This course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
Pre-course experience | None |
Assumed Knowledge | None |
Course content | Steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and safety onboard |
Ability after course | Basic knowledge of yachting. Reduces the time needed to complete the Competent Crew course |
Minimum duration | 2 days |
Price | £200 per person or contact us as special rates are available for groups |
This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines.
Pre-course experience | None |
Assumed Knowledge | None |
Course content | Basic seamanship and helmsmanship |
Ability after course | By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines. |
Minimum duration | 5 days, but often run over 3 weekends or 3 days plus a weekend. If you have previously completed the Start Yachting course, the Competent Crew course can be completed in 3 or 4 days. |
Price | £450 per person or contact us as special rates are available for groups |
This five-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation.
Pre-course experience | 5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht |
Assumed Knowledge | Basic navigation and helmsmanship. It is recommended that you attend the Day Skipper shorebased course before taking this practical course |
Course content | Pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation |
Ability after course | Can skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day |
Minimum duration | 5 days - either as 3 weekends or 3 days plus 2 days |
Price | £450 per person or contact us as special rates are available for groups |
This is a five-day advanced skippering course for those who have knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night. Each trainee will skipper more challenging passages and learn more about passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations.
Pre-course experience | 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours |
Assumed Knowledge | Boat handling to the standard of the Day Skipper practical sail cruising course and navigation to the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased course |
Course content | Passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations |
Ability after course | Skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night |
Minimum duration | 5 days |
Price | £450 per person or contact us as special rates are available for groups |
An RYA Yachtmaster certificate of competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.
Unlike other courses in the cruising programme, there is no formal training to complete in order to become a Yachtmaster. Instead, provided that you have sufficient experience and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge.
Many Yachtmaster candidates choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some tailor-made tuition to prepare them for the exam.
Course duration: 7 days (5 days instruction plus 2 days examination)
Price: £600 plus examination fees