rya yachtmaster coastal theory

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Coastal / Offshore

RYA Yachtmaster

Online Theory Course

A challenging course which stretches you but backed up with excellent coaching and instructor support.

Advanced training for more experienced skippers to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages

The RYA Yachtmaster  online theory course takes your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

This course advances your skills as a skipper of a yacht or motor boat, with an emphasis on navigation and passage planning for more complex coastal or offshore passages by day and night

Includes some time for the revision of Day Skipper subjects then moves on to cover a greater depth of knowledge and more advanced skills in navigation, pilotage & meteorology.

Successfully gaining your RYA Yachtmaster theory certificate will enable you to confidently work towards your Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore practical qualification.

• Assumed knowledge To Day Skipper theory level.
• Minimum duration A minimum of 40 hours of course study time is specified by the RYA, plus time for exercises and exams.
• Ability after course Theory knowledge to skipper a vessel on coastal and offshore passages by day and night.  

Simply click below to try a free lesson.

Pilotage for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

• Charts & Other Publications
• Definition of Position, Time, Speed & Distance
• The Compass (including allowance for deviation and swinging the compass)
• Tidal Theory
• Tidal Heights (including secondary ports)
• Tidal Streams (including interpolation of drift)
• Estimated Position
• Course to Steer
• Visual Aids to Navigation
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology (including interpreting surface pressure charts)
• The Collision Regulations
• Safety & Protection of The Environment

Unlimited support from our dedicated RYA Instructors - 365 days a year via email, phone or Skype/Zoom.

14-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

17 fully-narrated online lessons including animations, videos and realistic 3D graphics.

Embedded quizzes with instant feedback in each lesson.

14 self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers.

Over 50 downloadable or linked resources.

Videos covering: updating paper charts, engine checks, dismasting, jury rig, flood control, firefighting, gas explosions, capsize, lifejacket checks, how to put on a lifejacket and what happens when it inflates, man-overboard recovery, launching and boarding a liferaft.

Free Radar course.

RYA Student Pack (including 2 training charts, training almanac & course handbook).

Mock exams to prepare you for the real thing and give you the confidence to pass. 

3 final online exams with detailed instructor feedback and free repeat attempts if requried.

RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory Course Completion Certificate.

12 months access to study with instructor support and exams - you can extend this if you want.

Lifetime access to training materials once you’ve completed the course.

Optional Extras

Plotter and divider You’ll need a course plotter and chart-dividers to complete the chartwork exercises - if you don’t already have these you can purchase a top quality set from us for £28 when you place your order.

Delivery UK delivery is free.  European delivery is £20, outside Europe delivery is £40.

You can start studying immediately as many of the lessons don’t rely on the printed support materials.

This course is accessed online with no additional software required.

Lessons are accompanied by optional professional narration, and notes. 

They are intuitive and easy to follow, whilst more complex subjects are accompanied by interactive animations and graphics to help you gain a full knowledge of each subject in the course syllabus.

Detailed step-by-step workings for navigational or tidal calculations make it easy for you to follow along as we show you how to plot positions, make tidal height and stream calculations, etc

You can go over these again and again, and test your knowledge with regular quizzes throughout each lesson. 

At the end of each lesson there is an excercise containg similar questions to the exam, with detailed and illustrated answers sent to you immediately to confirm your progress and fully prepare you for your mock and final exams.

You can repeat entire lessons and excercises as often as you wish until you are confident that you fully understand each subject.

When you have completed the course you can request mock and then final exams.

These are assessed by our RYA Instructors and detailed feedback is provided in any areas that may require further study within the course.

If you pass the final exams you will be awarded the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate , which will be posted to you.

Additional free resits, with suitable Instructor guidance, are available if required.

Call us for advice on 0238 218 2604

Course reviews.

Laura Anderson

Very enjoyable and informative

Impressively prompt and thorough feedback on all queries, tests, mock and real exams. Very high standards and you feel you have earned the Yachtmaster certificate.

Ciaran McIntyre

Comprehensive and well delivered

Excellent course materials and high quality delivery. Very responsive and excellent instructor feedback

Andrew Harvey

Excellent Yachtmaster theory course - I’d definitely recommend it.

Does what it says on the tin and more. I was impressed how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

Oliver Fleming

Well put together course.

I found the Yachtmaster theory course to be really well structured and covered all of the syllabus in great detail. I was impressed by how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

Combined - RYA Day Skipper & Yachtmaster to fast track your theory learning

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• 3.3.0.1 [More information from Ardent Sailing Here]
• 3.3.1 Related Ardent Sailing Course
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ONLINE – RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster

Theory by ardent sailing , online – rya coastal skipper / yachtmaster theory.

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Online Course by Ardent Training is an advanced theory program focusing on navigation, safety, meteorology, and IRPCS. It’s tailored for those seeking RYA Coastal Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Qualifications.

Course Highlights

This course is a necessary precursor to the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical courses/exams. Successfully completing the course enhances prospects such as yacht chartering, insurance premium reduction, and offshore professional skippering. It’s ideal for experienced skippers looking to extend their voyaging capabilities.

Course Resources and Support

Upon registration, students receive:

• Immediate access to the course modules and lessons via the website for 12 months. • Participation in the student forum and discussions for interactive engagement with peers and instructors. • Live support from RYA instructors through chat, email, phone, or your preferred method from 0800 to 2000 (UK time) 364 days a year. • The student pack mailed within 24 hours, equipped with charts, professional navigation tools, and more. • The RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Certificate after completing the course and assessment. • Access to a fully video-presented course and written content for 12 months. • There is over 27 hours of video content, spread across 89 lessons. The estimated study time (including exams) is 50 hours.

Course Delivery

The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore course is delivered in text and video formats. Each module contains lessons and knowledge checks to reinforce understanding.

Students will complete module assessments that consist of official RYA exercise questions, and receive personalised feedback on their progress from qualified instructors.

RYA Yachtmaster Theory Exam

Upon completion of the coursework, we assist students in preparing for the online RYA Yachtmaster Theory exam.

The exam comprises three papers and can be taken at home.

Examiner feedback is provided after completion.

There are no additional exam fees unless it needs to be invigilated for commercial MCA purposes*. Our instructors are committed to coaching every student to a passing standard.

After completing the online RYA Yachtmaster Theory qualification, students gain the knowledge to navigate a motor or sail boat in day or night, and in challenging coastal and offshore environments. Students earn the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased certificate. To receive the full RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaste r qualification, students must complete a practical course or exam at a practical center of their choice.

The Ardent Training RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course costs £345, inclusive of all expenses (postage, tax, etc.).

[More information from Ardent Sailing Here]

For those needing to use the RYA Yachtmaster certificate for MCA Large Yacht qualifications, an invigilated exam may be necessary, which might incur a small additional fee payable directly to the invigilator.*

*A few students intending to use the RYA Yachtmaster certificate for the MCA Large Yacht qualifications (such as Officer of the Watch or Master 3000) may need to get their final exam invigilated. We will arrange this at the most convenient location available to you. however, as it may involve getting a third party invigilator, there may be a small additional fee to be paid directly to the invigilator. If you think this might apply to you, or are unsure, please get in touch for advice and more information.

