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Welcome to TheOceanAcademy

Superior RYA Yacht Crew Training in South Florida

The Ocean Academy is a fully accredited and recognized Training Center for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).  We offer superior Theory and Practical Yacht Crew Training 

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal (Power)

• We are the ONLY school in Fort Lauderdale to independently offer accredited Theory and Practical training for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal.  This course includes one week of theory training in chart-work, navigation rules, meteorology, tidal height calculations, aids to navigation, voyage planning and more.  Week two includes practical training on our 40' (12m) training vessel, followed by the RYA Practical Examination. The Duration for this course is 6 days, with a total of 40+ hours of direct contact.  Included in your tuition is the RYA Student Pack which includes course notes, Training Almanac and Training Charts.  Plotting tools are not included, but our Yachtmaster FAQ will help you understand the tools that are needed.  We keep our student/instructor ratio to 4:1 maximum for the best training experience.  Please contact Steve from the contact information below for a consult and information on booking your course.

RYA Power Boat Level 2

• The Ocean Academy is fully accredited to offer the RYA Power Boat Level 2 Course (PBL2).  We offer this course in a two-day theory and Practical course, or a three day evening class for those crew members who are working on-board during the day.  The course is offered on our modern and well equipped 23' (7m) center-console training vessel, with electronic chart plotter, DSC equipped VHF radio and all the latest safety equipment.  Included in the tuition is an online voucher for the Start Boating course notes booklet.  We keep our student/instructor ratio to 3:1 for the best training experience.  Please contact Steve from the contact details below for a consult and infomation on booking your course.

TheOceanAcademy is your best resource for RYA Training In Fort Lauderdale, including custom yacht crew training, PBL2 and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore(Power) instruction

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The Ocean Academy

915 Middle River Drive, Suite 318, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304, USA

750 West Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 USA

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RYA Sailing Courses

An introduction to qualifications with the rya.

Classic Sailing is run by Professional Sailors to give you the best advice.

Rya practical sailing courses on classic boats, plus theory courses delivered online..

These sailing courses from the RYA are internationally recognised for pleasure and commercial sailing.

Zero to Hero

You can start with no sailing experience and work you way up to skippers vessels of up to 200 tons sailing across Oceans.

You can do as little or as much as you like taking it one step at a time.

Recognised RYA Training Centre for over 20 years.

Classic Sailing has been a recognised RYA Training Centre since 2003. We were one of the first RYA sailing schools to offer courses for adults on boats with bowsprits and traditional rigging.

We have always taught on classic boats and we are pleased to offer 44ft pilot cutter Tallulah as our new teaching vessel. She will be offering practical sailing courses including RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper Practical in the 2024 sailing season. In addition Tallulah will aim to offer one exam preparation course (Yachtmaster Prep) with intensive boat handling and navigation practice for RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exams each autumn /early winter for those who want to take the exam on a long keeled vessel.

RYA Practical Courses

• RYA Competent Crew Course
• RYA Day Skipper Practical Course
• RYA Yachtmaster Preparation

RYA Theory Courses: Delivered Online

• RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Theory Course
• RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
• RYA Yacht Master Coastal Offshore Theory Course

RYA Yacht Master Ocean Theory Course

• RYA Professional Practice and Responsibilities Course
• This is required if you wish to use your RYA Certificates for commercial work at sea.

The beauty of RYA Courses on traditional yachts.

Teaching RYA Courses

These are taught to Royal Yacht Association syllabus and standards by experienced RYA Cruising Instructors and Yachtmaster instructors. If you successfully complete a RYA course you will gain a certificate that is recognised all over the world. Sailing Courses that are UK based rather than the Mediterranean or Caribbean will give you a solid grounding in tidal heights and currents. With those skills the whole world is your oyster.

Our RYA Courses give you time to learn and enjoy the scenery.

The voyages are 6 or 7 days long rather than the minimum 5 days so you have more time to enjoy sailing a classic boat. We teach sailing along some of the most iconic coastal landscapes in Britain. Famous headlands like Start Point or Lizard Point. Wooded river valleys that stretch far inland in Cornwall and Devon. Wild estuaries and salt marshes with seabirds and waders. Historic ports, smugglers quays and secret coves and caves. There is plenty of variety for teaching exercises from anchoring under sail to night navigation under unpolluted skies.

The skills you learn combine traditional seamanship with modern technology like radar and GPS, with the added bonus of a holiday on a beautiful boat.

