Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation
The Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation course is designed for sailors who already hold Day Skipper Practical and Theory and are working towards the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence. Over five days you will be put in the skipper's seat repeatedly, planning and executing coastal passages by day and night, handling the yacht in confined spaces, and making real command decisions while your instructor acts as crew. The week mirrors the exam format: you are expected to take charge, brief the crew, navigate, handle emergencies and berth the boat with minimal intervention. This is not a taught syllabus in the traditional sense; it is coached refinement of the skills and confidence the examiner will assess.
Syllabus Highlights
5 sections · 10 topics · 151 outcomes
Key topics & assessment areas
Prerequisite Knowledge
Before you book
What you should know
- and a minimum of 15 days at sea including 300 miles and 8 night hours. Recent skippering experience strongly preferred
Required RYA qualifications
- RYADay Skipper Practical
- RYADay Skipper Theory
Level · advanced
Where we run it
Available locations
Fornells, Menorca
Menorca
RCMB, Barcelona
Barcelona
Enrollment
Enroll on Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation
Enrolling creates your course record so you can follow the syllabus, access course materials, track competencies and book practical sessions when dates suit you.
Delivered by Mt Sail & Power. Questions before you start? sail@mtsail.com
Before you join
Pre-course knowledge check
A five-minute self-assessment of your theory and practical experience. Your instructor uses it to pitch the course at the right level — and you get instant suggestions for anything worth brushing up.
Start the checklistCourse Content
What you'll cover
01Preparation for sea and coastal passage planning
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Plan and prepare a coastal passage of up to 60 miles as skipper.
Watch — training videos
Digital route planning (RYA #DigitalFirst)
An RYA Digital First session on planning a route on screen: building it leg by leg, checking each leg against the chart, and reviewing it before you rely on it.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
02Boat handling under power
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Handle a yacht under power confidently in wind and tide.
Watch — training videos
Spronging off a berth
Expect to demonstrate springing off in the exam
Yachting Monthly demonstrates 'spronging' — using a spring line and engine to spring off a berth when pinned on by wind or tide.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Big boat handling tips
Slow-speed control is examined closely
Yachting Monthly shares professional tips for handling larger yachts under power — momentum, windage, pivot points and slow-speed control.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
03Berthing, mooring and rafting
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Berth alongside, on a finger, bows-to and stern-to in wind and tide.
Watch — training videos
How to moor stern to
Stern-to mooring with wind or tide running
Yachting Monthly shows how to moor stern-to a quay Mediterranean style — exactly what you will do in Barcelona and Menorca.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
How to moor a yacht securely
The standard the examiner expects at every berth
Step-by-step Yachting Monthly guide to mooring a yacht securely, from approach and lines to springs and fender placement.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
04Anchoring in coastal waters
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Choose, set and check an anchorage including for an overnight stay.
Watch — training videos
Yachting Monthly anchor chain test
Ground tackle knowledge at Coastal level
Yachting Monthly tests anchor chain and anchoring gear to find what really holds — scope, chain versus rope, and setting technique.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
05Sail handling and boat handling under sail
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Set, trim, reef and change sails efficiently in a range of conditions.
Watch — training videos
Cruising chute demonstration
Sail wardrobe choices for efficient passages
Yachting Monthly demonstrates setting, trimming and dousing a cruising chute — the simple downwind sail for cruising yachts.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Sailing in 40 knots: heavy weather lessons
Heavy-weather sail handling decisions
Yachting Monthly's Theo Stocker goes out in 40 knots to test heavy-weather techniques for coastal sailors — reefing, sea room, and decision-making.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Taking the stress out of sailing shorthanded
Simplify your sail handling like a shorthander
Yachting Monthly shows techniques for sailing shorthanded without stress — preparation, automation, and keeping manoeuvres simple.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Skip Novak's Storm Sailing Part 3: how to choose and use storm sails
Storm tactics: Skip Novak series
Choosing, rigging and setting storm sails, and why a dedicated storm jib and trysail earn their place.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Skip Novak's Storm Sailing Part 4: how to heave to
Storm tactics: Skip Novak series
Heaving to as a way of riding out heavy weather, and the art of making it work in a big sea.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Skip Novak's Storm Sailing Part 5: how to reef quickly and easily
Storm tactics: Skip Novak series
A tried and tested reefing method for sailing comfortably in 35 knots.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Skip Novak's Storm Sailing Part 6: how to prepare a yacht for heavy weather
Storm tactics: Skip Novak series
Deck, rig, below-decks and crew preparation before heavy weather arrives.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Skip Novak's Storm Sailing Part 8: the trouble with drogues and sea anchors
Storm tactics: Skip Novak series
A realistic look at what drogues and sea anchors can and cannot do.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
06Pilotage into unfamiliar harbours
3 lessonsOpenClose
Prepare and execute a pilotage plan without relying on the chart plotter.
