RYA Day Skipper Theory

The day skipper shore based course is intended to equip the sailor with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day and a basic knowledge of lights is also included – in case you arrive back in darkness.

The course is invaluable for those who want to start making decisions on board, especially those beginners and crew who would like to become more actively involved in navigation. It is a comprehensive introduction to sailing for would-be skippers.

Course Structure

The course covers the basics of coastal navigation and pilotage including chart work, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting and meteorology, knowledge of tides and International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea and electronic charts. Other topics covered include the construction, parts and equipment of a yacht, safety procedures (emergency and safety equipment and procedures such as distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, life jackets and liferafts) and the basics of seamanship.