The RYA Coastal Skipper practical course is the step up from Day Skipper. It equips experienced sailors to take command of longer coastal and offshore passages, by day as well as at night.
Greece · Croatia · United Kingdom
Overview
RYA Training CentreAccredited courses taught by RYA-qualified instructors
Skippering a yacht on coastal and offshore passages demands strong navigation, seamanship and leadership skills. Therefore, the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course prepares those with previous skippering experience to undertake longer voyages.
Your instructor guides you through offshore navigation, limited visibility sailing, weather forecasting and passage planning, as well as watch keeping. Each student then plans and executes passages in full command of the yacht. There is also plenty of boat handling practice, mooring, longer coastal passages and night sailing.
On successful completion you receive the RYA Coastal Skipper Course Completion Certificate, which qualifies you to skipper on coastal passages by day or night. Safety comes first, so if you want to learn more, see the Training Centres overview page.
Course Requirements
Next Steps
Course Requirements
Where to Take This Course
The Coastal Skipper practical course has a minimum duration of 5 days.
Good to Know
There is not enough time during the week to teach theory, so you should arrive with the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course completed, as well as some practical experience as yacht skipper.
If you don’t yet meet the requirements, the RYA Day Skipper Practical is the right starting point.
Course Syllabus
Coastal passage planning including yacht capability, navigation, victualling, weather, ports of refuge, tidal heights and streams, publications and strategy, as well as customs procedures.
Offshore safety equipment, stowage and the safety briefing, as well as watch keeping, delegating responsibilities and engine and equipment checks.
Preparing a pilotage plan using soundings, transits, clearing bearings, buoyage, port regulations and tidal considerations. Then piloting a yacht by day and night.
Taking charge of a yacht and directing the crew, as well as organising navigation, deckwork and domestic duties. Meteorological awareness, crew welfare, electronic navigation including waypoints and routes.
Controlling the yacht effectively in confined spaces, including all berthing and unberthing situations in varying conditions of wind and tide.
Using sails to control the yacht in confined spaces, as well as anchoring and mooring in various wind and tide conditions. Sailing efficiently on all points of sail.
Preparation for heavy weather and yacht handling in strong winds, as well as navigation and general conduct in restricted visibility.
Man overboard recovery under power and sail, as well as action when abandoning to the liferaft. Helicopter and lifeboat rescue procedures.
The completion certificate is also included in the cost of your Coastal Skipper course.
Available At
Our three RYA training centres each have their own character. Compare them below to find the one that suits you best.
Greece6-day courses
Warm, sheltered waters with relaxed island passages. Many summer dates run alongside our flotillas, with access to kids’ clubs.
Best for
View the school
Croatia6-day courses
Varied conditions between historic harbours and anchorages, in sheltered seas that are great for building skills and confidence.
Best for
View the school
UK5-day courses and weekend refreshers
Structured tidal practice with expert RYA instructors, and ideal preparation for sailing abroad.
Best for
View the school
Our Range of Courses
Six RYA courses, from your first day on a yacht to Coastal Skipper. Find your level below and choose your next qualification.
Beginner
No sailing experience needed
Step 1 · PracticalA taster of yachting for beginners, or for budding sailors too young for Competent Crew.
2–6 days · Age 8+View course
Step 2 · PracticalLearn the basics and become an active member of the crew rather than a passenger.
5–6 days · Age 12+View course
Intermediate
For sailors ready to learn to skipper
Step 3 · TheoryA comprehensive introduction to sailing theory, studied online.
40–45 hours onlineView course
Step 4 · PracticalThe most popular RYA course, and the standard required to skipper a yacht in many destinations worldwide.
5–6 days · Age 16+View course
Advanced
For experienced skippers
Step 5 · TheoryAdvanced theory for the Coastal Skipper practical course and the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.
Approx 60 hours onlineView course
Step 6 · PracticalTakes your practical skills to the next level, on longer coastal and offshore passages.
5–6 days · Age 17+You are here
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This guarantee applies to tuition berth rates in Greece, Croatia and the UK, as long as the course is operated by Seafarer. It is also subject to availability at the time of booking.
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