Related Ardent Sailing Course

RYA Day Skipper Theory Online

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RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster ™ Offshore Theory (Online)

• This course looks to refine the techniques learnt in your RYA Day Skipper Theory course
• International Maritime Law
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology
• Environmental care

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory is a more advanced course that builds on the knowledge gained at the RYA Day Skipper Theory level. Its aim is to take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical course.

This course is open to anyone who has already completed Day Skipper Theory, and ideally has some practical boating experience. You should be comfortable applying concepts such as tidal heights and streams and interpreting weather information. You will be familiar with pilotage and passage planning. You will feel at ease with the practical and thorough application of the IRPCS. You will understand how to fix position using a variety of methods. Your knowledge of safety systems and practices will be substantial.

Your full training pack contents include:

• Two RYA practice charts
• The RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster course notes
• The RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster exercises
• The RYA Training Almanac

Please note: Your online course is provided by Navathome. Booking conditions are not the same as for courses delivered by Andrew Simpson Yachting.  

Notes on shipping of training materials.

All training materials for the online courses are shipped to you the buyer. Please be aware of the Navathome policy relating to shipping. This forms part of their terms and conditions.

• Navathome is unable to ship to addresses which contain PO Box Numbers. A physical address will be required.
• Buyers must provide a valid contact telephone number at the time of booking
• Packs being shipped to Russia must be delivered to a business address.
• All packs must be signed for, so the buyer must ensure that there will be somebody available to accept the package
• Navathome will not accept responsibility for packs sent to marinas, or c/o addresses. If the pack goes missing after it has been signed for, the buyer will be liable for the cost of the replacement pack. 

Course Outcomes

• With this qualification combined with additional practical experience, you should be equipped with the knowledge required to consider the RYA Yachtmaster ™ Coastal or Yachtmaster ™ Offshore examination.

To book this course please call or email our friendly team who will set you up with everything you need to get learning. Phone: +44 (0)2392 522777 Email: [email protected]

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• RYA Sailing Courses
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• RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster Theory

Written by Endeavour Sailing on 10 October 2017 .

RYA / MCA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Online Theory

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore theory course covers the theoretical knowledge required for the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course and the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Examinations.

The course works on your Day Skipper Theory knowledge moving you onto more complex coastal and offshore passages by day and by night.

Course must be completed within 12 months.

Advantage of studying online

• Complete the course at times that are convenient to you
• Progress at your own rate with regular tests
• Anywhere in the world
• Dedicated instructor support 365 days a year
• Multi device and platform compatible
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean SyllabusRYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Syllabus

Course Overview

• Charts and Other Publications
• Definition of Position, Time, Speed and Distance
• The compass (including allowance for deviation)
• Tidal Theory
• Tidal Heights (including secondary ports)
• Tidal Streams (including interpolation of rates)
• Estimated Position
• Course to Steer
• Visual Aids to Navigation
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Passage Planning
• Safety and Protection of the Environment
• The course is 40 hours plus exam time

The exam is divided into 3 parts: Chartwork paper – 2 hours; IRPCS paper – 1.5 hours & Passage Making – 3.5 hours.

The exam if taken online will be classed as being not invigilated. If you require this as part of a commercial endorsement it will need to be invigilated, we can arrange for this to be done just prior to your course with us.

Previous Knowledge

•   Day Skipper Theory level
• Student pack: RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Handbook, RYA Training Chart 3 and 4 and the Training almanac
• Online tutor
• RYA Certification on successful completion of the course.

Not Included

• Delivery: UK delivery is free. European delivery is £20 and outside of Europe delivery is £40
• Course Plotter and Chart Dividers, these will be needed to complete the course and can be purchased when you place your order.

Recommended supplementary reading

• RYA Yachtmaster Handbook (G70 or E-G70)
• RYA Navigation Handbook (G6 or E-G6)
• RYA Weather Handbook (G133 or E-G133)
• RYA International Rules for Preventing Collisions (G2 or E-G2)
• RYA Stability & Buoyancy (G23 or E-G23)

You can purchase the above as either books or Ebooks on the  RYA Website

Enrolling in our courses is a simple and straightforward process. First, select the course you're interested in and fill out the form provided along with the payment.

After this, you will receive a username and password, and a dedicated online tutor from our trusted supplier, Skippers Online. Additionally, your course pack will be shipped to you as part of the enrollment fee.

With these steps completed, you'll be ready to start your learning journey with us.

Registration Form

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Out of office contact

Mobile 0034 628 478 400

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• "Fantastic Course to do. It gave me excellent knowledge of navigation using charts and all the inputs that go into ensuring safe passage on the sea. It was delivered the content in a clear and practical way and was of great asssistance all the way." settings Mark Wharton settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "I've found the training with Above & Beyond Boating really helpful, you can never be too prepared when you head out to sea and their training has helped every step of the way." settings Richard Harris settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "Fabulous! Neil is a great teacher; he made the course enjoyable and the whole learning process was very well supported. Neil also provided support in preparing to go cruising for the first time - very practical and reliable in advice and support. Highly recommend!" settings Jennie Fogarty settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "As a sailor who's cracked the podium at World Champs in SB20, 18 and 14 ft skiffs, won Cowes Week in the IRC1 and Extreme 40s and been in boats since overnighters with the folks on Lake Rotoiti as a 5 year old...I'm here to thank Neil for teaching me the many previously unknown facets of the Yachtmaster programme." settings Grant Rollerson settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE

RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Course Information

This e-learning course has been developed by Above & Beyond Boating. The course content covers the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Syllabus.

There are 12 course units, comprising of lessons and activities. Lessons are structured with dynamic content and quiz exercises, which provide immediate feedback, to test your knowledge. On completion of the course units, you will be required to complete some online assessments to receive your certificate.

The RYA course framework has been used with Australian and International scenario based case studies to ensure you finish the course with confidence to undertake coastal passages.

Course Study

The course takes around 40 hours in total to study. The self-paced e-learning structure allows you to log in and work through the course material in your own time.

Qualification

RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate.

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore course builds upon the navigation, meteorology, and passage making that is delivered in the  RYA Day Skipper Theory Course . This RYA training course will introduce new topics and develop a deeper understanding of familiar topics. All units of this course have an assumed prior knowledge of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course.

Above & Beyond Boating is here to help! If you are not sure which course is best suited for your skills and future boating aspirations, please contact us today to discuss your pathway.

Once you have completed the twelve units of study, there are three assessment papers to complete in the online course. There is a Chartwork assessment, IRPCS assessment, and a Passage Making assessment.

When you have submitted an assessment attempt, it will be marked by a course instructor, and you will be provided with feedback. If you do not pass your assessment on your first attempt, we will provide feedback to help you prepare for another attempt. You can re-sit an exam again when you are ready.