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
07Navigation underway
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Navigate a coastal passage by traditional means with electronics as a cross-check.
Watch — training videos
Cursor range and bearing
Measure range and bearing from your boat or a waypoint using the plotter cursor.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Route creation and editing
Build, review and edit a route on the chart plotter.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
08Man overboard recovery as skipper
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Recover a man overboard under sail and power, by day and at night.
Watch — training videos
Man overboard crew training: Prevent, Practise, Prepare
RYA guidance on preventing a man overboard and preparing the whole crew to respond.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
MOB retrieval and recovery
Examiner expectation: a reliable, rehearsed recovery method
Yachting Monthly tests man overboard retrieval and recovery techniques afloat, showing what really works when getting a casualty back on board.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
09Meteorology and weather strategy
3 lessonsOpenClose
Use forecasts, synoptic charts and the barometer to plan and adapt a coastal passage.
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
10Rules of the road and keeping a lookout
3 lessonsOpenClose
Apply the IRPCS correctly under way, day and night.
Lessons (3)
- Theory60 min
- Worked example90 min
- Self-check30 min
11Deck work, maintenance and yacht systems
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Carry out and delegate engine and systems checks and routine maintenance.
Watch — training videos
How to climb a mast solo at sea
Going aloft is a maintenance essential
Yachting Monthly demonstrates safe solo mast-climbing techniques at sea — equipment, backup lines and communication with the crew.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Briefing and theory
- On-the-water practice
- Debrief and self-check
12Night cruising and watchkeeping
3 lessonsOpenClose
Run a yacht safely at night including entry to a strange harbour.
Lessons (3)
- Briefing and theory
- On-the-water practice
- Debrief and self-check
13Emergencies, skipper responsibilities and exam preparation
3 lessonsOpenClose
Handle fire, flooding, grounding, steering failure, medical emergency and towing.
Lessons (3)
- Briefing and theory
- On-the-water practice
- Debrief and self-check
RYA Syllabus
Learning outcomes
01Passage planning and preparation
4 outcomes
Passage planning2
- CCS.PP.1Plans a coastal passage allowing for tidal gates, weather and ports of refuge.
- CCS.PP.2Prepares the vessel, stores and documentation for the passage.
Skipper briefing2
- CCS.SB.1Briefs the crew on the plan, roles and decision points before departure.
- CCS.SB.2Adapts the plan and communicates changes as conditions evolve.
02Navigation and pilotage
4 outcomes
Pilotage2
- CCS.PI.1Prepares a concise pilotage plan for an unfamiliar harbour by day or night.
- CCS.PI.2Executes pilotage using transits, leading lines and clearing bearings.
Navigation techniques2
- CCS.NT.1Plots fixes, EPs and course-to-steer allowing for tidal stream.
- CCS.NT.2Cross-checks electronic navigation with independent observations.
03Boat handling
4 outcomes
Power handling2
- CCS.PH.1Berths and leaves in a variety of wind and tide combinations.
- CCS.PH.2Turns the yacht in her own length using prop walk and prop wash.
Sail handling2
- CCS.SH.1Sets, reefs and trims sails for coastal conditions.
- CCS.SH.2Handles sails during manoeuvres in confined waters.
04Safety and emergencies
4 outcomes
Man overboard2
- CCS.MO.1Directs MOB recovery under power with clear crew roles.
- CCS.MO.2Directs MOB recovery under sail.
Distress procedures2
- CCS.DP.1Composes and transmits a Mayday or Pan-Pan with required details.
- CCS.DP.2Coordinates with rescue services and directs the crew appropriately.
05Skipper command
4 outcomes
Command decisions2
- CCS.CD.1Makes timely command decisions with safety as the priority.
- CCS.CD.2Delegates clearly and maintains situational awareness.
Exam readiness2
- CCS.ER.1Demonstrates examiner-level skippering across passages, pilotage and boat handling.
- CCS.ER.2Receives feedback and identifies remaining development areas.
Upcoming Sessions
Book your place
No sessions are currently scheduled. Contact us at sail@mtsail.com to request one.
Watch & explore
Training videos
Chart plotter essentials: series introduction
Welcome to the RYA Wavelength DigitalFirst Manufacturers' Insights series — bite-size chart plotter skills from the manufacturers.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Videos produced by the Royal Yachting Association.