The RYA Day Skipper shorebased theory course is the essential qualification before your Day Skipper Practical. Study online at your own pace, with full instructor support whenever you need it.
Online · Delivered by Navathome
Overview
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, including this one. As a result, this option gives you total control of your study time and place, as well as your rate of progress.
Because when you study is entirely up to you, the RYA Day Skipper shorebased course does require some self-discipline. A fully qualified and experienced Navathome instructor supports you throughout, so you can ask questions whenever they arise.
The recommended online study time is around 50 hours, as well as time for revision and practice.
Course Requirements
What’s Included
Before You Start
Registration & Price
Please read the Navathome Terms & Conditions before you book, because they outline all details of the booking with Navathome.
Course Syllabus
The Day Skipper navigation course covers the following topics, so you arrive on the practical with the theory already in place:
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 onlineYou are here
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+View course
Common Questions
Do I need sailing experience before I start?
No. The RYA Day Skipper shorebased course starts from the basics, so no previous experience is required. However, some practical sailing experience helps, whether in a dinghy or on a yacht, ideally to Competent Crew level.
How long does the online course take?
Most students need around 40 to 45 hours of study, plus time for revision and practice. You have 6 months to finish, and a further 6-month extension costs £30 if you need it.
What does the course cost?
The course costs £275 on its own, or £225 if you also book a practical course or holiday with us.
What is in the course pack?
You receive a chart, a Breton plotter, dividers, a course handbook, exercises and an electronic chart plotter simulator download. In addition, you get 6 months’ online access and email support from a Navathome instructor.
When do I get my certificate?
Navathome issues your RYA Day Skipper Shorebased certificate as soon as you complete the course. You are then ready to put the theory into practice on our RYA Day Skipper practical course.
Price Promise
We will not be beaten on price
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
If you are ready, get in touch with our team to enrol on the RYA Day Skipper shorebased course, or to ask any questions about the online study programme.
Call or email us
Request a quote
Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.
Peace of mind
Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.
All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected
Additional protection for bookings without flights
