What we cover on the RYA Day Skipper Training Course UK:
The RYA Day Skipper Combined Theory & Practical Training Course will enable you to gain the full RYA Day Skipper qualification in just nine days. It’s the fastrack way to gain your skippers licence.
The RYA Day Skipper Combined theory and practical training course is held over 9 days and is conducted from our Gosport Marina base.
You will need to spend your evenings reviewing your theory classes and reading some of the upcoming theory sections ready for the next day. You will have exercises to complete each evening to help consolidate your learning.
The RYA Day Skipper Combined Theory and Practical Training Course covers preparation for sea and the safety briefing, deck work, navigation (both traditional and electronic), pilotage into and out of ports and harbours, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualing, emergency situations and actions, yacht handling under power and under sail, passage making, night sailing back to a port of safe refuge, and of course being the skipper of a vessel.
Please be aware that RYA Day Skipper Combination Training Courses completed in the Solent and other tidal waters are demanding. This training course is held in high regard with yacht charter companies worldwide due to the challenging waters, winds, tides and busy waterways you will encounter. Training courses run in the non-tidal waters of the Mediterranean are generally not accepted by the UK yacht charter industry.
All events are subject to weather and tidal conditions. The safety of our students will always be our top priority. As such, schedules and plans may be adjusted at short notice to ensure safe and enjoyable training for everyone onboard. Your experience in these dynamic environments not only sharpens your seamanship but also prepares you for real-world sailing scenarios, where adaptability and safety are paramount.
Our Day Skipper training course also qualifies you for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
Our RYA Day Skipper Combination training courses have 4 to 5 students. In some instances sharing a cabin may be required. For optimum learning and personal attention, we maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio—typically 4 students to 1 instructor—ensuring you get plenty of hands-on experience and support throughout your course. (We run a maximum to 5 students to one instructor subject to bookings)
The Advantages of Small Group Training
One of the key benefits of our RYA Day Skipper Combination training course is the low student-to-yacht ratio. With just 4 to 5 students aboard each yacht—typically no more than 2-3 Day Skipper candidates—you receive more meaningful, hands-on experience at the helm. (this can sometimes change depending on bookings)
Why does this matter?
- More Helm Time: Fewer students means you’ll enjoy significantly more time steering, navigating, and actually skippering the yacht, rather than observing from the side-lines.
- Personalised Instruction: Instructors are able to provide more focused feedback and guidance tailored to your personal learning style and progress.
- Increased Confidence: By actively participating in all aspects of yacht handling and decision-making, you’ll quickly build the confidence and practical know-how needed for safe and independent sailing.
Smaller groups ensure you’re not simply a passenger—you’ll be immersed in every aspect of life aboard, setting you up for both success in your exam and real-world sailing adventures. During the course we may not be always 9am-5pm as we may extend some of the days to get the best sailing outcomes as possible to help get you to the highest standard we can and give you the most amount if time to practice and polish your skills.
