Škola jachtingu — RYA Training Centre

RYA Coastal Skipper – longer passages by day and night

A course for those who already have some sailing and navigation knowledge and want to undertake coastal voyages by day and night

Course information

This course serves as the perfect bridge between Day Skipper and preparation for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal exam. An experienced Day Skipper should gain enough knowledge and skills to begin undertaking longer and more demanding passages, both day and night.

The Coastal Skipper course places a strong emphasis on practicing advanced navigation techniques, including sailing in reduced visibility, understanding and using weather forecasts for passage planning, and preparing the boat and crew for adverse weather conditions. Each student will have the opportunity to fully plan and command a section of the voyage. The course also covers sail trimming, various maneuvers under sail and engine, and includes a longer nonstop passage with watch rotations.

Courses are taught in English by Slovak or Czech instructors.

Information & terms

Course length
6 days (7 nights) on board, the course starts on Saturday evening and ends on Friday evening, with the option to stay overnight until Saturday morning
Age limit
17 (under 18 only with parental or legal guardian accompaniment)
Examination
There is no formal exam; instead, the course follows an assessment-based approach. The instructor evaluates your progress, discusses your improvement, and determines at the end of the week whether you have met the required standards for certification
Doporučené předchozí zkušenosti
Theoretical knowledge equivalent to RYA Yachtmaster Theory Practical skills at least at the level of an RYA Day Skipper graduate 15 days at sea, 2 as skipper, 300 nautical miles sailed, 8 hours of night sailing Recommended: Short Range Certificate (VHF license) and RYA Sea Survival Course
Course content
Passage planning, preparation for offshore sailing, boat handling, skippering skills, maneuvering under both sail and engine, dealing with adverse weather conditions, and emergency situations
Books and learning materials
RYA Yachtmaster RYA Sail Cruising Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

Pricing information

The practical course fee includes: accommodation on a fully RYA-certified sailing yacht, including all fees, mooring in the home marina, instruction from an RYA-certified instructor, course materials, and certification fees.

The course fee does not include: harbor fees outside the home marina, fuel consumed during the week, and food costs (shared equally among participants), as well as personal and travel insurance and transportation to the course location.

The meal plan is arranged by the crew, but typically, a joint grocery purchase is made before departure. Breakfast, snacks, and light lunches are usually prepared on board, while dinners are either on board or at a restaurant, depending on crew preference (usually a combination of both).

Before the course, we can connect all registered participants to coordinate shared transportation and other arrangements.

What to bring on board

Clothing
Waterproof outer layers, light-soled deck shoes (or sailing boots), and everyday clothes to keep you warm and dry – it can be cold and wet, and the course includes night sailing. Gloves for handling lines, ideally sailing gloves. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Equipment
Seasickness medication. Your own navigation tools or books on navigation and weather, if you have them. A head torch is handy but not essential.
Other
One passport photo. We recommend travel and accident insurance.
Luggage
Soft and easy to stow. There is nowhere on board to store a suitcase or a rigid-frame backpack.

FAQ

Can I go on to Coastal Skipper straight after Day Skipper?

Yes, if you have the recommended experience: 15 days at sea (2 as skipper), 300 nautical miles and 8 night hours. Missing miles can be built on a cruise with an instructor.

What is the difference between Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Coastal?

Coastal Skipper is a training course with continuous assessment by the instructor. Yachtmaster Coastal is exam preparation, with an external examiner joining for the final 2 days.

Why does the price of the same course vary?

Because the charter price of the school yacht varies by location and time of season. The price is always shown with each date, and nothing is added on top.

Do I need Yachtmaster theory?

We recommend it. You take RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory online at your own pace, and practical course participants get 10 % off.

What is included in the price?

Accommodation on board, harbour fees in the home marina, the instructor, training materials and the certification fee. You pay for travel, food, diesel and fees in other marinas yourself – budget 100 to 150 euros of diesel for the whole crew.

General questions about RYA courses →