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RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Exam Preparation Training & Exam
£965.00
By undergoing the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Preparation Training, sailors can enhance their sailing skills, boost their confidence and work towards achieving internationally recognised certifications that open up exciting opportunities for cruising, racing, chartering, and professional maritime careers.
Our exam preparation courses really help students to fine-tune their practical skills in preparation for taking the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore examinations. At this stage, students will have already completed the qualifying miles needed for each qualification so the focus of our preparation weeks is to ensure that students are confident and fully prepared in each area of the syllabus. Our instructor will work closely with you and your fellow students to ensure that any individual areas of concern and revision are covered.
Yachtmaster Coastal Pre-examination RequirementsDocumented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing or sailing motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:
- 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 12 days at sea on vessels less that 24m LOA, or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
- Two days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA.
- 800 miles, which can be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt is an RYA Coastal Skipper practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
- 12 night hours.
For information on qualifying passages please visit www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages
Minimum Exam duration: 6-10 hours for one candidate. 8-14 hours for two candidates.
Minimum Age: 17 at the time of exam.
Candidates will also need:
- A passport sized photo
- A VHF/DSC certificate
- A recognised First Aid certificate
- The appropriate exam fee payable to the RYA
Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing or sailing motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:
- 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
- Five days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to three days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
- 2,500 miles on yachts up to 500gt, which may be reduced to 1,250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
- Five passages over 60 miles long, which must include two overnight passages and two as skipper, which may be reduced to three passages including one overnight and one as a skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
For information on qualifying passages please visit www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages
Minimum Exam duration: 8-12 hours for one candidate. 10-18 hours for two candidates.
Minimum Age: 18 at the time of exam.
Candidates will also need:
- A passport sized photo
- A VHF/DSC certificate
- A recognised First Aid certificate
- The appropriate exam fee payable to the RYA
This 7-day course typically begins at 17.00 on Sunday, with the examination stage starting on Friday afternoon, and finishing on Sunday.
All of our RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore preparation weeks and exams take place right here, in Falmouth, Cornwall because of the diverse range of sheltered cruising waters of the Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary provide a perfect training and testing area.
The practical examination itself will be taken by an independent RYA examiner who will test students on their boat handling, man overboard procedures, passage planning, crew handling, blind pilotage and knowledge of lights and signals amongst many other things.
Successful completion of the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore qualifications will unlock the door to bare-boat charter worldwide, provide an entrance into the yacht industry, (if commercially endorsed), and give you a wealth of experience as a skipper.
Accommodation and Meals
- Onboard Accommodation: Participants have the option to stay onboard the yacht throughout the course. Alternatively, they may choose to leave in the evening and return each morning if preferred.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided daily throughout the course. Evening meals are provided for six out of the seven 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 when booking.
* Under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
For RYA examination fees click here.
What our customers say
Great instructor. I really enjoyed the course - it was very informative. I especially loved the 'Skills and Drills'.
Patrick RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam Preparation Training - October, 2025
Super valuable and encouraging week before the exam. I would highly recommend it to others. Thanks Michelle and Bob.
Freya, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Preparation Training - March 2026
Michelle was a fantastic instructor - knowledgeable, approachable, and with a lovely manner. She struck a great balance between professionalism and friendliness
Andy, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Preparation Training - August 2025
