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Intermediate · Yacht cruising
RYA Day Skipper (Practical)
The RYA Day Skipper practical course develops the practical skills and confidence to skipper a small cruising yacht on day passages in familiar waters. It covers pilotage, practical navigation, seamanship and boat handling under both power and sail and is intended to be taken by someone with Day Skipper shorebased-level theory knowledge or equivalent.
Offered by Oceanwest RYA Sailing School
About this course
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Day Skipper practical course is a hands-on, on-water training programme that prepares competent crew to take command of a small cruising yacht for day trips in familiar waters. During the course students live aboard and practise pilotage, passage planning, navigation, meteorology, collision regulations, boat handling under power and sail, basic engine maintenance and emergency procedures. The RYA recommends candidates hold Day Skipper shorebased (theory) knowledge prior to the practical course; the practical course also records sea time and experience useful toward higher RYA qualifications and — with commercial endorsement where required — can be used for limited commercial work and to apply for an ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft).
What you will learn
- Skipper a 30–45 ft sail cruising yacht and its crew on day trips in familiar waters.
- Plan and execute short coastal passages including pilotage and passage preparation.
- Perform practical navigation and pilotage, including use of charts and electronic navigation to Day Skipper shorebased standard.
- Handle the vessel safely under power and sail and organise a small crew and watches.
- Apply seamanship, basic engine maintenance, victualling and emergency procedures relevant to day cruising.
Before you book
Prerequisites
- Basic sailing ability and navigation/theory knowledge to Day Skipper shorebased level (or completion of RYA Day Skipper Theory).
- Suggested/required experience: approximately 5 days, 100 nautical miles and 4 hours of night hours onboard a sailing yacht (as stated by the RYA as required experience).
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Price on enquiry
Price on enquiry