This page outlines the RYA training scheme, and the courses you can take at our schools. We also have non-RYA courses for those who are not looking for certification. This gives an alternative training program, ideal for improving specific skills and helps to build on the RYA syllabus shown below.
We outline our non-RYA training options here.
To learn more about the RYA, the standards that Seafarer Training adhere to as well as find out where our schools are click here.
The training scheme outlined below is covered in more detail in the RYA publication G158 log book. This book will be available for you to look at during your course. It is recommended that if you plan on doing multiple courses that you buy a copy of your own, either before you travel or at one of our training centres upon arrival.
Due to the modular nature of the RYA training, students that do not pass a chosen course will still be able to have sections signed off in there logbook. This means that you can return to an RYA training centre to complete only those aspects of the course where you need more time.
While you will have booked to take a particular course, This is not fixed, and there is some flexibility to change to an alternative very early on in the course. This flexibility is useful for students unsure if they are ready for their day skipper. There are no charges for this, we endeavour to ensure that you get the best and most appropriate training possible.
For more advice, please feel free to call us.
Stepping into the world of sailing for the first time is exciting and exhilarating. These practical on-the-water courses build confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to handling sails. You’ll become a useful crew member, and take the helm for the first time.
Minimum duration: 2 days
Experience: none
Minimum age: 8
This course is for beginners wanting a taster of yachting or for budding sailors too young for Competent Crew. While it is a 2-day course in the UK, we can run this over a week in our Mediterranean Schools.
Minimum duration: 5 days
3 days (with start yachting certificate)
Experience: none
Minimum age: 12
This course is ideal for beginners to learn the basics and for those who would like to become active crew members rather than passengers.
Building on previous RYA courses, or from your own experience at sea, these courses aim to refine your skills, focusing on seamanship and how to skipper a sailing yacht and manage its crew. Combined with the theory courses, your knowledge, and confidence on the water, will be taken to the next level.
None
Experience: Some practical sailing experence to help understand the content
The Day Skipper Shorebased course is a comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers. We offer this as an online course in co-operation with Navathome, giving you the flexibility to fit in with your busy lifestyel. We offer our practical training at a discount when you purchase this course.
Minimum duration: 5 days
Minimum age: 16
Experience: 5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht
Assumed knowledge: Theory to the level of Day Skipper. It is recommended you obtain the Day Skipper shorebased course beforehand.
This is the most popular course in the syllabus. This certificate represents the standard required to skipper a yacht in numerous worldwide destination.
A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.
None
Experience: Some practical & theoretical sailing experience to help understand the content.
Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. We offer our practical training at a discount when you purchase this course.
Minimum duration: 5 days
Minimum age: 17
Experience: 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours
Assumed Skills: Boat handling to the standard of Day Skipper
Assumed knowledge: Navigation to shorebased Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore
Advanced skippering techniques requiring considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, aimed at those skippers wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.
An RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.
Unlike other courses in the cruising programme, there is no formal training to complete to become a Yachtmaster™. Instead, provided that you have sufficient experience and sea time, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge.
We can provide a range of training and preparation courses for you, please contact us for more information.