RYA Pathway
Course
Progression.
Pretty Sailing guide you from first time aboard to commercially-endorsed Yachtmaster. Six stages, clearly mapped with every prerequisite and supplementary course you'll need along the way.
Competent
Crew.
Prerequisites
None required
Day Skipper
Theory.
Prerequisites
Competent CrewDay Skipper
Practical.
Prerequisites
Day Skipper Theory 5 days at sea100nm
Yachtmaster
Theory.
Prerequisites
None required
Coastal Skipper
Practical.
Prerequisites
15 days at sea300nm 2 days as skipper
Yachtmaster
Prep & Exam.
Prerequisites
2,500nm · ½ Tidal First Aid VHF Radio 5 × 60nm passages(2 as skipper)
Professional Yachtmaster Programme
Complete Beginner To RYA Yachtmaster Offshore In 15 Weeks.
RYA Courses
5 Days
RYA Course
Competent Crew.
Learn the core fundamentals of sailing, ropework, safety drills and life aboard. No experience needed, just turn up ready to get stuck in.
5 Days
RYA Course
Day Skipper Theory.
A solid grounding in chartwork, navigation, meteorology and seamanship... Perfect if you're ready to start making the decisions on board.
5 Days
RYA Course
Day Skipper Practical.
Take charge of a yacht on short daytime passages, covering practical sailing, navigation and seamanship. Some experience needed, cruising Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco.
5 Days
RYA Course
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory.
Advanced theory course covering offshore and coastal navigation, meteorology, passage planning, and the theoretical knowledge required for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical courses and exams.
5 Days
RYA Course
Coastal Skipper Practical.
Skipper longer coastal passages by day and night, covering advanced navigation, boat handling and decision-making. For experienced sailors.
RYA Exam Prep Courses
5 Days
RYA Exam Prep Course
Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation.
Preparation course for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore examination — the industry standard qualification for professional and recreational skippers. Covers advanced passage making, navigation, meteorology, and crew management at sea.
5 Days
RYA Exam Prep Course
Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation.
Intensive preparation course for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal examination. Focus on boat handling, passage planning, navigation under pressure, night sailing, pilotage, and man overboard drill.
Supplementary Courses
2 Days
RYA Course
Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC).
The internationally recognised certificate for operating VHF and VHF/DSC marine radio equipment. Covers calling procedures, distress, urgency and safety communications, DSC alerting, GMDSS, and the phonetic alphabet. Required by law if you have a marine radio on board.
5-14 Days
RYA Course
Milebuilder.
Build miles towards the 2500 required for a YM Offshore exam.
Everything Covered
What's Included.
Every Pretty Sailing course includes the essentials — so you can focus on learning, not logistics.
Food, Fuel & Gas
All meals, cooking gas and engine fuel are included throughout your course. No hidden costs or kitty contributions — just turn up and sail.
Safety & Wet Weather Gear
Full safety equipment, lifejackets and waterproofs provided on every trip. No need to invest in your own kit before you've started.
Onboard Accommodation
Sleep aboard our well-maintained yachts for the duration of your course. Bedding and linen provided — just bring a sleeping bag if you prefer.
Professional Yachtmaster Programme
Why Pick One Course.
When You Can Do Them All.
Ready to turn sailing into a career? Pretty Sailing's Professional Yachtmaster Program combines world-class RYA training with decades of industry experience and a global network putting the best jobs in yachting within your reach.
