What does it take to be a RYA Day Skipper?

Why do the course?

Quite often the minimum qualification required to take a yacht charter in the UK is the RYA Day Skipper course.

Also if you intend to charter abroad then you will almost certainly require an ICC certificate. If you hold a Day Skippers Certificate then you can apply for an ICC certificate without any further assessment.

You may think you have sufficient sailing skills, having clocked up a few hours on friends boats over the years, but really if you want to sail and charter responsibly, gaining your RYA Day Skipper qualification gives you, and the charter company confidence in your sailing and safety skills.

What previous experience do I need?

You should have completed 5 days sea time, a minimum of a 100 miles and 4 hours of night sailing on board a sailing yacht. It will be assumed that you will have a basic knowledge of navigation and experience of helmsmanship. Whilst not essential we do recommend that you complete the Day Skipper shorebased course prior to your course at sea. Or at least have a basic understanding of navigation so that you can make the most of this practical sailing course.

What will I learn?

The skippers role is wide and varied and during your Day Skipper course you will learn many of these aspects including;

• preparing for sea,
• deck work,
• navigation and pilotage,
• weather forecasting,
• handling the yacht under power and/or sail,
• victualling,
• night cruising,
• maintenance and repair work,
• emergency situations.

What will I achieve at the end?

On completion of the course not only will you receive your RYA Day Skipper practical certificate, you will have the knowledge, confidence and safety skills required to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day…

Next Step?

After some additional practice and experience under your belt the next step will be to take your Coastal Skipper course.