RYA practical courses
Learn to have the boat genuinely under control — and earn the most widely recognised qualification in recreational sailing
Top instructors
Genuinely the best in their field
A proven syllabus
Built around practical skill, not theory
RYA certificate
The most respected qualification there is
Course overview
The RYA courses we teach cover handling a recreational sailing yacht up to 24 m. You will not only learn what a good skipper needs to know — you will do it, under a patient and experienced instructor. Our graduates come away genuinely all-round prepared for life as a recreational skipper, with plenty of routes onward.
Experienced sailors do not have to start at the beginning of the scheme. Pick the level that matches what you have already done and go from there. You will learn something new that makes your sailing life simpler — we guarantee it.
For anyone heading towards professional skippering we also offer the Commercial Endorsement issued by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which permits commercial operation.
Our courses put safety and efficiency first, and both depend on being able to talk to everyone else at sea. A basic command of English is therefore needed.
RYA Competent Crew
Step into the world of sailing the right way. Learn to move safely and efficiently on board right from the start.
RYA Day Skipper
Learn the basics of safe, efficient, and responsible boat handling, as well as how to command your crew.
RYA Coastal Skipper
A course for those who already have some sailing and navigation knowledge and want to undertake coastal voyages by day and night
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
The RYA Yachtmaster certificate is a common goal for many aspiring skippers. It is a globally renowned and highly respected qualification that serves as proof of a significant level of experience and skill.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
A skipper with this qualification is capable of leading a sailing yacht on voyages that do not require knowledge of celestial navigation.
FAQ
Why choose RYA training?
The RYA has more than 150 years of experience and trains over 270,000 people a year at more than 2,400 training centres in 58 countries. Instructors renew their qualification every 5 years, so they teach current practice. Training is hands-on: a week on board, 5 students at most, and you do the manoeuvres.
How does RYA differ from the Czech C, B and A licences?
Czech licences set limits: category C up to 20 nautical miles offshore, yachts up to 16 metres, up to Force 6; category B up to 200 miles; category A unlimited. An RYA certificate describes what you can do instead, and your cruising area is agreed with the charter company. Training is hands-on: a week on board, 5 students at most.
Does my RYA certificate expire?
No. Skipper certificates from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster are not issued for a limited period, and neither is the SRC radio licence. Only a first aid certificate, if you need it for the professional Commercial Endorsement (every 3 years), and the Commercial Endorsement itself (every 5 years) need renewing.
Do I have to start with RYA Competent Crew?
No, as long as your experience matches the recommended level for the course you choose. For RYA Day Skipper that is 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles and 4 hours of night sailing. Without it, Competent Crew is the right start, and you then need nobody's permission to move on to Day Skipper.
Do I need the theory before the practical course?
You need the theory, but not necessarily from us. The certificate requires knowledge to the set level, whether it comes from experience or a course. You can do RYA theory with us online at your own pace, and practical course participants get 10 % off. Time on board is too valuable to spend below deck.
How does the course work and how am I assessed?
You live on board and sail for a week. There is no one-off exam: the instructor assesses you continuously and goes through what you can already do and what to work on every day. With 5 students at most, you take the helm and handle manoeuvres several times a day.