Are you ready to upgrade your sailing skills? If you’re already a Day Skipper (or similar) and are looking to improve then the Coastal Skipper course is an ideal step towards your dreams of becoming a confident Yachtmaster.
This summer we are running a number of Coastal Skipper courses and you could join us as we set sail on a five day coastal passage out of Southampton.
Making the most of long evenings and sunny days, summer is a great time to embark on your Coastal Skipper. Whilst you take advantage of the extended daylight you’ll also be given the opportunity to build up more night hours and perhaps sail into both the sunset and the sunrise.
As the name suggests the Coastal Skipper course sees you going further afield than the Day Skipper one. Sailors typically leave the Solent on these courses and head west down the beautiful south coast or even across the Channel to the Channel Islands or France so don’t forget to pack your passport. You’ll be logging 60 nautical mile passages which will give you a great taste for coastal sailing and form part of the requirement for the Yachtmaster qualification.
Interested? Scroll down for more information.
Courses are open to individuals, couples or even small groups where you’ll meet like minded people all keen to get out on the water.
RYA COASTAL SKIPPER – PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
To embark on this course you should already have the following under your belt (or in your sail bag):
* Theory Course
If you don’t have your Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory course but are interested in doing it we offer 6 day classroom courses at only £380 per person.
RYA COASTAL SKIPPER COURSE – WHAT TO EXPECT
The Coastal Skipper Practical course is the natural progression from Day Skipper and will help you master your skippering techniques for coastal passages and longer offshore journeys. You should also expect more night hours than on previous courses.
Here’s a quick overview of some of things you’ll be doing:
You’ll put your theory into practice and plan a coastal passage taking into consideration all aspects for a safe passage such as navigation, weather, tides, capabilities of both yacht and crew etc.
You’ll also look at pilotage into places you may never have been to with the use of, but not limited to, transits, buoyage, tidal considerations and local regulations.
You’ll build on your previous knowledge with regards to preparation for sea. You’ll be given responsibility for engine checks, safety briefings, watch keeping and managing crew.
As a Coastal Skipper you will show that you can take charge of the vessel and crew. You will be able to organise the navigation and preparation for sea whilst retaining responsibility for yacht and crew welfare.
You’ll test your navigation skills and it will be a great opportunity to put all your theory into practice such as tidal effects over several hours including tidal gate and races.
Your marina manoeuvres will be taken to the next level where you will be able to berth, anchor and moor in various conditions of wind and tide. Our amazing instructors will guide you and share their wealth of knowledge so you’ll be parking like a pro in no time.
You will also be able to demonstrate that you can sail safely and efficiently on all points of sail.
It will be a full week with lots of opportunities to act as skipper and demonstrate your new skills. Be prepared to be tested on your theory so make sure you’re comfortable with day shapes and lights, rules of the road, shipping lanes and meteorology to name but a few.
But don’t worry if that sounds a lot – remember our instructors are there to guide you and help you become a better sailor.
Whats included
As with all our practical course the following is included as standard:
* If you have any dietary requirements these can be catered for, just let us know in advance.
In conclusion
If you’ve already mastered the basics and are ready to push your sailing further, this summer is your perfect chance to level up. The RYA Coastal Skipper course is the natural next step for Day Skippers looking to expand their confidence, experience, and qualifications.
Whether your sights are set on skippering longer passages, navigating more complex coastal waters, or one day earning your Yachtmaster certification, this five-day adventure from Southampton offers both challenge and reward. With warm days, extended light, and the thrill of exploring beyond the Solent, now is the ideal time to take your sailing to the next level.
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