RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course covers advanced navigation as well as meteorology for experienced skippers. It is the essential qualification before the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

Online · Delivered by Navathome

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  • Online Course
  • ~60 hours
  • Day Skipper level required
  • RYA Certified
Study anywhere, whenever you like
Online
Hours study time
Approx 60
Or £265 if you also book a practical course
£315
Access period, extendable if needed
6 months

Overview

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory: Advanced Navigation for Offshore Passages

RYA Training CentreAccredited courses taught by RYA-qualified instructors

Navathome, an RYA Recognised Training Centre that specialises in online training, delivers all our online theory courses. This advanced course is for more experienced skippers, especially those building on the Day Skipper qualification. It equips you to navigate safely on coastal as well as offshore passages.

In short, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course takes your knowledge to the standard required for the RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams. It concentrates on advanced navigation as well as meteorology, and three exam papers are included.

You can cover the course as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course, or by distance learning. If you are in the southern hemisphere, you can also use a specially adapted version of the training materials.

Course Requirements

What You Need to Join the Yachtmaster Theory Course

  • Previous knowledgeDay Skipper level
  • Study timeApprox 60 hours
  • Course price£315
  • Access period6 months
RYA Yachtmaster theory course: plotting a position on a paper chart with a Breton plotter and pencil
Yachtmaster navigation course: advanced chartwork, tidal calculations and passage planning.
The chart table on a Sun Odyssey 410
A training yacht sailing in clear blue water

What’s Included

Your Course Pack

  • Access to the online course for a period of 6 months, so you can study whenever it suits you
  • A course pack including a chart, Breton plotter, dividers, course handbook, exercises and an electronic chart plotter simulator download. Please read the shipping information before you book.
  • Email support from one of Navathome’s qualified instructors whenever you need it
  • RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Theory certificate, issued by Navathome as soon as you complete the course

Before You Start

Requirements and Duration

  • RequirementsBefore you start the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course, you should have the practical and theoretical knowledge of Day Skipper level.
  • Study at your own paceThe online course takes approximately 60 hours, because everyone learns at their own pace. There is also an initial 6-month time limit to complete the course. If you need longer, a further 6-month extension is available at a cost of £30. You can also cover the course as short sessions, an intensive week-long block, or by distance learning, whichever suits you best.

Registration & Price

Yachtmaster Theory Course Cost

Course alone
£315
If you also book a practical course or holiday
£265

Please read the Navathome Terms & Conditions before you book.

Course Syllabus

What You Will Learn on the Yachtmaster Navigation Course

The Yachtmaster navigation course covers the following topics, so you sit the practical exams with the theory already in place:

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore theory syllabus

12 topics

  1. Chart basics & corrections

  2. Compass variation & deviation

  3. Advanced tidal calculations

  4. Tidal stream atlas

  5. Position fixing & DR/EP

  6. Course to steer

  7. Electronic navigation & GPS

  8. Radar simulator

  9. Chart plotter exercises

  10. Passage planning & watch systems

  11. Visual aids to navigation

  12. Pilotage & restricted visibility

Our Range of Courses

RYA Sailing Courses at Seafarer Training

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

RYA Start Yachting course on a Seafarer training yachtStep 1 · Practical

RYA Start Yachting

A taster of yachting for beginners, or for budding sailors too young for Competent Crew.

  • Normally a 2-day course in the UK
  • Run over a week at our Mediterranean schools
  • Time for learning and time for fun

2–6 days · Age 8+View course

RYA Competent Crew course students on a Seafarer training yachtStep 2 · Practical

RYA Competent Crew

Learn the basics and become an active member of the crew rather than a passenger.

  • Ideal for complete beginners
  • A fun and immersive course
  • Formalises your crewing experience

5–6 days · Age 12+View course

Intermediate

For sailors ready to learn to skipper

RYA Day Skipper shorebased theory course, studied onlineStep 3 · Theory

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased

A comprehensive introduction to sailing theory, studied online.

  • Coastal navigation, pilotage and chartwork
  • Weather forecasting and meteorology
  • Collision regulations and electronic navigation

40–45 hours onlineView course

RYA Sailing Courses RYA Day Skipper PracticalStep 4 · Practical

RYA Day Skipper Practical

The most popular RYA course, and the standard required to skipper a yacht in many destinations worldwide.

  • For aspiring skippers with some yachting experience
  • Builds on essential theory and sailing skills
  • Makes you eligible for the ICC

5–6 days · Age 16+View course

Advanced

For experienced skippers

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course, studied onlineStep 5 · Theory

RYA Coastal / YM Offshore Shorebased

Advanced theory for the Coastal Skipper practical course and the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

  • Revision of the Day Skipper theory
  • Offshore and coastal navigation by day and night
  • Pilotage and meteorology

Approx 60 hours onlineYou are here

RYA Coastal Skipper course on a Seafarer training yachtStep 6 · Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Takes your practical skills to the next level, on longer coastal and offshore passages.

  • Passage planning
  • Advanced yacht handling under sail and power
  • Heavy weather sailing and emergency situations

5–6 days · Age 17+View course

Common Questions

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory FAQs

What level do I need before I start?

You should have the practical and theoretical knowledge of Day Skipper level. If you have not studied it yet, start with our RYA Day Skipper theory course.

How long does the course take?

The online course takes approximately 60 hours. You have 6 months to complete it, and a further 6-month extension costs £30 if you need longer.

What does the course cost?

The course costs £315 on its own, or £265 if you also book a practical course or holiday with us.

Which exams does it prepare me for?

It takes your knowledge to the standard required for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams. Three exam papers are also included.

Who supports me while I study?

A qualified Navathome instructor supports you by email throughout. Navathome then issues your RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Theory certificate as soon as you complete the course.

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If you find it cheaper elsewhere, we’ll beat it — guaranteed.

Because we are an independent company, we can keep our prices highly competitive. If you see a like-for-like product featured elsewhere cheaper, let us know and we will beat it.

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.

Book Your Course

Ready to Start Your Coastal Skipper Theory?

If you are ready, get in touch with our team to enrol on the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course, or to ask any questions about the online study programme.

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Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.

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