RYA Day Skipper Practical Course

The RYA Day Skipper Practical course is your introduction to skippering a yacht. Designed for sailors with some previous experience and navigation knowledge, the course develops the practical skills and confidence needed to take charge of a yacht on short coastal passages during daylight hours. At BOSS, the emphasis is on practical participation and building confidence through hands-on experience in real cruising conditions.

During the course each student is given the opportunity to navigate and take control of the yacht on short coastal passages. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will practise boat handling in a variety of mooring situations while developing your pilotage, passage planning and yacht handling skills under sail and power. Emergency procedures, sail trim, deck work and preparation for sea also form an important part of the course.

As skipper, you are responsible for both the management of the yacht and the safety of those onboard. The course therefore also includes meteorology, basic engine checks, rules of the road and watch keeping. Night sailing is undertaken to give you experience of pilotage in the dark and to build confidence beyond daylight manoeuvres.

By the end of the course, successful students will be able to undertake short coastal passages by day in tidal waters and will be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. Holders of the certificate may also apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) without further assessment.