A formal exam invigilation is required if you intend to gain an MCA large yacht qualification, such as the Officer of the Watch or Master 3000. Should you require a formal exam, we can assist with finding an RYA Training Centre in Australia, or internationally, to invigilate.

Learning Online

Our courses have been specifically designed for an online learning experience. Enrolment in an online course presents a flexible opportunity to work at your own pace. Our team can provide feedback, instruction and personal support to help you get the answers you need. 

Supporting Materials

How do we maintain our 99% course completion rate.

RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Certification

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory Course is an advanced training course covering extensive theoretical knowledge necessary for offshore skippering skills, boat handling, seamanship, navigation, safety awareness, collision avoidance, meteorology, and the use of technological aids. Once you have this prestigious coastal skipper licence, the oceans are yours to explore.

The Investment

Access to the course is open for the lifetime of the product. Your course support will remain active for 12 months from the time of enrolment. If life gets too busy and you need more time, you can pause your course support for up to 6-months, and then continue when you have more time. 

Enrol in the course now!

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RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory

Price: from £425 (Finance now available)

Location: Starts from our base at Premier Gosport Marina

Duration: 5 days

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory Course brings students with at least the RYA Day Skipper / Coastal Skipper qualification and a sound level of sailing experience, up to Yachtmaster™ level (Theory only).

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory course!

Booking details

Please select your preferred start date below.

• Saturday 6th July 2024 (6 spaces)
• Saturday 24th August 2024 (6 spaces)
• Saturday 26th October 2024 (6 spaces)

Course Information

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.

Who is the course for:

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 day skipper theory before attempting this course

What we cover on the 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:

• Position fixing
• Course shaping and plotting
• Tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications
• Electronic position finding equipment
• Taking and interpreting forecasts
• Plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
• Collision regulations
• Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad.

The idea of the course is to advance your knowledge in navigation and also add to your navigation tool kit.

Course formats & details:

Courses run in a choice of two formats:

• 6 days continuously
• 3 weekends sequentially

The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course includes free overnight accommodation aboard our immaculate, well-maintained yachts, and free tea and coffee, although no meals are included in the course cost (Free accommodation is during low season only and subject to yacht availability – Please check with us beforehand).

All meals are at the students own cost and are taken at any of the great local establishments in Gosport, or a short ferry hop across the harbour to Portsmouth.

Please note that during high season accommodation on-board cannot be guaranteed, so please ensure if you need to take advantage of this benefit you inform us of your requirements well in advance. Should we have no free boats available, you will need to arrange overnight accommodation at your own cost.

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!

Our Chief Instructor says this about the RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory:

The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is a very full-on course. It will test you to your limits. It will even make your instructor scratch their head now and then (we are all only human!).

It is really well advised to make sure you are fully focused on the Yachtmaster Theory course. There is a lot to cover in the course, always ask questions if you do not unerstand, as your instructor is there to help.

A few things from me – The course is not a 9-5 course. It can be longer depending on the pace of the students 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 amazing fun and will bring some really useful navigation techniques for longer routes.

There are so many usefull techniques to learn in navigation that are interesting for longer routes and more unusual passage plans.

My advice for the course is keep a sharp pencil, and ask lots of questions. If you do not understand then ask the instructor as we are here to pass on our knowledge to you.

Related courses

Mile building weekend.

Our Mile Building Weekend is the perfect way to build-up your sea miles and gain valuable experience at the helm as Skipper or as crew under the watchful eye of one of our expert Instructors. With longer, more involved & exciting passages undertaken, it’s an adventure outside the confines of the Solent and a great way to gain more confidence in the waters around the South Coast.

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the Mile Building Weekend!

RYA Sea Survival

The RYA Sea Survival Course is an essential for any sailor. Teaching self-help techniques and what to do when all is lost, it’s a prerequisite for longer passages 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!

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Coastal/Offshore Preparation Week

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 profressional qualifications in Yachting.

Take a look at our live course calendar  for dates for the RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal/Offshore Preparation week!

Customer reviews

A fantastic weekend of sailing, almost 130 NM in all, with a relaxed, but fully engaging skipper. Great set up and brilliant on the admin. Thanks Stef, Tom et al!

I did a weeks coastal skipper course getting ready for my yacht master and I have to say it was one of the best training weeks I’ve had - our training instructor was superb, exactly the sort of person that you want. He could inspire, provide discipline and impart knowledge as well as let you learn through your own mistakes. Tom and Steph run an excellent operation there and I highly recommend it. They’re flexible and very helpful when it comes to your journey into being a qualified sailor.

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RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster Theory London/Gosport

Free resit guarantee*.

Course Information

• What's Included
• Topics Covered
• Pre-course Requirements
•     RYA Training Charts 3 and 4
•     RYA Training Almanac
•     RYA Yachtmaster Course Notes
•     RYA Electronic Chart Plotter Booklet
•     RYA Yachtmaster Exercises Book
•     Nomad Sailing Course Notes and exercise answers
•     Access to online training aids, downloads and mock exams
•     Free access to invigilated exam sessions (evenings or weekends)
•     Exams (Chartwork, Passage Making and IRPCS) and Certificate
•     Position fixing
•     Course shaping and plotting
•     Tidal calculations at primary and secondary ports
•     Use of almanacs and admiralty publications
•     GNSS and electronic charts
•     Interpretation of forecasts and the synoptic chart
•     Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
•     Collision regulations
•     Passage appraisel, planning, execution and monitor
•     Pilotage in good and restricted visibility
•     Safety and Stabilty
•     London North Greenwich SE10 0BW
•     London Holborn EC1N 2PB
•     Gosport Marina PO12 1AH

How do I Book?

Check out the available course dates and then contact us or book online. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Lou or Jim for more information.

Testimonials

Free Navathome Diesel Engine course with RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Yachtmaster & Ocean theory online courses!

• Where Do I Start ?
• RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship
• RYA Day Skipper
• RYA Coastal Yachtmaster
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
• Fastrack To RYA Coastal Yachtmaster
• RYA CEVNI Test
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• Navathome ICC Theory Course
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Welcome to Navathome

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Get Instant Access To All Of Our Courses

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Navathome Basic Theory Course

Learn The Basics In Boating and Navigating

RYA Day Skipper theory

Start Your RYA Journey and Learn How To Navigate With Confidence Includes a free diesel engine course

RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster

Enhance Your Knowledge of Navigation & Passage Planning Includes a free diesel engine course

Try our free Navathome Mobile available from your app store

Try the 'Navathome' app free from your app store. We have courses for all experience levels, from beginners looking for an introduction to navigation, to experienced sailors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSE

All courses are completed online, study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

Day Skipper

• Includes a free diesel engine course
• No Previous Experience Necessary
• Learn Basic Navigation & Seamanship

Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster

• Knowledge To Day Skipper Theory Level Required
• Enhance Your Knowledge of Navigation & Passage Planning

Yachtmaster Ocean

• Knowledge to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Level Required
• The Ultimate In Navigation

Fastrack to RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster

• Formal Theory Qualifications Necessary
• Complete Day Skipper Revision and Coastal Yachtmaster Theory in one course

MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS ...

