RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Shorebased Course

The RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Shorebased course is the advanced navigation and theory course within the RYA cruising scheme. Designed for experienced sailors already operating to Day Skipper standard, the course develops the knowledge and judgement required for coastal and offshore passage making by day and night. It is regarded as essential preparation for those progressing towards the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course and the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificates of Competence.

Delivered in the classroom at Hamble Point Marina, the course covers advanced navigation, passage planning, meteorology, collision regulations and offshore seamanship together with the practical theory required for safe offshore cruising. Greater emphasis is placed on tidal calculations, secondary port work, weather systems, blind navigation and planning longer offshore passages in challenging conditions.

At BOSS, the course is taught by experienced instructors using practical cruising examples drawn from the Solent, English Channel and offshore sailing environment. The emphasis is on building genuine navigational understanding and practical decision-making rather than simply completing theory exercises. Students are encouraged to apply techniques in realistic passage-planning scenarios similar to those encountered during Coastal Skipper practical courses and Yachtmaster examinations.

Successful completion of the course provides the advanced theoretical knowledge required before progressing towards Coastal Skipper Practical and Yachtmaster level training. It also forms an important foundation for sailors planning extended offshore cruising or preparing for professional examination.

Students should already possess navigation knowledge and practical sailing experience to RYA Day Skipper standard before attending this course.

Recommended knowledge and experience include:

• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased certificate or equivalent knowledge
• Practical sailing experience as skipper or competent crew
• Familiarity with chartwork, tides and pilotage principles

Candidates should have a solid understanding of all subjects covered in the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased syllabus before joining the course.

Students should also possess a minimum practical sailing ability to Day Skipper standard and be confident with helming and basic sail trim on all points of sail.

The theory phase itself requires no formal navigation qualification beforehand, although some practical sailing experience is strongly recommended.