RYA
Day Skipper

The RYA Day Skipper course is for aspiring skippers with some sailing experience, equipping you with the skills to take charge of a yacht on short passages in familiar waters.

This hands-on course covers practical sailing, navigation, and seamanship while cruising in Gibraltar, Spain, and Morocco.

Who is the Course For?

Ideal for sailors with some experience (e.g., completed the RYA Competent Crew course) who want to take on more responsibility. Perfect for those looking to skipper a yacht for the first time, either personally or for bareboat chartering.

Course Content

Skippering techniques
Passage planning, pilotage, and decision-making.
Navigation and Pilotage
Chart work, plotting courses, and using navigational aids.
Weather and Tides
Interpret forecasts, tide tables, and plan safe passages.
Safety and Seamanship
Safety drills, man-overboard recovery, emergency procedures, and yacht maintenance.
Mooring and Anchoring
Advanced mooring techniques, spring lines, and safe anchorage setup.
Night Sailing
Navigate and identify lights and buoys after dark.

Duration

5 days (weekends or split sessions available).

Pre-course experience

5 days sailing (100 nautical miles logged), 4 hours of night sailing, basic navigation and sailing skills (shore-based Day Skipper theory recommended).

Minimum age

16 years old.

What’s included

Instruction by an RYA-qualified instructor.
Use of yacht and safety equipment.
Accommodation aboard with fresh bedding.
Ingredients for daily breakfast and light lunches.
RYA Day Skipper Certificate.
All course-related fees covered, Fuel, Marina fees and any other necessities.
Maximum student to instructor ratio is 5 to 1.

Course Itineary

Starting Location: Gibraltar, Ocean Village
Potential Destinations: More information can be found here.
Ending Location: Gibraltar, Ocean Village

Outcome

Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day, eligible for bareboat charters, or progress to the RYA Coastal Skipper course.

Price

799 GBP