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RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course
The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course is the introductory navigation and theory course within the RYA cruising scheme. Designed for sailors with some practical experience, the course teaches the navigation, pilotage and seamanship knowledge required to safely skipper a yacht by day in familiar waters. The course is classroom based and forms the theory foundation for the RYA Day Skipper Practical course.
During the course you will learn chartwork, navigation, tides, pilotage, meteorology, collision regulations and passage planning together with the practical theory required to manage a yacht and crew safely. The syllabus is designed to build confidence progressively, combining traditional navigation techniques with modern electronic navigation methods used aboard cruising yachts today.
At BOSS, the course is taught by experienced instructors at Hamble Point Marina using practical examples and real cruising scenarios drawn from the Solent and English Channel. The emphasis is on developing genuine understanding rather than simply passing assessments, ensuring students leave with knowledge they can apply confidently afloat.
Successful completion of the course provides the theoretical knowledge required before progressing to the RYA Day Skipper Practical course. It also forms the starting point for many sailors progressing towards Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster level qualifications.
The course is intended for sailors who already possess some practical sailing experience, ideally at Competent Crew level or equivalent. No previous navigation training is required.
Students should already be familiar with basic sailing terminology and yacht handling routines before attending the course.
Itinerary
Day 1
Introduction to chartwork, nautical publications, basic navigation principles, position fixing and use of charts and almanacs.
Day 2
Tides, tidal streams, buoyage systems, collision regulations and passage planning exercises.
Day 3
Pilotage techniques, meteorology, weather forecasting and electronic navigation methods.
Day 4
Passage planning exercises, safety procedures, seamanship and revision of navigation techniques.
Day 5
Assessment exercises, practical navigation problems and final consolidation of the Day Skipper theory syllabus.
Course structure may vary depending on course format and duration selected.
Course Syllabus
- Chartwork and navigation
- Position fixing and plotting
- Tidal heights and tidal streams
- Pilotage and passage planning
- Buoyage systems
- Collision regulations and rules of the road
- Meteorology and weather forecasting
- Electronic navigation
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Anchoring and seamanship
- Crew management and skipper responsibilities
From: £505
Additional Information
Everything You Need Before You Sail
Get your joining pack for practical details, what to bring, and what to expect on your course.
FAQs
Find out answers to frequently asked questions
No previous sailing experience is needed. The RYA Competent Crew course is designed for complete beginners, and your instructor will guide you through everything step by step. By the end of the course, you should feel confident helping to sail the yacht, handling ropes, steering and taking part in everyday life on board. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and get involved. visit our Training or Learn to Sail page for skill‑level requirements.
We recommend comfortable clothing, non‑slip shoes, sunscreen, and any personal items you may need. A full checklist is available on our Preparation page.
Our cancellation and refund terms are outlined on the Terms & Conditions page. If you have questions about rescheduling, our Contact page is the best place to get quick assistance.
We provide a range of sailing experiences including private charters, training, and corporate events.
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