RYA Day Skipper Practical
FUN | SAFE | CONFIDENCE BUILDING | PROGRESSION | SKIPPERING | PILOTAGE
âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ 5.0 based on 1000+ Happy Sailors
5 days 1045 Max 5 students
A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.
Upcoming Course Dates
Course date 1: Mon 08 Jun - Fri 12 Jun | Fully Booked | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ3800 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 15 Jun - Fri 19 Jun | Fully Booked | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ3800 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 22 Jun - Fri 26 Jun | Fully Booked | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ3800 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 29 Jun - Fri 03 Jul | Fully Booked | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ3800 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 06 Jul - Fri 10 Jul | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 13 Jul - Fri 17 Jul | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 20 Jul - Fri 24 Jul | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 27 Jul - Fri 31 Jul | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 03 Aug - Fri 07 Aug | Fully Booked | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 10 Aug - Fri 14 Aug | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 17 Aug - Fri 21 Aug | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 24 Aug - Fri 28 Aug | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Mon 31 Aug - Fri 04 Sep | 2 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 07 Sep - Fri 11 Sep | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 14 Sep - Fri 18 Sep | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 21 Sep - Fri 25 Sep | 1 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 28 Sep - Fri 02 Oct | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4200 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 05 Oct - Fri 09 Oct | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 12 Oct - Fri 16 Oct | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 19 Oct - Fri 23 Oct | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 26 Oct - Fri 30 Oct | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 02 Nov - Fri 06 Nov | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 09 Nov - Fri 13 Nov | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 16 Nov - Fri 20 Nov | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 23 Nov - Fri 27 Nov | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Mon 30 Nov - Fri 04 Dec | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 07 Dec - Fri 11 Dec | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 14 Dec - Fri 18 Dec | 3 places left | âŹ1045 per person | âŹ4500 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Mon 04 Jan - Fri 08 Jan | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Sat 09 Jan - Wed 13 Jan | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Thu 14 Jan - Mon 18 Jan | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Tue 19 Jan - Sat 23 Jan | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Sun 24 Jan - Thu 28 Jan | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 6: Fri 29 Jan - Tue 02 Feb | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Wed 03 Feb - Sun 07 Feb | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Mon 08 Feb - Fri 12 Feb | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Sat 13 Feb - Wed 17 Feb | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Thu 18 Feb - Mon 22 Feb | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Tue 23 Feb - Sat 27 Feb | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 6: Sun 28 Feb - Thu 04 Mar | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Fri 05 Mar - Tue 09 Mar | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Wed 10 Mar - Sun 14 Mar | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Mon 15 Mar - Fri 19 Mar | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Sat 20 Mar - Wed 24 Mar | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Thu 25 Mar - Mon 29 Mar | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 6: Tue 30 Mar - Sat 03 Apr | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Sun 04 Apr - Thu 08 Apr | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Fri 09 Apr - Tue 13 Apr | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Wed 14 Apr - Sun 18 Apr | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Mon 19 Apr - Fri 23 Apr | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Sat 24 Apr - Wed 28 Apr | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 6: Thu 29 Apr - Mon 03 May | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 1: Tue 04 May - Sat 08 May | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 2: Sun 09 May - Thu 13 May | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 3: Fri 14 May - Tue 18 May | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 4: Wed 19 May - Sun 23 May | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 5: Mon 24 May - Fri 28 May | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
Course date 6: Sat 29 May - Wed 02 Jun | 3 places left | âŹ1150 per person | âŹ4600 private group
Note: Ideally, youâll have completed the Day Skipper Theory course. If not, we offer a Day Skipper Package (Theory + Practical + VHF) with 10% off, or a Fast Track option starting from Competent Crew for complete beginners. Click the buttons below for details.
You can book the course directly online by clicking the Course Booking Button. Please contact us if you're interested in private class or on a different date đâ
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RYA Day Skipper Practical is a must for skippers who wish to take out their family and friends, the entry level to skippering and a minimum qualification.
The course is designed to teach you to "take charge" safely and confidently. A skipper does much more than navigate. He/She is responsible for the complete safety and wellbeing of the yacht and crew.
The student will learn to skipper a short passage with the instructor on hand to give advice and encouragement and ensure your safety, have the experience being in charge and taking control of the yacht and the crew.
There is particular emphasis on boat handling for Day Skippers and during the course you will practice mooring under various conditions. For those we need extra practicing and training of boat manoeuvring, we have a special Boat Handling Course for that.
