RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Take your skippering to the next level with the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course. This advanced training is designed for experienced Day Skippers who are ready to plan and execute longer coastal passages, including night pilotage and entering unfamiliar harbours with confidence.

At a Glance

• Level: Advanced cruising skipper
• Duration: Typically 5 intensive days (live aboard)
• Location: Tidal coastal waters
• Previous experience: RYA Day Skipper (or equivalent), coastal mileage and night hours
• Certificate: RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (sail)

Who This Course Is For

This course is aimed at skippers who already have solid experience on board and want to handle more demanding coastal passages, especially at night and in more challenging conditions.

It is also an excellent stepping stone towards the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam, particularly if you are working towards a commercial endorsement or professional yachting career.

What You Will Learn

• Planning and executing longer coastal passages as skipper
• Advanced passage planning including tidal gates and weather windows
• Night pilotage, lights, and entering harbours after dark
• Close‑quarters handling of a larger cruising yacht
• Heavy weather techniques and managing a tired crew
• Refining your skippering style, communication and decision‑making

Syllabus Highlights

• Advanced boat preparation and safety briefings for longer passages
• Detailed pilotage plans and pilotage by day and night
• Passage planning with tidal streams, weather and traffic
• Watch‑keeping, crew management and rest on passage
• Advanced navigation, including secondary ports and use of modern electronics
• Heavy weather sailing, reducing sail, heaving‑to and running off
• Emergency management including man overboard at night

What Is Included

• Instruction from experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructors and Examiners
• Use of the training yacht and all safety equipment
• Accommodation on board during the course
• Most on‑board food and refreshments (details on booking)
• Fuel, gas and mooring fees during the course
• All course materials used on board

Preparation & Prerequisites

• RYA Day Skipper Practical or equivalent experience
• Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory (strongly recommended)
• Good level of practical experience as skipper or mate on a cruising yacht
• Reasonable physical fitness and comfort at sea

Why Train With Us?

We bring together decades of real‑world skippering experience and a calm, encouraging teaching style to help you develop as a confident, safe coastal skipper.

• Family–run RYA centre – we know our students by name, not by course number.
• 40+ years of yachting & industrial training – recognised in UK National Training Awards.
• From tall ships to superyachts – we understand both leisure and professional yachting demands.
• International, multilingual instructors – bringing a wide range of experience and teaching styles.

How to Book

To check that RYA Coastal Skipper is the right step for you, or to enquire about upcoming dates and availability, please get in touch.

Contact us with your current experience and goals and we will help you plan the best route towards Yachtmaster and beyond.