RYA Yachtmaster™ / Coastal Skipper Theory
Booking details
Please select your preferred start date below.
Please select your preferred start date below.
Joining Instructions: Please click here for course joining instructions
Recommended Reading: RYA Day Skipper Handbook Sail (G71), RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques (G94), RYA Yachtmaster scheme and syllabus (G158)
Course Prerequisites: 30 days on board, at least 2 days acting as skipper, 12 night hours, 800 miles (50% tidal), If you hold the Coastal Skipper course certificate this is reduced to 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam. RYA VHF Licence and in date First Aid certificate
Minimum Age: 17+
Holiday Insurance: We would advise ALL our customers to ensure they have suitable holiday insurance in-place. Yachtsman’s insurance is available from a variety of souces like Topsail Insurance and can cover things like cancellations and personal effects cover.
We have a maximum of 6 students on this course ensuring that each student gets the maximum possible attention from the instructor.
Small class sizes allow each student to work at their own pace, ask questions and gain the greatest possible benefit from taking this theory course.
Throughout the course, you’ll complete three theory exam papers, covering the full syllabus in depth. On successful completion, you’ll earn the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Theory Certificate—a recognised qualification demonstrating advanced knowledge of navigation, meteorology, and seamanship. This certificate is a key milestone towards taking your practical Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster™ exams.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is designed for advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. Its advised you have theory to the level of RYA Day Skipper Theory before undertaking this course.
The RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory course will take your knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.
As a broad stroke of topics on your RYA Yachtmaster Theory course, you will be looking at and covering are:
The International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea are dealt with in detail, ensuring you’re well-versed in the essential rules to keep everyone safe on the water. You’ll also deepen your understanding of yacht stability—vital knowledge for safety during offshore passages. Offshore safety procedures, including best practices for passage planning and handling emergencies, are thoroughly explored, helping you to anticipate and manage risks when out at sea.
The idea of the course is to advance your knowledge in navigation and also add to your navigation tool kit.
But that’s not all—this intensive course also dives deeper into the world of advanced navigation techniques, such as secondary port tidal calculations, navigation in restricted visibility, and thorough use of Admiralty publications. You’ll learn to interpret and use weather forecasts, plot weather systems, and make solid weather predictions using both instruments and your own observations. We go into detail on the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea and cover offshore yacht stability and safety at sea.
The idea of the course is to advance your knowledge in navigation and also add to your navigation tool kit. You’ll finish feeling confident in your ability to plan and execute safe and efficient coastal and offshore passages, equipped with the skills needed to face a variety of challenging conditions.
Courses run in a choice of two formats:
At additional cost we can provide a bunk-only aboard one of our Fleet yachts, which is cheaper than any local hotels. This is on a bunk-only basis and does not include any meals, however there is unlimited tea and coffee on the course, plus you can use the yacht facilities for food storage in the fridge, with lots of places around to unwind with a nice evening meal in the local eating establishments.
All course materials are included, such as comprehensive RYA Yachtmaster Theory course notes, so you’ll have everything you need to get the most out of your studies. Morning and afternoon tea are also provided, ensuring you’re kept refreshed during your learning sessions.
Fancy going VIP and having your own exclusive private course for you and your friends or family? You can book the whole yacht just for your own exclusive course from only £395 per person. Enjoy the course in style, with up to five persons on the boat being taught by one of our friendly, experienced Yachtmaster Instructors! What a way to start your sailing adventure!
Yes, for those who prefer the flexibility of studying from home, an online version of the RYA Yacht master Theory course is available. This distance learning format covers the same comprehensive syllabus as our classroom course and includes full support via email or phone from qualified instructors. Many students have found this option particularly helpful for fitting study around work or other commitments, and it still enables you to interact with instructors and receive detailed feedback on your progress.
Whether you choose to learn in person or online, you’ll have access to expert guidance every step of the way.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is a very full-on course, but very informative and enjoyable.
It is well advised to make sure you are fully focused on the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course as there is a lot to cover. The key to success is to always ask questions if you do not understand, as your instructor is there to help you succeed.
A Typical Day on the Course
The schedule typically runs from 0900 until approximately 1700, Monday through Saturday. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t always a straightforward 9-to-5 routine. The depth of learning required means that some days may run longer, depending on how quickly the group gets to grips with each topic and the number of questions asked.
A few things from me – The course is not a basic 9-5 course. The level of learning needed can mean days might be longer depending on the pace of the students learning and questions asked.
It is a lot about understanding and having the knowledge brought forward into the front of your thinking. The course can be great fun and will bring some really useful navigational techniques for longer routes and passage planning.
My advice for the course is keep a sharp pencil, listen carefully and ensure you ask lots of questions if something isn’t 100% understood. Most of all, enjoy it!
Please select your preferred start date below.
Our Mile Building Weekends are the perfect way to build-up your sea miles and gain valuable experience and knowledge at the helm as Skipper or as crew under the watchful eye of one of our expert Instructors. With longer, more involved & exciting passages, sometimes including night sailing, it’s an adventure outside the confines of the Solent and a great way to gain confidence in the waters around the South Coast.
Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the Mile Building Weekend!
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The RYA Sea Survival Course is an essential for any sailor. Teaching self-help survival techniques and what to do when all is lost, it’s a prerequisite for longer passages, offshore sailing and those wanting to get into racing like RORC Fastnet.
Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the RYA Sea Survival course.
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The RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal/Offshore qualification is the next progression step from being a qualified RYA Day/Coastal skipper, and is one of the most useful, credible, and accepted professional qualifications in Yachting.
Our Yachtmaster training & preparation week is 5 full days of preparation followed by up to 2 days for the exam.
Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal/Offshore Training & Preparation week!
Booking your spot on the RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal/Offshore Preparation Week is straightforward. Simply select your preferred start date from the options below and follow the link to secure your place. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll be guided through an easy booking process—no need to pick up the phone unless you’d like a chat! If you have any questions along the way or would like to discuss the course in more detail, our team is always happy to help.
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Fun couple of days with the Commodore team doing Day Skipper drills ahead of a YM exam. Very useful and great instruction from Ali.
ChrisCI have used Commodore Yachting for the following courses and would never go anywhere else for training or experience building: Sail - Competent Crew Sail - Day Skipper Sail - Mariner Handling Power - PB2 Power - Own boat tuition Motor Yacht Power - Own boat tuition RIB All the instructors have been great and I have come away with bags of confidence. The Chief Instructor Tom is extremely knowledgable and will guide you as to what steps to take in achieving your goals.
Robert Till