Coastal Skipper - Course Details

RYA Coastal Skipper Course

The coastal skipper course step is the most frequently misunderstood. What exactly is the difference between the RYA Day Skipper course and the RYA Coastal Skipper course? Well, in simple terms it is defined as a level of competence which denotes an ability to undertake far longer passages than a Day Skipper would embark upon, day and night. 60 or 80 mile passages would be within his/her capabilities. This extension requires a more fluent application of the navigational and meteorological skills apparent at Day Skipper level.

A coastal skipper requires a keen appreciation of the complications which would present themselves over a longer passage, tidal gates, accurate 'time on passage' predictions in the context of crew capabilities, developments of forecast weather patterns and the effects of these on speed over the ground, VMGs and crew comfort levels are all important elements in taking a yacht beyond 12 miles from safe haven ( part of the definition of the RYA coastal skipper standard ). It is difficult to be precise about this level, but if you immediately understand the terms and points of reference I have used above, then you are probably getting to this level!

The RYA provide a guide to likely extent of previous experience needed to prepare a student for this level of training and assessment:

Pre-course experience - 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours

Pre-course experience - Assumed Knowledge Boat handling to the standard of the Day Skipper practical sail cruising course and navigation to the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased course.

Check the rya course calendar to see when we have planned courses.  If you can't find suitable dates then drop us a line, we are flexible!

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