RYA Day Skipper

On this course you will learn practical skippering techniques. Completion of a Day Skipper Theory course beforehand will greatly enhance the value of this practical course.

Previous experience necessary: The RYA recommends the following experience as a minimum – 5 days sailing, 100 miles, 4 night hours plus knowledge up to Day Skipper Theory standard.

Each person is given the opportunity to skipper the yacht on short passages with a debrief session. During the course, you will be given the opportunity to practice your boat handling in a variety of mooring situations, and whilst at sea your instructor will cover subjects such as watch keeping, deck work, sail trim and how to cope in emergency situations.

A skipper is totally responsible for the management of a yacht, so the course also includes meteorology, basic engine checks, passage planning, preparing the yacht for sea, and rules of the road. Night sailing is also undertaken to practice pilotage in the dark.

By the end of this course the successful Day Skipper will be able to undertake short coastal passages by day. Successful completion of this course means that you can charter a yacht worldwide with confidence.

Course Structure

Knowledge of boat systems

Boat handling

Pilotage

Basic coastal navigation

Collision Regulations

Radio Operation

Operating under power

Meteorology

Sail trim

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 sun screen 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.