Years experience

TrustPilot reviews

Hours studied online

WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING ...

With over 2,500 5 Star Reviews on TrustPilot, it was hard to narrow it down.

customer Carolyn

Great Course

Day skipper theory course was very good - well explained and clear. There was help on hand when needed but working it out for yourself was great instruction in itself! I would certainly do another course with Navathome and would recommend it to others.

Comprehensive course with helpful feedback

I recently took the Coastal/Yachtmaster theory course with Navathome, and happily I passed. There is a great deal of information to cover, and trying to fit this round a day job meant I needed an extension to the time to go through the course, but they kindly granted me this, and provided helpful and constructive feedback at every point. The exam itself probably needs several days, especially if you are as slow at plotting fixes as I am. Think of a number and double it is useful in terms of time needed. The final paper is really an all-day job, so make sure to allow yourself a clear block of time when you can drop everything else and give it your undivided attention. Overall, this has been a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience, and I now feel far more confident that I have decent knowledge to back up the practicalities of sailing.

Navathome Day Skipper Theory

Just completed and passed the RYA Day Skipper Theory course with Navathome. It was a really great experience and I was pleased to discover that I am still capable of learning lots of new things. The content is excellent at delivered at your own pace so you can go back over things that you don't understand as many times as you want.

Tom, Cardiff

Well laid out lessons/resources

Well laid out lessons/resources. Excellent practice questions covering all scenarios. Instant feedback. Very helpful and patient instructors!!! Thank you All at Navathome

The day skipper theory course from…

The day skipper theory course from Navathome is really good. It is well laid out and easy to follow. It is simple to see your progress. The website works very well, I didn’t have any issues with it. I didn’t need to ask many questions, as the online course is so well structured, but when I did they were answered quickly and clearly.

Graham Foster

Comprehensive and high quality on line learning

A very comprehensive course giving time to complete all the exercises at your own pace, build confidence and commit everything to long term memory. I found this far better than creaming everything in over several weekends but be warned this is not the easy option. Fortunately great instructors available when required and instant feedback aids learning. Highly recommended.

Great course

Great course, super concise and well structured. I was able to sail through my practical assessment without any issues. (Dayskipper and Diesel Engine)

One of the best online courses ever!

One of the best online courses I’ve done, in any field. A great combination of text, diagrams, videos/animations, use of practical and physical components (charts, books, almanacs), quizzes, tests and full-on assessments. And there is always help from real people, who care about getting you where you want to be.

Very nice and helpful instructors

well structured course, with explanations for everyone. the instructors who are there for the student, helping him whenever he needs it.

Steve SP REPAIRS

Great Day skipper theory course fit in with my spare time.

Working so many hours I was able to fit the course in around my spare time.. the lessons were great and explained well with videos and graphics. The language was straightforward and although required some good concentration at times it was made even easier with how quick the reply to email questions would be.. I mean, literally a few minutes! This is a real professional set up with a real family/ kind feeling and atmosphere. Obviously you never meet the teachers apart from email but you can get a good sense that NavAtHome.com want you to pass vs just doing their jobs.. thank you NavAtHome.com, Jackie, Salomon and others that came back to my questions over the last months, look forward to doing the coastal course next year!

A very enjoyable course to do

The course was very easy to navigate and friendly to do. There are a few typos, but nothing to make anything ambiguous. I restarted the course this year after having to suspend doing it when I started caring for my mother a few years ago. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. I certainly will do another course in the future if I think it necessary for my level of sailing.

WHY NAVATHOME ?

Full support to pass, multi device support, highest rated school, free navathome app.

EXPERT RYA INSTRUCTORS

Fully animated lessons, group discounts, exceeds expectations.

Download Our Mobile Application

We developed the mobile app to support and work alongside our courses, and it also gives you access to some useful tools that you can use during your training program, and keep using throughout your on-water career.

Free And Available For Apple And Android !

6 months to complete with lifetime access to revision material

Get 6 months initial access to complete the course, which may be extended, if required. After completing the course, you will receive lifetime access to our Revision Material to ensure you maintain the skills and knowledge you have learnt with us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our goal is to assist you by addressing common questions and providing valuable information about our courses and services. If you’re unable to find the specific answer you’re seeking, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated team. We are always ready to provide further assistance and support.

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RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Online Course

This course follows on from the Day Skipper course and builds on many of the subjects covered on that course but in much more depth, whilst also introducing many other new and equally important subjects. This course is aimed at those wishing to go onto complete the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster practical courses and exams as well as the recreational boaters wishing to widen their knowledge base. By the end of the course you should be equipped with the knowledge to navigate a  sailing yacht or powered craft in unfamiliar coastal and offshore waters during the day and night.

Pre-requisites

A knowledge/skill base to the level of RYA Day Skipper Shorebased .

What's Involved?

This is an eLearning course, but an RYA instructor is on hand to provide as much support as you require, this is done predominately by email, but Skype/Zoom chats can be organised at pre-arranged times.

Course Content

• Position fixing
• Course shaping and plotting
• Tidal knowledge
• Use of almanacs and admiralty publications
• Electronic position finding equipment
• Taking and interpreting forecasts
• Plotting weather systems
• Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
• Collision regulations
• Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

Course Duration

Recommended reading, delivered by.

Approximately 6 days

Pay online, we create and send you all the login details and post your course pack.

Sailing Courses Online, an RYA Training Centre specialising in online courses.

Book this course

This is an online course so all you need to do is to select 'Book Now' and then pay and we will send your login details and instructions for taking the course. The login will arrive the next business day as we need to manually set you up for this course.

We're always really keen to chat to you when you’re booking a course as whilst we are happy to take bookings through this system for your convenience - nothing beats chatting about boats and courses!

Whilst this is an online course you will be prompted for a date,  just leave the date it gives you as it doesn't matter what date is selected. Select as many spaces as you need and then follow the booking process.

PLEASE NOTE:  When you book this course we need to MANUALLY set you up on the Interactive system. This is the same for ALL schools. We will set you up by close of play the next working day. We apologise for this delay but this is a course requirement and not down to us. :)

If overseas customers book the UK option we cannot set you up online until you have paid the additional postage amount of £25.

What's included?

• Online e-Learning course
• Training charts
• Course handbook & exercises 
• RYA Training Almanac
• Assessment papers
• Electronic chart plotter CD
• Support from a RYA instructor

Use Of Your Personal Data (GDPR Compliance)

To enable access to your online course we need to share some of your personal data with 'Sailing Courses Online'. This training website and database is held and maintained on a secure server.  Sailing Courses Online  is an RYA training centre which specialises in online navigation training and will not use your personal information for any reason other than enabling your course.

How Does It All Work?

Once you've received a confirmation email from us,  you can login with the username & password that is emailed to you.

Your course pack will be posted to you but you don't need to wait for this to start your course.

