Sailing school
RYA courses
RYA certification is recognised worldwide. It is the route to take if you plan to charter abroad, skipper your own boat or work on the water.
- Recognition
- International
- Entry level
- Competent Crew
- Duration
- 2–5 days
- Ratio
- Small groups
The course ladder
Each certificate builds on the last, and you can begin at the bottom with no experience.
- Start Yachting — a two-day introduction for complete beginners
- Competent Crew — become a useful member of a crew
- Day Skipper (Practical) — skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day
- Day Skipper (Shorebased) — navigation, tides, collision regulations, weather
- Powerboat Level 2 — the standard qualification for powered boats
- VHF Short Range Certificate — legally required to use a marine radio
Course format
Practical courses are taught aboard, with students living and sailing as a crew. Shorebased theory runs in evenings or on consecutive days. Groups stay small, so you get real helm time.
Where it can take you
Most international charter firms look for Day Skipper before handing over a yacht. Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster come next, and we can plan a route including the sea miles you'll need.
Talk to us about this
Questions
Frequently asked
Are RYA certificates valid abroad?
Yes. They are the most widely recognised recreational sailing certificates, and most overseas charter firms ask for Day Skipper or higher for bareboat hire.
Which course should I take first?
With no experience, Start Yachting or Competent Crew. If you've sailed a fair amount and want to skipper, go to Day Skipper, doing the shorebased theory first.
Do I need shorebased theory before practical Day Skipper?
It is strongly advised. Navigation, tides and collision regulations are examined and can't be picked up in a week afloat.
How many miles does Yachtmaster need?
The RYA sets substantial mileage, night-hour and passage requirements. We'll plan a realistic way to build them, including qualifying passages.
More
Also from the school
- Read more
Learn to sail
Beginner courses that put you on the helm on day one, in small groups, with an instructor aboard.
- Read more
Buy sailing gear
Light, quick-drying, sun-resistant kit chosen for Indian conditions rather than the North Sea.
- Read more
Buy a sailing boat
Start smaller than you think. A dinghy sailed each weekend teaches more, costs less and resells more easily.
Ready when you are. Let's talk it through.
Share your date, port and group size. We reply with options and a firm price, usually within the hour.