Why Learn the Ropes on a Classic Boat?

The advantages of learning a RYA Course sailing onboard a traditional boat are many fold:

Deep keeled gaff cutters are great for beginner which gives them a sea kindly motion, un-cluttered decks and high sides so you can walk safely down the deck without side stepping down a narrow strip of plastic deck.

All the ropes are in the open so you can see were they go and what they do, nothing is hidden in masts and booms. Without the mechanical advantage of winches you are more aware of the forces of nature and working as a team builds friendships and adds to the pleasure. Why fight nature when you can harness it in safe traditional ways.

Our classic boats have all mod cons for a RYA Course, GPS, depth sounders and there are plenty of yachts around in port and out on the water to show you self tailing winches, jamming cleats and more 20th century fittings and features of the sailing world.

Why Learn to Skipper on a Boat with a Bowsprit?

It’s a great opportunity to pose.

Having a big pointy thing out the front, does help concentrate the mind and think ahead.

Manoeuvring under power you learn how to glide effortlessly and gently to a pontoon or quay. You are actually learning to ‘park’ a vessel that might be 59ft long with the bowsprit, so your instructor is not going to squeeze you into a small marina….and it is a huge buzz to bring a beautiful boat alongside under its own momentum.

Sail balance is important on all vessels but learning on a gaffer with a bowsprit or a yawl with two masts starts to teach you skills that can be applied to much bigger sailing vessels. When you get that dream job on a super yacht with three masts you will have more idea which sails to put up and in which sequence.

For skippers, the stable motion of a deep keeled vessel and a large chart table makes learning to navigate a lot easier than on many modern vessels.

Success aboard distinctive classic boats comes with a sense of achievement unmatched on a modern yacht. Your colours fly just that little bit higher.

Tallulah’s skipper and RYA instructor Debbie Purser has been teaching RYA courses on pilot cutters since 2003. She and other RYA instructors like Lara Bonney, Diggory Rose and James MacKenzie developed the teaching methods to offer the RYA syllabus for all courses on these seaworthy, long keeled boats that behave a bit differently from production yachts. Some things are easier, like walking down the deck in a bouncey sea, or ferry gliding onto a pontoon. Other things take a bit more teamwork than a small teaching yacht, like picking up a mooring under sail. Over 700 people learned RYA sailing skills and upwards of 3500 customers came sailing on our first pilot cutter 38ft Eve of St Mawes.

Classic Sailing now offer RYA courses on Eve’s slightly bigger sister Tallulah. This Luke Powell designed pilot cutter is 44 ft on deck and a fast and well behaved boat to sail. Her mainsail was deliberately smaller so her previous owners could handle her as a couple, but in light winds she has a powerful No1 jib with roller furling, a staysail you can reef and a large topsail. When the wind picks up we have a smaller jib or storm jib, the main can be reefed.

Tallulah runs RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper and Yachtmaster Exam Prep courses from St Mawes with the Cornish and Devon coasts to explore.

Classic Sailing can also offer the following:

• S ailing lessons and tuition on all our vessels as part of your holiday
• Over 60 mile passages for your Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying experience
• Over 600 mile ocean passages for astro-nav / Ocean YachtMaster – ask us, as you have to be a watch keeper
• MCA / STCW 95 Eligible sea time for super yachts and tall ships
• Advice on Super Yacht / Sail Training Professional Career Path- from Yacht Rating – Officer of the Watch – Chief Mate – up to Master (yacht 3000 ton)

You are more aware of the forces of nature and how you must work with the wind rather than fight it” Andrew Green

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200 Course 300

MPT is the most complete full service private maritime school in the country and has been training mariners since 1983. Our Fort Lauderdale based campuses host over 45,000 square feet of classrooms, deck and engineering training labs, the Ship's Store, and student service facilities.

Preparing for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master...

Course description.

  Yachtmaster Certificate of Competency

The Yachtmaster Qualification is the pinnacle of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training and Certification System. It is widely recognized throughout the world as a prestigious accomplishment.

 Holding this credential can:

- Improve your resume for any deck department position on yachts - Serve as prerequisite training for an MCA OOW 3000 GT CoC - Professional Development in your yachting career  - Serve as your Certificate of Competence (CoC) for operators of yachts up to 200 tons

The Yachtmaster Course should be undertaken by crew aspiring to advance to the MCA OOW level up to 3000 tons and by those who are advancing to the command level for Master of Yachts up to 200 tons.

