RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Preparation & Exams
Guide Price
Pricing starting from £775
Who is this course for
Designed for experienced sailors aiming to build miles and advance towards Yachtmaster certification.
About Course
The RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is widely regarded as the pinnacle achievement for aspiring skippers. Recognised across the globe, it is a prestigious qualification that validates both your experience and proficiency in yacht command, demonstrating the highest standards of seamanship and leadership.
Course Content
The Preparation
First check you have the relevant experience and sea miles to qualify for the exam, please check the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore with the prerequisites in the tabs below. We also highly recommend you complete the RYA Coastal and Yachtmaster Theory. The preparation course is predominately practical onboard the yacht and run over 5 days. From the Solent you will practice plenty of passage planning and navigation to ensure you are ready to take on the vigorous exam. We will keep you well briefed during the week and work on any weaknesses you may have.
The Exam
The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals.
8-12 hours for 1 candidate, 10-18 hours for 2 candidates. No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one 2 day session.
More Information from RYA website:
Course Objectives
An RYA Yachtmaster needs a wealth of knowledge, not only to cope with plain sailing or motor cruising but also to be able to cope in demanding situations.
Pre requirements
50 days aboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles logged, 5 passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper (half the qualifying sea time must have been conducted in tidal waters). VHF radio operators certificate and a valid First Aid Certificate.
Duration
5 day preparation followed by a 2 day exam.
Location
Brighton Marina, BN2 5UP
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
- Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
- Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
- Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Waterproofs, we have ones to use if you do not have your own
- Sleeping bag, pillow and towel
- Over 5 days for the preparation and the 1 or 2 days for the exam we will provide breakfasts, lunches and dinners onboard
- Two passport photographs
- Ensure you bring your first aid and VHF certificate
- Evidence with a logbook of your sea miles and skippering passages
- If you want the commercial endorsement for you Yachtmaster certificate you will need the RYA PPR online course, sea survival and a medical(either the ML5 or ENG1)
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FAQ's
How to Book
Courses can be booked directly through our website. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our team is happy to advise.
Yes, availability is displayed on each experience page. If your preferred date isn’t shown, please contact us as we may still be able to accommodate you.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular courses like RYA Day Skipper during the spring and summer season.
Course Information
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
For most people, reaching RYA Day Skipper takes several months to a year, depending on availability and experience. A typical pathway includes:
- RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- RYA Day Skipper Theory (online or classroom)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
Our Zero to Day Skipper Package is the fastest and most cost effective way to achieve the Day Skipper certificate.
There is no formal written exam during the practical course. Assessment is continuous and based on competence and confidence on board.
In the UK, the ICC is usually issued through the RYA. You can obtain one by:
Holding an accepted RYA qualification (such as Day Skipper) and applying to the RYA directly to convert it to an ICC, or
Passing an ICC assessment with an RYA-approved training centre
Yes. Once you hold RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can apply for an ICC without further testing.
During the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses you will be expected to stay onboard for:
Part 2 (3 days) & 5 Consecutive days
The boat will visit marinas during this course, if the boat is in Brighton Marina then you are welcome to stay at home.
Our Part 1 Yacht courses and Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run as non-residential and you are not expected to stay onboard.
Any other questions
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
We generally recommend not taking part in our activities if you’re pregnant, as being on the water can involve movement and conditions that aren’t always predictable.
If you do feel comfortable taking part, we usually suggest no later than around 21 weeks, but this is very much a personal decision. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so please go with what feels right for you and consider speaking to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
If you let our team know in advance, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you decide what’s best for you.