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RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Sailing Course

Advanced skippering techniques for those wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night

Course description

With an emphasis on coastal and offshore passages by day and night, the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course delves into the complexities of skippering a yacht. Designed to push your practical sailing skills to the next level, this course aims to prepare you for more challenging conditions and scenarios on the water. 

As a purely practical course with a minimum duration of 5 days, you'll cover everything from passage planning to emergency procedures. Each trainee will skipper more demanding passages under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Candidates are expected to have prior boat handling expertise to the standard of the RYA Day Skipper practical qualification. This ensures you have a solid foundation of sailing skills before undertaking the Coastal Skipper course.

Course overview

Course length

5 days

Course format

This course takes place on the water.

Required experience

15 days

2 days as skipper

300 miles and 8 night hours

Minimum age

17

More information

  • Passage planning
  • Preparation for sea
  • Pilotage
  • Passage making and ability as skipper
  • Yacht handling under power
  • Yacht handling under sail
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Emergency situations

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