RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory

The Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster RYA theory course provides advanced training for experienced skippers, building on knowledge gained from the Dayskipper theory course. This course is aimed at those who are looking to execute complex sailing passages offshore by day or night and are able to plan and execute into unfamiliar waters. The theory course should compliment the practical course when skippering passages over 60 miles.

Course Structure

•Position fixing

•Course shaping and plotting

•Tides, secondary ports, streams, anomalies

•IRPCS Lights, day shapes, sound signals

•Pilotage and navigation in restricted visibility

•Electronic aids to navigation

•Advanced meteorology; interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems and predictions through observations and use of barometer

•Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

Useful Information

Prerequisites: You will need to have a good grasp of all subjects covered by the Dayskipper shore based course, and also of collision regulations.

Exams: There are three exams on metrology, chart work and collision regulations