Carry out the online training course at your own pace. (Maximum 6 months)

If you have any questions at any stage during your course, simply email your instructor.

At the end you need to sit tests. If you need this qualification commercially please talk to us as you may need to be invigilated. On successful completion, you will receive your certificate in the post.

What about if i need to use this commercially?

You do not necessarily need your Yachtmaster Theory online course assessment invigilated.. have a read through the below as this may answer the question as to whether you do or not.. 

What is assessment invigilation and who can conduct it?

In some cases, it is necessary to arrange for an RYA Instructor to be present throughout the assessment to verify that you haven't received any outside assistance. This may be an RYA Instructor of any level.

When is invigilation required, do I really need it?

In most cases, invigilation of the final theory assessment is not necessary and is completely optional. We have summarised this for you below:

Invigilation is  not  required:

• If you are going to be using the qualification for leisure purposes (flotilla, charter, own boat cruising etc).
• If you wish to qualify as a RYA Cruising Instructor or an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.
• For Skippering vessels below 200GT
• If you are wishing to add a Commercial Endorsement to a RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

Invigilation  will be  required:

• If you wish to enter MCA large yacht qualifications such as Officer of the Watch or Master 3000 all of your theory assessments must be invigilated 
• If you intend to Skipper vessels of over 200GT 
• If you intend to use your RYA Day Skipper Certificate or Competence for commercial purposes such as sea angling or commercial dive-boat operations within the UK you will require a professional endorsement to a Day Skipper Certificate of Competence. This will enable you to skipper a small commercial vessel. If your Day Skipper shorebased exam is invigilated by an RYA Instructor you will be able to operate up to 12 mile limit from the vessel's home port. If your theory exam has not been invigilated, operation will be authorised for a 3 mile limit from the vessel's home port. 

How can invigilation be arranged?

You may choose to make your own arrangements independently, please note: the chosen RYA recognised Training Centre may wish to charge a fee to cover their instructor time. This will need to be agreed by your instructor to ensure the centre you wish to be invigilated is acceptable to do it at.

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Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Theory

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Theory is an advanced course in navigation & meteorology, for candidates aiming for the Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Certificate.

Our instructors will take their time with you teaching you chart plotting, course to steer and secondary ports, as well as tidal calculations, weather systems and collision regulations.

The course is taught over 40 hours with three exam pape rs.

699  €

• Description

Additional information

• Reviews (6)

Event Details

This is an advanced course in navigation & meteorology for candidates for the Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Certificate. Our instructors will take their time with you teaching you chart plotting, course to steer and secondary ports, as well as tidal calculations, weather systems and collision regulations. The course is taught over 40 hours with three exam papers.

Course content

• The magnetic compass
• Tidal streams
• GPS and chart plotters
• Echo sounders
• Logs (speed and distance measuring)
• Meteorology
• Rules of the road
• Safety at sea
• Navigation in restricted visibility
• Passage planning
• Marine environment

Pre-course experience / requirements

A previous knowledge of the rules of the road, col regs, vessel sounds, lights and shapes, and buoyage systems is advised. There are various aps to download to your phones/tablets or the RYA flash cards are readily available to buy at the school. You must know your basics before you attempt this course.

6 reviews for Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Theory

Ivo H. – August 6, 2019

I felt that there was mutual respect and the instructor was very helpful. Great course, very helpful and friendly people who do all that is needed to get you fully prepared for the RYA exams.

Vinny M. – August 6, 2019

The instructor was very thorough, passionate and considerate toward our learning structure and objectives. It was much more intense and in-depth than anticipated. Comforting to know the difficult standards for sailors navigating our waters. Palma Sea School have very good standards.

Pierre M. – August 6, 2019

The instructor was very friendly and explained things in a very clear and easiest way to understand. Our instructor knew how to jump between hard concepts and easier ones to not make the course too heavy.

Gerhard – August 6, 2019

This course was brilliant and I would recommend Palma Sea School to anyone looking to do a Yacht Master course.

William R. – August 6, 2019

The instructor was excellent and very helpful. Thumbs up!

Vincenzo V. – August 6, 2019

Great teacher and great attitude!!!

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• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

What is an RYA Yachtmaster?

The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper. Unlike other qualifications in the cruising programme, there is no formal training course to become an RYA Yachtmaster. Instead, provided you have sufficient experience, certification and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge. There are a number of RYA navigation courses that will help you prepare for your exam. Many RYA Yachtmaster candidates also choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some specialised exam preparation training, but this is not compulsory.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

• Arranging your exam

The Coastal and Offshore exams are practical tests afloat, and the Ocean is an oral exam. Find out more about qualifying passages, exam fees and how to book. 

With an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean Certificate of Competence you can start a career at sea.

You'll need to have the appropriate qualification for the vessel and area of operation.

If you want to work commercially, you'll need a commercial endorsement.

Find out more about other RYA professional qualifications.

• Getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course

Can you really become an RYA Yachtmaster in as little as 14 weeks? Check out our top tips for getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course...

• Commercial Requirements – STCW, ENG1 and RYA PPR
• Course Calendar

Contact details Melani Kruger | Sales Cell:+27 (0)82 088 7186 [email protected]

Perry-Anne Davies | Principal & General Manager Cell:+27 (0)73 187 3746 [email protected]

Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School Duncan Road, Table Bay Harbour Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster theory

• Katy Stickland
• July 20, 2021

Racing turned cruising sailors Liz Rushall and her husband Mark go back to school to brush up on their Yachtmaster theory

Although accomplished sailors, Liz and Mark found their rusty knowledge was hampering their cruising enjoyment. The Yachtmaster theory course revealed a number of areas in need of a refresher. Credit: David Harding

Liz Rushall shares tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster theory course

‘Why on earth are you guys doing your Yachtmaster ?’ was the question our friends repeatedly asked. ‘Surely, you know all that stuff?’

We’ve both sailed since childhood, competitively racing dinghies, then keelboats. Sailing is our work and life.

Liz Rushall has won national dinghy and keelboat titles, but currently cruises a 28ft classic Honeybee called Ragdoll

Mark is a British Sailing Team coach, we’ve both won championships together and with others, and raced keelboats offshore.

In between times, since 2000, we’ve cruised Ragdoll our 28ft classic Honeybee, from Emsworth, having slow adventures around Brittany, Normandy, and the West Country.

Generally, we’ve arrived on the day we had planned, if not quite always at our estimated time.

Although I did my Yachtmaster theory some 20 years ago, it’s just like I have a Maths O-Level. It’s still a mystery to me.

Sitting the course at night-school, during an intensely busy job, with a bunch of powerboaters talking jargon knowingly, it was as if I was reliving the horror of maths at school.

Needless to say, as with my maths, I battled through the exam and unfortunately not much of it stuck.

Meanwhile, Mark learned his navigation on the hoof, cruising on friends’ boats during his student days and he is self-taught.

Good at all things involving science and numbers, he was always a bit dismissive of things like compass deviation.

