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RYA COASTAL SKIPPER

The RYA Coastal Skipper course with Academy Sailing is the advanced practical qualification that when achieved gives you the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal passages by day and night. Arguably the most satisfying course in the RYA Cruising Scheme, it will build on and refine the navigation and boat handling skills taught at Day Skipper level. During this course we introduce more of a focus on the concept of the `thinking skipper'. We believe this next level is where most skippers aspire to reach and we love teaching this course.

 

During this 5 day course you will get the opportunity to plan and execute longer passages subject to your weather planning which is another subject heavily focused on.

RYA Coastal Skipper with Academy Sailing
Chartwork aboard Dream Odyssey

You should already be at good Day Skipper standard and have a good knowledge of navigation including secondary port calculations before taking this course.

 

The course utilises continual assessment meaning your instructor assesses you over the whole 5 days. So you get to enjoy your course without worrying about an exam at the end. After successfully completing the Coastal Skipper sailing course you will be awarded a RYA Coastal Skipper course completion certificate, which will enable you to skipper longer coastal passages safely and confidently.

From our base in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, we are close to London and easy to reach from across the east of England. Two of the courses in 2025 are combined with the opportunity to sail all the way from Burnham-on-Crouch, or from the Solent back to Essex. More information is available on the holidays page, or on the book online - look out for the Coastal Skipper courses marked up **SPECIAL**.

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Pre-Course Requirements

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  • Minimum age of 17. All Under 18's to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • RYA Day Skipper qualification recommended - or equivalent skills.

  • Suggested sailing experience aboard a sailing yacht of 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours.

  • Knowledge of navigation and helmsmanship. It is recommended that you complete the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster theory course before taking this practical course - this can be arranged for you (please enquire).

RYA Coastal Skipper with Academy Sailing

What's Included?


There are no hidden extra costs to any of our courses. Your course fee covers:-
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  • Accommodation (yacht has central heating throughout)

  • All meals - delicious breakfasts, lunches and evening meals on board

  • Tea / coffee / snacks all day

  • Free parking at the marina

  • Your own allocated bunk

  • Use of state-of-the-art GoreTex sailing jacket and salopettes (new every season)

  • All safety equipment including personal issue lifejacket

  • Your RYA Instructor & hire of the yacht

  • All mooring fees

  • Fuel and gas

  • RYA certificate / qualification card

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Cost; See Below for Course Specifics

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The cost of each course is shown below. There are no hidden extras. A non-refundable deposit reserves a place on your chosen course with the balance being due 7 weeks before the start of the course. See full terms and conditions for more information including cancellation policy and refunds. We recommend holiday insurance to cover for cancellations (costs around £10 from reputable insurance companies).

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The overall maximum Instructor to Student ratio is 4:1.

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Course Syllabus

 

By the end of your RYA Coastal Skipper course with Academy Sailing you will have covered the following:-

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  • Can plan a coastal passage including a consideration of the capability of the yacht, navigation, victualling, weather, ports of refuge, tidal heights, and tidal streams, publications required and strategy.

  • Knows Customs procedures.

  • Is aware of safety equipment required for offshore passages.

  • Can prepare a yacht for sea including stowage, safety briefing, watch keeping, delegating responsibilities and equipment and engine checks.

  • Can prepare a pilotage plan, with consideration of surroundings, transits, clearing bearings, buoyage, port or harbour regulations and tidal considerations.

  • Can pilot a yacht by day and night.

  • Passage making and ability as skipper.

  • Can take charge of a yacht and direct the crew.

  • Can organise the navigation, deckwork, and domestic duties of a yacht on passage.

  • Is aware of the significance of meteorological trends.

  • Is aware of crew welfare on passage.

  • Can use electronic navigational equipment for planning and undertaking a passage, including the use of waypoints and routes.

  • Can control the yacht effectively in a confined space under power.

  • All berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide.

  • Yacht handling under sail characteristics.

  • Can use the sails to control the yacht in a confined space.

  • Anchoring and mooring in various conditions of wind and tide.

  • Can sail efficiently on all points of sailing.

  • Preparation for heavy weather and yacht handling in strong winds. Navigation and general conduct in restricted visibility.

  • Recovery of man overboard under power and sail.

  • Understands action to be taken when abandoning to the liferaft and during helicopter and lifeboat rescues.

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1 Day Tasters - Start Yachting - Comp Crew - Day Skipper - Coastal Skipper - Skills Refreshers - Holidays

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