boat handling expertise to the standard of the RYA Day Skipper practical qualification. This ensures that candidates have a solid foundation of sailing skills before undertaking the Coastal Skipper course. Additionally, prior experience, such as completing the RYA Coastal Skipper Theory course or having comparable knowledge, is necessary before enrolling.
• Course Content: The course covers a wide range of topics including advanced boat handling techniques, passage planning, navigation, pilotage, and passage making. Candidates are expected to take full control of the yacht and its crew, demonstrating leadership and decision-making abilities under the guidance of an instructor.
• Practical Experience: Throughout the course, candidates will have the opportunity to gain practical experience by completing longer passages, weather permitting, and accumulating approximately 200-300 sea miles over the five days. Additionally, candidates will gain experience in night sailing, which is essential for building confidence and competence when sailing after dark.
• Course Structure: The course typically lasts for five days, during which candidates will spend time both on the water and in the classroom. The curriculum is structured to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. The course will include a mix of Coastal Skippers and Competent Crew participants.
• Certification: Successful completion of the course leads to the award of the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate.
• Flexible Scheduling: While there may be advertised dates for the course, providers often offer flexibility to accommodate individual schedules. If the advertised dates don’t suit your availability, please contact us to arrange a course at a time that works for you.
• Weather-dependent Itinerary: The course does not have a fixed itinerary due to the influence of weather conditions on sailing. Instead, instructors adapt the program based on daily weather forecasts, ensuring that participants make the most of their time on the water while prioritising safety.

Accommodation and Meals

• Onboard Accommodation: Participants stay onboard the yacht during the course.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided daily throughout the course. Evening meals are provided for four out of the five nights, with one night reserved for dining out at participants’ expense. Cooking roles are shared among the crew, fostering teamwork and a sense of camaraderie.
• Dietary Requirements: We strive to accommodate individual dietary requirements to the best of our ability, although offerings may be limited at times due to space constraints. Please advise us when booking.

* Under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.

** Please note, this rate applies to a single booking and payment made by one individual.

We run this course regularly. Please call the office to check availability.