We had a little hand-held GPS, a Walker trailing log, and more recently a very small detachable Garmin chartplotter and Simrad AIS. It all seemed to work – we were fine.

What could possibly go wrong?

You never stop learning

The real answer to the question ‘why do our Yachtmaster ’ was a wake-up call that came last summer.

We’d had a hectic few months, working late and trying to fit in our summer cruise around Mark’s Olympic coaching commitments.

We were both tired and needed a break.

Mark plotted our Channel crossing.

Normally I try to get involved and have a crack at the passage plan too, but it takes me ages.

Making sense of passage planning, including tidal heights and gates, is much easier once you’ve had a refresher. Credit: Liz Rushall

I helped a bit with the tidal streams (which I thought I was good at) and had a quick, over-the-shoulder look.

We decided to head for Cherbourg, to have options.

We dismissed the idea of heading straight to Saint-Vaast, as we’d anticipated a four-hour wait for the lock gates – tedious after a long crossing.

We left Chichester Harbour early, although I wanted to go even earlier.

As soon as we had popped out of the harbour, the wind clearly was not as forecast. It was more WSW than west, so not the reach we had hoped for.

Continues below…

Tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster practical

Having brushed up on their theory, racing turned cruising sailors Liz Rushall and her husband Mark now put it into…

How to pass your Yachtmaster exam

The global standard of sailing qualifications is achievable for any experienced, competent skipper. Tom Cunliffe explains how to pass your…

12 expert skills to take you beyond Yachtmaster

Rupert Holmes outlines the skills that mark out the good sailors from the 
great ones, with experience and reflective learning…

We were keen to get to France, however, so we pressed on.

It was a big spring tide, so we expected to get swept hard eastwards and then back westwards.

We reefed early, anticipating the wind against tide effect as we got towards France.

But it was a horrible sea. Our little boat was sailing beautifully but struggled to keep to our estimated speed.

We were consistently too far east of our course, even after the tide had turned, and the tide didn’t push us as hard west to Cherbourg as had been expected.

Still behind schedule, the water didn’t flatten out when the tide turned east again.

How to calculate position, estimate time of arrival and course to steer is all easily forgotten in a digital age. Knowing how to extract this information from your chartplotter is also crucial

Now very tired from hand steering, less than two hours from Cherbourg we had to concede that we simply could not punch upwind, with or without the engine.

The whole day had been a domino effect of one little thing after another.

So, as the sun faded, a quick change of plan.

We altered course for St Vaast, rocketing down on the tide, arriving just as the lock gates opened at 2300.

In the end, it was a good result, landing in our favourite spot, although it had been a very long day on a little boat with no self-steering.

After two days’ sleeping, having a sailing coach on board and racing in our blood meant, of course, a thorough debrief.

Naturally, over some lovely seafood and French wine.

We realised that our brains were not getting younger, and clearly there had been some ‘gaps’ in our navigational planning.

For a long time, I’ve felt aware that I didn’t have a complete handle on chartwork, despite owning a certificate that says I do.

The decision was made. Let’s have a crack at our RYA Yachtmaster and find out what we do and don’t know.

A course in ‘Johart’s Window’

Stage one of our plan was enrolling on an Intensive RYA Yachtmaster Theory course with the Emsworth School of Navigation – six days completed over two weekends.

Using dividers to transfer a position line from a scale is easier on a small boat than lining up a plotter or parallel rules. Credit: David Harding

Compared to my memories of scary night-school, the experience was a refreshing change.

Karen Dorontic, the principal, turned out to be an amazing teacher, with astounding levels of patience and a gift for not making you feel stupid, despite most of us coming up with some bizarre calculations and answers.

Her empathy with our learning process, the pitfalls and the mistakes we would make as we progressed through the topics and papers, was clearly based on her own experiences.

We had an interesting, mixed group on the course; a couple refurbishing their yacht to cruise around the world, two people who take people sailing on club-owned yachts, a Solent based cruiser, and my brothers.

One who, like me, did his Yachtmaster theory exam many years ago, the other a confirmed dinghy sailor now doing a bit more yacht racing.

Straight into the first session, and many of us were picking up some great tips.

Frequently things that sounded obvious, although only once you had been told.

For us, it was time-saving things, such as using the dividers to transfer positions from the side of the chart rather than struggling with parallel rules, and unlocking the delights of a Portland plotter.

Both were far more useful for our tiny navigation table. Then, there were the really useful ways of remembering things.

Who knew the cones on cardinal marks point to the black section? Easy.

Bizarrely, one of the most entertaining sessions was learning the Colregs (collision regulations).

We were in hoots visualising all those bells and gongs going off in poor visibility.

Yet once again, Karen gave us really helpful tips for working out lights, especially for towing vessels, which initially felt like a sea of colour we’d never remember.

The intensive nature of the course means there is a vast amount of information to process but without the luxury of a few days to absorb and reread what you are learning.

Almost inevitably, that meant some of us ‘hitting the wall’.

By day two of plotting estimated positions and courses to steer, I could no longer figure out Variation and Deviation.

The phrase ‘Error East Compass Least’ rapidly became another maths maze. Plus or minus?

The more I tried to think about it, the more it went wrong.

One candidate put his dividers down saying: ‘I’ve completely forgotten what it is I’m trying to achieve’.

I began to wonder how we’d ever got our boats anywhere around the Solent, let alone to St Malo, Chausey, and Tréguier.

Homework humiliations

With a lot of exercises to practise before the second weekend, it was hard to cram our homework into a busy fortnight.

Somehow we did, although mealtime conversation got down to the level of ‘what do two red lights mean?’ Riveting stuff!

The family WhatsApp was busy that week with shrieks of frustration as we all made chartwork errors.

Back in the classroom, we all compared notes. Everyone had struggled with their homework.

Mark didn’t get a single question right first time.

Liz found it useful to identify areas of weakness ahead of her Yachtmaster Theory course. Credit: David Harding

Number blindness set in as we all plotted the wrong information, dates and data and tried to use the tidal height tables to calculate tidal stream rates. We’d done it all.

One man owned up to plotting the date as a position on his chart.

At least we were all suffering in the same boat.

Undoubtedly, it was a painful process to go through, as we all fell into the pitfalls and traps deliberately set in the exercise questions.

However, it was true that practice makes perfect.

Through comparing our random attempts with the answers, we were all learning from our errors.

The fog is clearing

With homework horrors behind us, our practice paid off as we went through our exam papers.

Everyone passing the Colregs paper was a confidence boost. Bang the gong!

While we waited to hear our results, the bemused conversation went along the lines of, ‘Were those yellow and red lights a Hovercraft that was fishing?

Or an air-cushioned, displacement fishing vessel?

Details of the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course

Officially speaking, the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course builds on that which is taught in the shore-based Day skipper course.

However, for most people who have sailed regularly, then jumping straight to Yachtmaster theory is unlikely to be a major problem.

The course covers advanced navigation techniques including: position fixing; course shaping and plotting; tidal knowledge including secondary port calculations; navigation in restricted visibility; Admiralty publications and electronic position-finding equipment.