Along the Day Skipper course, you will visit some great harbours, bays, and anchorages to practice pilotage techniques which, like boat handling, is an essential skill for the aspiring skipper. You will complete at least 4 night hours sailing to experience night pilotage and identify lights.
Upon the completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. Students who successfully complete the Day Skipper course are awarded the RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate.
RYA Day Skipper Practical licence is the entry level and the minimum requirement for chartering yachts in many locations around the world, coupled it with your Marine Radio VHF license. This course will also enable you to apply for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence, limited to certain nationalities).
The course lasts 5 days. Each day the course starts at 09:30 and ends at around 17:00 (except for the day of night sail). The course is usually run from Monday to Friday every week. Accommodation onboard during the course is included in the course price.
You are also welcome to charter the whole yacht for yourself and take your RYA Day Skipper course in a more relaxed way for yourself and friends/family (they can take their RYA Competent Crew course with you at same time, up to 5 students per course). More details on private group/family sailing course can be found here.
- Pre-course experience: 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles, and 4 night hours onboard a sailing yacht. If you haven't achieved this yet, we recommend starting with the RYA Competent Crew course.
- Required knowledge: Navigation knowledge to Day Skipper Theory level and basic sailing ability. We highly recommend completing the theory component before attempting the practical.
- To prepare fully, you can take our Day Skipper Package Course, which includes the RYA Day Skipper Theory, RYA Day Skipper Practical, and RYA VHF Radio courseâoffered with a 10% package discount.
- If you already hold a Day Skipper certificate but havenât sailed in a while, consider our Day Skipper Refresher / Plus course to rebuild your confidence and skills.
- Day Skipper Practical Course duration: Minimum of 5 days
- Minimum age: 16 years old
The course syllubus includes: preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising.
Preparing for Sea
- We will supply you with a checklist-at the end of your course!
Working on Deck
- Reefing for prevailing conditions
- Preparing a yacht for anchor
- Berthing alongside buoy, springing off and general boat handling
Navigation on board
- Plotting fixes, using GPS, DR & EP, tidal heights and streams, course to steer, ships log, depth log and lead line
Pilotage
- Leading lines and transits, sounding etc
Weather
- Interpretation of barometer and shipping forecasts, source of forecasts
IRPCS
- Working knowledge
Stocking up
- How to ensure enough of everything required is on board
Emergency
- Must be able to recover an MOB
Emergency equipment
- VHF & distress messaging
- Towing (maybe with a real tow!)
- Helicopter rescue procedures
Fix it!
- Can make minor repairs/impeller change for example
Engines
- Thorough brief on fuel and cooling systems, including routine engine checks
Handling a yacht under power
Handling a yacht under sail
Passage working
- Plan a passage, and undertake it with yacht and crew
Night Cruising
- Now included in the DS syllabus to give day sailors experience of night entries
More advanced boat handling and skippering skills
- Rafting up to another boat
- Sail onto/off your anchor
- Learn new and useful MOB techniques
- Sail setting and trimming skills
- Advanced pilotage including an introduction to CS/YM techniques
- Crew welfare including hygiene on board
- Theory revision on any topics of your choosing
Supporting books for this course:
RYA Day Skipper Practical Course NotesRYA Day Skipper Handbook Sail
Learn to Skipper a Yacht with Confidence â RYA Day Skipper Practical Course in Malta
Master the essential skills to confidently skipper a small sailing yacht by day with the RYA Day Skipper Practical course. Based in sunny Malta, this hands-on 5-day sailing course covers key topics including coastal navigation, passage planning, practical pilotage, seamanship, and boat handlingâsuch as Med-style mooring, a must for sailing in the Mediterranean.
Unlike a traditional exam, assessment is continuous and based on your ability to safely skipper the yacht throughout the course. If your instructor confirms that you're competent and safe to take a small yacht to sea in moderate conditions, youâll be awarded the RYA Day Skipper certificate.
Eligible students may also convert this certificate into the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which is required for chartering in many European waters, depending on your nationality.
Youâll be training aboard âLookfar,â a spacious Bavaria 44 Cruiser moored at Marina di Valletta Pontoon C, near SAMIZU restaurant in Malta. The course begins daily at 09:30, and onboard accommodation is available and included from Monday to Friday. Early boarding on Sunday or staying Friday night is possible by request.