  2 Routes Available – Same Course:

Yachtmaster Coastal Yachtmaster Offshore

Yachting professional candidates are encouraged to start their training and professional development as early in their career as possible. Many will take their STCW Basic Safety Training Program (#140) and then when they qualify, it is recommended to obtain the Yachtmaster Coastal CoC. Candidates wishing to upgrade to the offshore route later can simply examine, without additional required training.

Whether you qualify for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, the training is the same. The only difference is your experience and practical skill level. You will be examined towards whichever level you qualify for.

The MPT Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Course (#300) is taught on a Motor Yacht and the practical training and examination are towards a Motor Certificate of Competence. (If you are applying for a Sail Endorsement, this course will not satisfy your practical training and exam requirements). All sea time must be on a power boat and not on a sail boat under power. The Theory, SRC, PPR, and Basic Training courses are the same for both schemes.

The MPT Yachtmaster advanced level certification is available in a 2 week + exam program combining shore-based theory and practical hands-on techniques for a Motor Vessel and the RYA Practical Examination. The first week of class is in the classroom (theory) and the second week is Practical, out on the boat. In addition, there will be class on Saturday of the first week so please plan accordingly.

YACHTMASTER COASTAL & OFFSHORE Subjects Include:

One week (40 hours) of comprehensive shore-based theory module with written assessment papers including navigation, tidal calculations, international and inland rules of the road, coastal pilotage, meteorology, anchoring and mooring, docking and undocking, buoyage systems, safety, voyage and passage planning, general ship knowledge and seamanship.  A theory examination will be conducted after the completion of the 40-hour theory portion of the program.

One week of Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal practical training is conducted on board one of MPT’s Yachts. These yachts are up to 48’ and are twin screw motor yachts. This part of the instruction covers seamanship skills such as nautical terms, tides, marlinespike seamanship, anchor work, boat handling, docking, general yachting skills, basic weather, navigation and passage planning. This course will be a preparation course for your final Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Examination. The practical portion of the course will be conducted during daytime, evening and occasionally may include weekend hours.

The Yachtmaster Course #300 is an Advanced Review Course and it is assumed that candidates will have the prerequisite knowledge of the Basics of Navigation and recommended to the level of RYA Day Skipper, and the very least, the level of the Essential Navigation On-line course. To increase your likelihood of success, we recommend taking the online pre-course - ESSENTIAL NAVIGATION. Additionally, flash cards are available in the MPT Ship's Store for rules study in lights and shapes. Also, many Apps are available to assist in these subjects for pre-study. It is also strongly advised that you pick up your study material well in advance of the start of your course. Pre-study is essential for a successful outcome of this course. 

The RYA Yachtmaster course is accredited by the RYA and MCA and recognized for service as Captain or Mate (OOW) up to 200gt up to 150 miles from a safe haven, at the Offshore level or up to 60 miles from safe haven at the Coastal level. 

The Yachtmaster CoC meets the STCW A-V1/1 and section A V1/1-4 when combined with Basic Training Courses. Yachtmaster Offshore fulfills the prerequisite for MCA OOW 500 and 3000 GT and the MCA STCW A-II/2 Command Certificate for Master 200GT.

Sea Service Prerequisites (minimums): Note you must be able to provide proof of your sea service before undertaking the exam. This should be provided at least 2 weeks before the course when possible to allow our team to review it and ensure your eligibility for the course. Speak to your MPT Career Counselor or your instructor for assistance.

 Sea Service can be proven by submitting one or more of the following: 

• Log book (RYA or other acceptable)
• Sea Service Testimonial Letters from captains, owners or operators of vessels outlining vessel specifics, time underway, your capacity served onboard and the location of the service (tidal or non-tidal waters, etc).
• Sea Service Forms (calendar style - provided you can supply all of the additional information such as number of miles, etc.) Method 2 is preferred.

Yachtmaster Coastal: Motor - Option 1

Without RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate:

• 2 days as skipper on vessels of less than 24 meters

Note: No more than half of the required miles can be on vessels over 24 meters

Yachmaster Coastal: Motor – Option 2 A & B

  With RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate:

Can be used to enter OOW 3000GT program and modules

A. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels less than 24 meters

• 20 days on board
• 2 days as skipper on vessel less than 24 meters

B. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels greater than 24 meters

• 30 days on board

Yachtmaster Offshore: Motor  

• 50 days sea time overall on motor vessels
• 5 days in the command position on the vessel (as Master)
• 2500 nautical miles logged with half transiting through tidal waters and half on a vessel of less than 24 meters that is not a tender.
• 5 passages over 60 nautical miles, including 2 overnight and 2 in command (as Master) of vessel.        