Much of this will be familiar to even the most casual cruiser, but as Liz discovered, some of the specifics might well need a bit of study.

The meteorology tuition includes the taking and interpretation of forecasts, plotting of weather systems as well as weather prediction.

Further courses

Many people who jump straight into Yachtmaster Theory may find that it turns up a weakness or gap in their knowledge.

It can often be helpful to identify areas of weakness and consider a training course that might help raise your level ahead of a Yachtmaster practical exam.

Several schools offer courses on many of the subjects in a Yachtmaster exam and they can help you to improve your knowledge.

On the other hand, it might just be an area you devote more time to in the lead up to Yachtmaster Practical.

Know your COLREGS

The one area where there are no shortcuts are Colregs; you just need to know your stuff – and finding the time to learn isn’t difficult.

So far as the MCA is concerned, this is the crunch.

Examiners are encouraged to demand high standards in this subject, and there’s no reason for a candidate, knowing full well they are going to be grilled extensively on this, not to have the regulations solidly in their mind.

The best way to be exam-proof is to invest in A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road (Morgans Technical Books Limited (£12.50), available for modest money online or in any chandlery.

Place it prominently in the heads some months before the exam and devote five minutes of each day to digesting its contents.

The book makes it easy and should leave you with no excuse for not having a thorough working knowledge.

Aside from the certificate, we both got a lot out of the course. Mark felt that it reminded him what he did know and reinforced what he didn’t.

Liz found she had forgotten some useful shortcuts during her Yachtmaster Theory course and put these into practice during her Yachtmaster Practical assessment. Credit: David Harding

Learning the processes and the ways to remember them, was so helpful.

For me, cracking the tidal stream rates was a revelation, and fears of secondary ports and tidal height calculations are mostly gone.

It will definitely help us explore places we never felt confident to visit because we have a long keel.

Karen’s many wise tips such as not trusting the electronics unquestioningly, and rapid plotting techniques will be invaluable.

Pilotage plans for new ports will now be a joy rather than a scrabble around through the pilot books.

We love our little boat, we sail her well, yet she will never be anything like the quickest boat on the water.

She needs all the help we can give her, which includes accurate navigation to arrive on time.

Having returned to the Yachtmaster theory I now feel that my confidence is up.

Mark and I now can’t wait for our next big voyage, to see what we’ve really learned.

Now there’s the small matter of our practical exams on the horizon.

5 key points to take away from our Yachtmaster Theory course

• Quick Plotting Techniques: Karen’s quick plotting technique really helps if, like us, you have a very small chart table. Simply plot your latitude using your Portland plotter or ruler. Then measure off your longitude along the top line of the chart from the nearest major longitude line eg 002°. Move the dividers down to in-line with your latitude plot and draw an arc on your first line
• Deviation and Variation: In the end, I solved this by learning to literally translate ‘error east/compass least’ and ‘error west/compass best’ into plain English! In other words: Compass error West – compass will be bigger than True; Compass error East –compass will be less than True. Learning how to use a pencil mark on the error scale on the Portland plotter to avoid the mental arithmetic entirely was another gem.
• Extrapolating tidal streams : One particular ‘lightbulb moment’ was calculating tidal streams. We’d only ever interpolated the tidal streams, estimating the rate between the mean spring and neap rates shown in the tidal atlas. The exercises highlighted that a big spring tide will be higher than the mean rate, and extrapolating this accurately makes a big impact on your course to steer.
• Remembering lights: Learning the lights felt really complex, but Karen taught us to look for the patterns. Remember a clock face for the number of flashes of the N, E, S and West cardinals (E is three flashes, South six, West nine and North continuous) is a great tip. For remembering the lights for towing vessels, adding an extra masthead light to represent the vessel it is towing, plus another for boat length over 50m, and another for tow length.
• Templates for secondary port and tidal stream calcs:  Rather than working it out from scratch each time, Karen encouraged us to develop our own, or use standard templates for calculating tidal information. It helps reduce errors, speeding up the planning process and saving brain cells for other tasks.

Key information on the Yachtmaster practical and theory courses

Why yachtmaster.

Although a Yachtmaster qualification is required for anyone planning to become a professional, thanks to the continuing efforts of the RYA, Brits who sail for leisure still don’t have to carry any proof of competence in home waters.

The certificate certainly remains the logical target of many a self-motivated sailor, though.

It also represents the icing on the cake for those looking for the reassurance of an external assessment.

Theory and Practical

Yachtmaster training can take place on a boat or in a classroom.

A shore-based course, either at desks in a school or via the popular Internet distance learning programmes, ends with a theory exam.

Success in this will help a student in later qualification upgrades, but it is not officially recognised.

The only certificates accepted by the authorities are those issued after an at-sea examination. To become a fully-fledged Yachtmaster, this practical test is the one that counts.

Coastal or offshore

In recent years, the old Coastal Skipper has been superseded by the new Yachtmaster Coastal certificate.

The qualifying mileage for this MCA-recognised qualification is 800 miles, with passage and night-hour requirements being regarded as fairly relaxed in comparison with Yachtmaster Offshore, which keeps its 2,500-mile entry level.

Either will serve as a proper Yachtmaster qualification and can be described as such.

Only the often-dropped suffix distinguishes the two.

Apply for ‘coastal’ and the examiner, recognising that you have less sea-time, will be more inclined to cut you a bit of slack.

The RYA has noted that most candidates are really only making ‘coastal-status’ passages.

In real terms this includes an annual trip across the Irish Sea, the North Sea or the Channel in a calculated weather window.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail – Everything You Need To Know

What is the rya yachtmaster coastal sail.

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail ticket is a highly useful and credible sail cruising qualification. Administered on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastgaurd Agency by the RYA the qualification is accepted as a worldwide standard. To gain an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail qualification you must sit a practical exam. 

What Does the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Allow You to Do?

Gaining an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail will allow you to work commercially on small sail cruising vessels.

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail exam certifies that you are competent to skipper a sail cruising yacht on coastal voyages within 20nm of a harbour. 

How Can You Sit a Yachtmaster Coastal Exam?

The exam can be organised via the RYA to be done on your own vessel or via an RYA training centre, to be done on an RYA training vessel. It should be noted, that to complete the exam on your own vessel, your vessel must be up to an appropriate safety standard.

Most RYA training centres offering the RYA Cruising Scheme offer some form of pre exam preparation or coaching for those looking to take an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail exam.

These courses are often referred to as ‘RYA Yachtmaster Prep’ courses. This is unique within the RYA training framework in that it does not have a fixed course syllabus, length or course completion certificate.

Who Can Do the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Exam?

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail exam is open to anyone who meets the minimum criteria, with all experience within the last 10 years.

• 17 years of age or older
• 30 days spent at sea
• 800nm sailed, with at least 50% in tidal waters
• 12 night hours
• 2 days as skipper

If you have exceeded all of the above by large margins, then the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam might be for you.

If you have the miles, but not the skippering experience, it is suggested that you charter a small sailing vessel in order to gain the skippering experience.