Weather permitting, youâll explore the stunning Maltese Islands, including Gozo and Comino, gaining real experience with navigation and pilotage. While most nights return to base, some night sailing will be included to practice night navigation and identify lights at sea.
With consistent winds, crystal-clear waters, and 300+ days of sunshine a year, Malta is the ideal location to complete your RYA Day Skipper Practical course. Join us and take the first step towards chartering your own yacht or building your sailing career!
Our RYA Day Skipper Practical course is led by highly experienced instructors who are native English speakers and passionate about teaching sailing in a clear, friendly, and practical way. The course fee covers everything essential for a seamless learning experience, including port and mooring fees, fuel, tourist tax, and general yacht maintenanceâso there are no hidden extras.
Youâll stay onboard a well-equipped yacht, with three double cabins and one bunk bed cabin available for student accommodation. More details on accommodation onboard click here.
Tea and coffee are provided daily onboard (alcohol is not included), and we recommend grabbing a light breakfast at the nearby Dias Pastizzeria, just 200 meters from the marina, bringing along a packed lunch each day. You are also welcome to cook your own meals onboard in our fully equipped gally (kitchen).
While not sailing, you have access to shore-based marina facilities including clean toilets and showers conveniently located by the marina gate. Our base at Marina di Valletta is ideally situated in one of Maltaâs most lively and scenic areasâfull of shops, restaurants, and cafes all within walking distance.
Upon successful completion of your RYA Day Skipper course, youâll receive the official RYA Day Skipper Certificateâa globally recognised qualification and your first major step toward skippering a sailing yacht with confidence. This certificate proves youâre ready to take charge, plan passages, and ensure the safety of your crew and vessel in familiar waters by day. It also allows you to charter your own yacht from charter companies.
It highly recommended to take RYA Marine Radio VHF course. VHF course will be useful if you want to do chartering in the future, because you are required to hold a VHF certificate for that purpose. The course is designed and created by RYA, and it will be given online. Once you complete the online course, you will have a 30 minutes exam with us during your stay in Malta. Usually it takes 1-2 days to complete. You can do it before, during, or after DSP course.
To book VHF course, simply add it in the Course Booking Page, and we will send you a log-in and instructions after receiving your booking.
If you choose for accommodation onboard, full bedding is supplied, sheets, pillows and blankets. Also, we provide towels for use on the yacht but not beach towels. If you should require more than one towel during the week, please do bring your own additional towel.
- Packed lunch
- Sunglasses
- High factor sun cream
- Deck shoes if possible, otherwise soft shoes with a non marking sole, or just barefoot
- Shorts (Please be aware that these are liable to get dirty, so not your bestones!)
- T-Shirts
- Wash Kit
- Fleece or jumper for the evenings and windy days at sea
- Soft bag as opposed to a hard suitcase (we can store luggage if you are staying on)
- Light long sleeved shirt if you need to cover up in the sun
- Baseball/sun hat (preferably with a clip to stop it blowing overboard!)
- Sea sickness tablets should you need them
- Sailing Gloves (if available)
- Phone/ Ipod / lap top chargers â 12V (cigarette style chargers) if needed
- A passport-sized photo for us to make and issue license
- And above all, enthusiasm!
Please note that the temperatures in Malta are normally very warm during the day but it can be cold in the evenings and windy days at sea. It is a good idea to bring a small light rain mac if you have one and also a pair of long trousers and a warm fleece, just in case. Please note that We don't provide wet weather gear onboard.
If you need a flight to Malta International, the airport code is MLA. There is only one airport.
Malta International Airport (MLA) is well connected to many European cities, especially major hubs. Low-cost carriers dominate many of the connections, especially from regional airports.
On arrival at Malta airport, there is a kiosk at the exit from the airport where you can pre pay the taxi to the boat. Destination: Marina di Valletta Pontoon C.
The cost of this is usually 25 Euro. It only takes about 20 minutes to arrive our marina fron the airport. The taxi drivers speak good English.
Cheaper transport option would be use taxi app such as: Bolt and Ecab. There are plenty of taxi connected to these apps.
You will have a short safety brief on arrival to familiarise yourself with the boat and meet your crew mates!
For more details about course, logistics, accommodation, booking, and certificate, please refer to the FAQ's section.
After completing the Day Skipper practical course it is really worthwhile consolidating what you have learnt by completing some more sea miles. This could be achieved by joining our Malta-Sicily Mile Building Trip, or just coming along for another week or weekend of refresher/consolidation training. Following this you should look to join the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Course
Next step: RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory »
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