Yachtmaster Ocean:

• Obtain Yeachmaster Offshore
• Complete the RYA astro/ocean shorebased theory #306
• Ocean passage of 600 nautical miles or more as captain or mate
• Complete oral exam with RYA examiner successfully

For Commercial Endorsement:

In addition to the SRC and First Aid (must have been taken within 5 years) you will need to obtain an MCA Certificate of Medical Fitness (ENG-1) as well as the Personal Survival Training (4 Modules of STCW 210) and the online Professional Practices & Responsibilities (PPR) Certificate. If you are planning to work commercially, you should simply add the STCW Basic Training Program, which will include the approved Personal Survival and First Aid automatically and will also allow your Yachtmaster CoC to have the STCW endorsement as well. Most boats internationally require this of all crew working commercially. We also recommend the Security Awareness or Designated Security (VPDSD) Course if you are working commercially as well. These are all separate fees from the Yachtmaster Course however MPT offers Package discounts, speak to an MPT RYA Specialist for more information and assistance. There is also a fee candidates will pay to the RYA for the commercial endorsement.

Written & Practical Exam Information:

The written exams are administered at MPT at the end of the shore-based theory segment of your program. They include all of the topics covered in the course. All of the shore-based courses and experience criteria must be fulfilled before the RYA Examiner will conduct the practical assessment. The final exam will be conducted by an independent and unbiased RYA Yachtmaster examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral and practical examination on a motor yacht. Candidates who have taken MPT's Yachtmaster course may use one of the MPT vessels for the exam at no additional fee. The practical exam will take an additional one-two day and is scheduled when the examiner is available and generally immediately after the course, weather permitting.  Once your eligibility has been reviewed (sea time and prerequisites met), the schedule for the practical examination is predicated on several things:

1)The weather as this is a practical underway examination 2)The availability of the RYA Examiner (this is not an MPT employee)

Examinations may need to be scheduled for additional days which may not be consecutive to the dates of the course.

Exam Subjects:

We will review with you the knowledge-based subjects during your shore-based theory week and also fine tune your boat handling skills during your practical course, but you should be familiar with the following areas when you join the class and proficient by the exam date. (Note if you are not already well versed in these subjects when you arrive, you are strongly encouraged to take the Essential Navigation (online course) as there is not sufficient time to cover the basics in the 2-week program. Ask about #333) 

• Knowledge of the International and Inland Rules of the Road.
• Safety. The candidate will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a yacht.
• Boat Handling, Maneuvering, Docking: Yachtmaster Coastal students will be expected to answer questions & demonstrate ability in simple situations only. Yachtmaster Offshore candidates are expected to demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise.
• General seamanship, including maintenance.
• Responsibilities of the skipper
• Navigation, Basic Weather 
• Radio Communication & Signaling
• Command presence, management and direction of crew.
• Essential Navigation (online course)

Practical Exam Fees:

The RYA Examination Fee for the initial examination will be paid by MPT as part of your course tuition. Additional RYA fees are paid by candidate if a subsequent examination is needed.

 If at the end of your course you wish to postpone the practical exam date, you are permitted to return for exam and RYA exam fee paid by MPT, within one calendar year, space permitting.

Additional Recommended or Required Courses:

• Essentials of Navigation (Online Pre-Course) #333
• First Aid & CPR #143 or Take STCW Basic Safety Training #141, 142, 143, 144
• SRC VHF Radio License #303 Required (offered Online) or GMDSS GOC #404
• RYA PPR (Professional Practices & Responsibility) #335 ONLINE COURSE
• MCA Approved Engine Course #440
• USCG Radar Course #148 & ARPA Course #150 or MCA Nav/Radar/ARPA Course #402

If you have three years of yacht service, speak to a career counselor about continuing straight through your OOW or Chief Mate 3000 GT program.

Required Materials

RECOMMEND PRE-STUDY: Essential Navigation online, course #333, COLREGS Study Apps or flashcard, and course notes. AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE or bring with you the following: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white- like magic rub or Staedtler), Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles – your choice), Dividers (we recommend two- one as divider and one as compass), Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x), Hand Bearing Compass - optional though recommended (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004). Pick up at MPT when you register or when you check-in: Yachtmaster Shore based Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT).