Additionally, exam candidates must also hold a relevant GMDSS VHF certification and an RYA First Aid certificate or recognised equivalent.

Can You Go Straight to the RYA Yachtmaster Exam?

You can indeed jump straight into the RYA Cruising Scheme at this stage, however, it is imperative that you understand the levels that are required of you, both in your knowledge and practical skills.

It is suggested that as a minimum you have completed (and passed) the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course as the knowledge in here is both required for you to be at the level required, but will be formally tested during your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail exam, both orally and in practical applications.

What Do You Need to Know before Attending a Course and Exam?

You, of course, need to be a suitably experienced skipper and this involves meeting the prerequisites mentioned above to be eligible. You should be able to handle your vessel competently in close quarters and at sea. You should be comfortable applying this in various day and night time passages.

As mentioned, it is strongly recommended to have completed the RYA Coastal and Yachtmaster Theory as the depth of knowledge gained from this shore based course will be tested throughout your exam. 

How Long Does a Course and Exam Take?

The exam itself can take anything from 6 hours to 2 days depending on how many candidates are being examined on one vessel at a time. Up to 4 candidates can sit the exam at once and this would last for a maximum of 48 hours if so.

An RYA Yachtmaster Prep course is generally four and a half days long and is usually directly followed by the practical exam.

Is There a Set Syllabus for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Prep Course?

No, this is the one time that while there is a recognised ‘course’, there is no syllabus. It is up to the experienced instructor on the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Prep course to tailor the learnings to your needs. This is more about refining your skills rather than teaching new ones.

You should be honest with yourself and your instructor in order for learnings throughout the week to be tailored to improve yourself on any weak areas that you may have.

What Should I Expect from a Prep Course?

These courses run as a standalone course and while there may be students on another course, generally everyone onboard is a candidate for an RYA Yachtmaster Exam. The courses should however be run with no more than 4 students on board.

The content will depend on the needs of all students and is aimed at fine-tuning existing skills rather than teaching new ones. This will involve a lot of night time cruising and navigation, carrying out challenging boat handling while using theory knowledge and ensuring general skippering skills are up to scratch.

There is a basic syllabus that is used to help shape the exam content, but in reality, you can be tested on anything from the RYA cruising scheme within the exam.

Before choosing the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Prep course you need to be honest with yourself and your own abilities. While on the course you need to take on the advice and guidance given by the instructor on what areas need work. If you speak to your instructor before the course, they can tailor the instruction to your needs.

What Should I Expect on an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Exam?

On the exam, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and competence. You will be expected to take full responsibility for your vessel and crew. The examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate competence and show your broad range of experience.

The exam will be an intensive experience and even when you are not the designated skipper, you will still be asked questions and observed and examined as a participant of the crew.

During the exam you will be asked to complete various tasks, ranging from leaving the dock, skippering a short passage, casualty recovery, night pilotage and even blind navigation. Additionally, you will be tested on theoretical aspects such as how to deal with an engine failure, knowledge of your vessel’s stability, meteorology and IRPCS.

As a potential RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail, these tasks are ones that should now be second nature to you and should take minimal time to plan while the theoretical knowledge should be able to roll off your tongue. 

What Is the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Exam Syllabus?

The following topics make up the basis for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail exam syllabus. IRPCS, safety, boat handling, seamanship, responsibility as skipper, navigation, meteorology and signals.

But, as mentioned above, anything from the whole RYA cruising syllabus scheme can be tested.

What Is the Cost of an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Course and Exam?

As ever, many schools differ in price. We would recommend that you take a look around at the various options and find what suits your needs the best. Cheapest is not often better.

This can range from knowing if you will have to share a cabin while onboard to whether food and berthing charges are included to how many other students you will be sharing your week with.

The exam fee is usually not included, which is currently £208.

Where Should I Do My RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail?

As always there are many thoughts and pros and cons on this, and as a potential RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail, you should consider yourself experienced enough to sit the exam anywhere. However, if you choose to sit the exam in an area that you are familiar with then you will take a lot of the stress out of learning a new area and start with a small advantage of having that all important local knowledge at your disposal.

What Happens If I Struggle on the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Prep Course?

Your instructor should be able to update you on your ability levels throughout the course. They will be highly experienced and it is suggested that you listen to their advice given.

If you are learning something for the first time you should consider if you are ready for the exam. Talk to your instructor and they will be able to guide you on if you are ready for the exam or if they would advise further training.

What Is the Pass Mark for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Exam?

There is no pass mark as such and the examiner will be looking to see that you are a competent and complete skipper, capable of looking after both your vessel and crew in a safe manner.

Every exam is different and no examiner will be setting out to fail any candidates, but they must ensure and check that each candidate is able to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and skills in a safe and timely manner.

If you were to fail to reach the levels of an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail certificate of competence then the examiner will give you a thorough debrief complete with action points to work on before you have another attempt at the exam. 

What Comes after RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail?

After completion of the exam, you will have gained the credible achievement of an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail certificate of competence and you can get this commercially endorsed by adding a sea survival certification, a personal medical and a PPR course, all of which, along with your GMDSS VHF and First Aid should be sent off to the RYA for certification upgrade. This will now allow the holder to skipper a vessel commercially, in coastal waters, up to 20nm from a harbour.

The next step is of course to get out on the water and to keep learning, keep gaining experience and keep improving on the skills and knowledge learned so far. No skipper is the finished article and we should all keep seeking to improve.

Once you have gained more experience, knowledge, mileage and time on the water it will be time to progress to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam.

Releated Posts

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Everything You Need to Know

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor – Everything You Need To Know

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RYA Yachtmaster Handbook

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The RYA Yachtmaster Handbook is the first official and definitive guide for anyone preparing for the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal examinations. It will not only appeal to both leisure sailors and motor cruisers; there is a section covering commercial endorsement requirements for those who wish to use their qualification professionally.

It describes what you can expect on the day of the examination, the thinking behind the test and what the examiner is looking for.

With the aid of some stunning illustrations, it is designed to make you focus on areas where skills can sometimes be lacking, with the aim of setting you up for life beyond the Yachtmaster exam as a competent and confident skipper.

Although the chapters include subjects that are covered in earlier books, this assumes knowledge at (or close to) RYA Yachtmaster level and highlights what a candidate needs to be thinking about.

• What is an RYA Yachtmaster?
• Where do I go from Here?
• Tidal Streams and Heights
• Passage Planning & Passage Making
• Seamanship and Stability

The author James Stevens can take much of the credit for the success and international acceptance of the RYA Yachtmaster scheme, and is now the chair of the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification Panel.

'It does cover all the need to know material necessary for success in the exam... Given that the author is the creator of the current RYA Yachtmaster scheme for sail and power boats, it must be a near-perfect guide and it must surely offer a better guarantee of success than many similar book' – Sailing for Southern Africa , September 2013.

'Clear-sighted and easy-to-understand' – Yachting Monthly , August 2013.