RYA Coastal Skipper

This is the course for more advanced skippers who have a practical ability to Day Skipper level, knowledge up to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory standard.

The course concentrates on the techniques and skills required to skipper a yacht on passages involving more complex decision making, passage planning, navigation, and pilotage. A passage of longer duration, with particular emphasis placed on watch keeping techniques will usually be undertaken to demonstrate how to manage the yacht on such a passage.

Previous experience necessary: You should have knowledge up to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory standard. Practical ability to Day Skipper level, 15 days on board (2 days as skipper), 300 miles, 8 night hours. Examination candidates should hold a VHF Radio Operator’s Certificate.

You will be given the opportunity to improve your close quarters boat handling skills under power and sail. Preparation of the yacht for heavy weather cruising and navigation in restricted visibility is also discussed and practiced.

By the end of this course the successful Coastal Skipper will have sufficient knowledge to skipper a yacht safely on long coastal and offshore passages by day and night.

This course is suitable those who wish to go on to take the RYA DoT Coastal Skipper examination.

Course Structure

Advanced navigation: GPS, waypoints, set & drift, position fixing

Log & record keeping

Practical meteorology

Radio schedules using VHF & HF radio

Crew delegation

Watch keeping systems

Entering unfamiliar ports

Choosing a safe anchorage

Navigation & yacht handling at night

Useful Information

Wear clothes suitable for the day and rubber soled shoes, preferably with a white or light coloured sole. A cap, sunglasses, bottle of water and sunscreen are also a good idea. You will also need a change of clothes, toilet kit, sleeping bag and any special medicine you may require packed in a flexible soft bag. We provide you with wet weather gear (with the exception of boots) if required.