RYA Day Skipper

5 days in total, can be taken over two weekends or consecutive days. Onboard accommodation is provided for the extent of your course together with diesel costs, berthing fees and all onboard meals. Special dietary requirements are catered for

The Day Skipper course teaches pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the standard required to skipper a small cruising yacht safely in daylight hours within familiar waters. As a trainee skipper, you will be given the opportunity to ‘take charge’ as skipper of the yacht under instruction and you will receive a full debrief during or at the end of the passage. During your course you will visit different harbours, ports and anchorages and although the Day Skipper course qualifies you to skipper a yacht during daylight hours, you will complete at least 4 hours of night sailing to experience night pilotage and the ability to identify lights and shapes.

Course Structure

It is recommended that you have previous experience of 5 days sailing, 100 nautical miles and 4 night hours before undertaking this course. It is not necessary to be in possession of a Day Skipper Theory certificate to take the Day Skipper Practical although it is an advantage to have a working knowledge and understanding of sea terms, parts of a boat including rigging and sails & navigation. The Day Skipper Practical (tidal) syllabus is detailed overleaf and will be covered during your time aboard.

Useful Information

October – March - £434

May – September - £480