Škola jachtingu — RYA Training Centre

RYA Day Skipper – practical skipper course at sea

Learn the basics of safe, efficient, and responsible boat handling, as well as how to command your crew.

Course information

A skipper’s role extends far beyond navigation and steering—they are fully responsible for both the safety and well-being of everyone on board, and this is exactly what this course focuses on. You will learn boat handling and basic engine maneuvers, mooring in various conditions, and preparing for your first independent voyages, including meteorology, passage planning, and crew organization. The course places great emphasis on marina maneuvering and mastering sailing techniques in different situations. It also includes a several-hour night sail to build confidence in low-visibility conditions.. 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
16 (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
Basic practical sailing skills (equivalent to Competent Crew level) Theoretical knowledge at the level of an RYA Day Skipper Theory graduate 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles sailed, 4 hours of night sailing
Course content
Fundamentals of practical navigation and coastal sailing, maneuvering and sailing under both sail and engine, effective crew organization, basic seamanship, and essential sailing skills
Books and learning materials
RYA Day Skipper 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

Do I need the Competent Crew course first?

No. If your experience matches the recommended level – 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles and 4 hours of night sailing – you can book Day Skipper directly.

What if I do not get the certificate at the end of the week?

It is not a one-off exam. Your instructor discusses your progress with you all week, so you know where you stand, and very few candidates fail. If something is missing, we will recommend a cruise or course and you complete the certificate later – and in that case we try to meet you on price too.

How much will I pay on top of the course price?

It mainly depends on whether the crew cooks on board or eats out. Food usually costs no more than a week at home. Diesel comes to around 100 to 150 euros for the whole crew, plus a share of harbour fees outside the home marina. Accommodation on board, the marina, the instructor, books and certification fees are included.

Where will I sleep?

You live on board all week, 7 nights. You join on Saturday evening and finish on Friday evening, and can stay on board until Saturday morning.

When does my booking become binding?

Your booking is not binding until you pay the deposit. Book more than 28 days ahead and you pay 50 % up front, later bookings are paid in full. The deposit is non-refundable, so we recommend cancellation insurance.

Where does the course take place?

In Marina Kaštela in central Dalmatia, with selected dates in Tenerife. The exact location is shown with every date.

Do I need a radio licence (SRC) for the course?

Not for the course – you only need it for the Yachtmaster exam. Charter companies do require it to rent a yacht, though, so it is worth having. You can do the SRC course with us online, and the licence is not issued for a limited period.

Can I charter a yacht in Croatia with an RYA Day Skipper?

Yes. Croatian charter companies routinely accept RYA Day Skipper and above. They also ask for a VHF radio operator certificate, which you can get with us online as the RYA Short Range Certificate.

Can my partner come along without doing the course?

Yes – RYA Competent Crew is designed for that. They learn to help with manoeuvres and will be a real support on your future cruises.

General questions about RYA courses →