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Students enjoying an RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper course with Academy Sailing whilst aboard sailing yacht Dream Odyssey

RYA SAILING COURSES

Academy Sailing provides a wide range of RYA sailing courses from its base in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, within easy reach of London by direct train.

RYA Sailing Course Pathway

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RYA Competent Crew is the most popular starting point for beginners.

This course provides the solid foundations needed for enjoyable and confident participation in the sailing of cruising yachts and is suitable for those with little or no previous experience.

 

RYA Day Skipper is the next step for those who want to skipper a yacht. 

Building on Competent Crew, this qualification develops both practical boat-handling skills and essential theoretical knowledge. The theory element is most commonly completed online before attending the practical course.

RYA Competent Crew & RYA Day Skipper training

Are RYA Qualifications Recognised Worldwide?

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To be recognised internationally, a Day Skipper qualification must be tidal.
When you pass your RYA Day Skipper course with Academy Sailing, you gain the full tidal version of the qualification.

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Day Skipper qualifications gained in non-tidal locations, such as parts of the Mediterranean, are not valid in many worldwide charter destinations. The Academy Sailing Day Skipper course also entitles you to the ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft), which charter companies and flotilla operators typically require before allowing you to charter a yacht.

 

How long do you need between Competent Crew and Day Skipper?

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Some people choose to fast-track their progression to Day Skipper.
For those aiming to charter yachts on a sailing holiday, the two courses can sometimes be completed within a few weeks of each other, depending on experience and confidence.

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We are always happy to offer advice on the best route to Day Skipper, based on your background, ability and sailing goals.

Sailing Tasters, RYA Start Yachting and Skipper Skills Refreshers with Academy Sailing

Other RYA Sailing Courses and Training Options

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The 1 Day Sailing Taster is ideal for those new to sailing.
It offers a relaxed introduction and is perfect for anyone wanting to try sailing before committing to a longer course.

RYA Start Yachting provides a structured two-day introduction.
This course focuses on basic crewing skills and is often chosen by those planning their first sailing holiday.

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Refresher and familiarisation training is available for qualified sailors.
We provide Skipper Refresher and Crew Familiarisation training, including pre-flotilla preparation, for those who want to rebuild confidence or refresh skills before a sailing holiday.

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Course Information and Next Steps

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Further details on each course can be found below, with links to individual pages covering course syllabuses, pre-course requirements and practical information.

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If you would like advice on which course is right for you, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

1 Day Sailing Taster

1 Day Sailing Taster

A relaxed one-day introduction to sailing, ideal for beginners or as a gift. Perfect for discovering whether sailing is right for you.

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RYA Start Yachting

RYA Start Yachting course aboard Academy Sailing yacht Dream Odyssey

A two-day practical course introducing basic crewing skills. Ideal for those new to yachting or planning their first sailing holiday.

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RYA Competent Crew

Academy Sailing Competent Crew & Day Skipper Courses

A five-day practical course and the most popular starting point for beginners. Builds confidence and core crewing skills on cruising yachts.

 

Flexible formats available: complete the course over one short and one long weekend, five consecutive days, or as a summer sailing holiday with the qualification included.

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1 or 2 Day RYA Day Skipper Prep

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A short preparation course for those planning to take RYA Day Skipper but not ready for a full five-day course. Designed to build confidence, refresh skills and help you start your Day Skipper course feeling prepared and in control.

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RYA Day Skipper & ICC

RYA Day Skipper course aboard Academy Sailing yacht Dream Odyssey

A five-day practical course and the key qualification for those who want to skipper a yacht. On completion, you will be entitled to hold the ICC, which is typically required by yacht charter companies.

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Flexible formats available: complete the course over weekends, five consecutive days, or as a summer sailing holiday.

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RYA Coastal Skipper

RYA Coastal Skipper course aboard Academy Sailing yacht Dream Odyssey

A five-day practical course for qualified Day Skippers ready to take the next step. Develops the skills needed to skipper longer coastal passages, by day or night.

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BookYour Spot

Book Your Spot

If you don't see dates that work for you then please contact us and we will try to fit dates around you.

1 Day Tasters - Start Yachting - Comp Crew - Day Skipper - Coastal Skipper - Skipper/Crew Prep & Refresh - Holidays

* For your convenience we only display courses with remaining availability *

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