The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical training course is a challenging week that develops and tests the skills and techniques required to skipper a yacht safely, on much longer coastal and offshore passages by day and night. Successful completion positions you perfectly to start notching up the 60 mile passages you'll need if you're aiming for the RYA Yachtmaster qualification.

Considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation is essential for longer passages. As a result, to book this course you must have 15 days sailing (including 8 night hours) and knowledge equivalent to RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster theory.

What‘s covered on this course?

This training course will test and improve your ability to apply navigational and meteorological skills with high level of confidence and accuracy. You will be asked to plan a passage and execute it, demonstrating your ability to take command. You will also be expected to recognise the potential issues associated with longer passages and manage all aspects of your yacht to maximise crew comfort and safety.

As well as passage planning, crew leadership and seamanship skills, you'll practice advanced chart work, use electronic navigation techniques, undertake pilotage by night and consider longer range weather forecasts. A Coastal Skipper must be good at boat handling too, so you will receive lots of practice mooring the yacht in various conditions. Additionally, while currently not part of the RYA syllabus we feel it essential that a Coastal skipper has experience of downwind sailing, so wherever possible we will incorporate, poled out headsails or use of a spinnaker into this course.

What experience do I need?

15 days sailing (including 8 night hours) and knowledge equivalent to RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster theory. If you haven't yet completed your Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory, why not take a look at our 12 day Coastal Combined Course or alternatively you could give it a whirl in the comfort of your own home and go at your own pace? Take a look at our online theory courses.

What's included?

• Accommodation onboard throughout the course
• Breakfast, lunch, refreshments and two evening meals
• Waterproof clothing
• Bedding and towels
• Safety equipment
• Mooring fees
• All charts and publications

Upon successful completion you will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper tidal qualification. If you are looking to gain qualifications quickly you may wish to consider our Extended Yachtmaster Preparation Course or our Professional Yachtmaster Fastrack Program.

Course schedule:

Starts: 18:00 onwards

Ends: 16:30 

* Please note, the earliest return flight you could catch from Gibraltar Airport is from 17:00

This is a 5 day course.

Option for own cabin from: £1299

To guarantee your own cabin for the duration of your course, please select available dates below.

Please note: If you choose not to guarantee your own cabin, you may be allocated a saloon berth.

If you are making a booking for two people and are happy to share a cabin with each other, you do not need to select the own cabin option.

What's next?

Once you’ve completed this course, experience is likely to be the only thing standing between you and the RYA Yachtmaster qualification. You may want to consider a Mile-building adventure or a Yachtmaster preparation week.

SELECT YOUR COURSE

Book online now