11 day class in Fort Lauderdale

RECOMMENDED PRE-STUDY: Available at MPT Ships Store Complete Course Training DVD Flashcards AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE OR BRING WITH YOU: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white - like magic rub or staedtler) Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles - your choice) Dividers (we recommend two - one as divider and one as compass) Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x) Hand Bearing Compass (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004) PICK UP AT SCHOOL WHEN YOU REGISTER OR WHEN YOU CHECK-IN: Yachtmaster Shorebased Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT)

Course Photos

Testimonials

Not suggestions. Thanks for letting me be your student! Alejandro, Friday August 2015 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

A bit more time would be nice! But Steve was an awesome instructor.Very easy to follow and very thorough. Arthur, Wednesday November 2013 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

Site map | privacy notice | cookie policy | accessibility notice, 1915 south andrews avenue, fort lauderdale, fl 33316 +1-954-525-1014 +1-888-839-5025 (toll free).

• How it works
• Frequently asked questions

RYA Courses

• Competent Crew Course 5 courses
• Day Skipper Course 8 courses
• Coastal Skipper Course 1 course
• Yachtmaster RYA Courses 8 courses
• ⭐ What is RYA? The Royal Yachting Association is the body of the United Kingdom that has delegated the development of training programs and the issuance of certificates to sailors, through its approved centers.
• ✅ Are RYA certificates internationally valid? Yes, the RYA is highly prestigious and its certificates are internationally recognized, which will make it easier for you to navigate or rent boats in other countries.
• ➡️ Can I sail with a RYA certificate in Spain? Currently, Spanish regulations do not allow citizens of Spanish nationality to navigate as a skipper with a RYA certificate. On the contrary, those who can prove their residence in the United Kingdom at the time they obtained the certificate can do so.
• ✍ What certificates of competence can we find in the RYA? The certificates of competence that can be obtained are the following: RYA Advanced PowerboaT; RYA Yachtmaster Coastal; RYA Yachtmaster Offshore; RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.
• ⚡ How much does a RYA course cost? The price of a RYA course varies widely. The difference depends on the area, the type of course and the quality of the school.
• ❗ How many cruise sailing courses are there in the RYA? The most common cruising sailing courses are Competent crew; Day Skipper; Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster.

What is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)?

¿qué cursos puedo obtener en la rya.

• Competent crew.
• Day Skipper.
• Coastal Skipper.
• Yachtmaster.
• RYA Advanced Powerboat.
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal.
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore.
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.

Can I work as a skipper with a RYA course?

• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of competence.
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of competence.
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of competence.
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of competence

Are RYA certificates internationally valid?

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Learn the ropes with our RYA Courses

Home » Courses » RYA Courses

RYA Courses in Essex

Bradwell is our royal yacht association (rya) training centre and a leading provider of sailing, yachting , powerboat and shore based professional and technical courses on the east coast of england..

Whether you are a novice looking to take your first foray on the water, or already have some sailing or powerboat experience, our highly-qualified and knowledgeable team of instructors will ensure you are honing your helming, strengthening your seamanship or consolidating your crewing in no time. There’s even RYA certification available for seasoned water-users with our advanced powerboating and sailing courses – all the way up to instructor level.

The tidal creeks and channels of the River Blackwater estuary provide the ideal location for developing nautical skills at all levels; coupled with our comprehensive fleet of modern dinghies, day boats, keel boats and powerboats, we have the flexibility to train you in a wide variety of conditions and craft.

Book a course and stay with us for free

Our centre at Bradwell waterside in Essex now offers free overnight accommodation in our Nomadic Bell Tents during the summer months if you’re signing up to a course which lasts longer than one day (subject to availability).

Discover our range of RYA professional and technical courses

Rya sailing courses.

From novice sailor to instructor, our Bradwell Training Centre offers sailing qualifications for all levels.

Find out more

RYA Powerboat courses

From beginner to expert, Essex Outdoors Bradwell is a leading provider of Royal Yachting Association accredited powerboat certifications for all levels.

RYA Shore based courses

Our courses are not just on the water – our range of official RYA shore-based and interactive courses provide the support sailors and powerboat users need to tackle their marine adventures with confidence.

RYA Youth sailing week

The perfect summer camp where young people aged 8-16 can learn to sail or improve their skills whilst gaining RYA certification – with day based and residential options available book online today.

RYA courses gallery

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Mile Building

Demystifying rya courses – a comprehensive guide.

1. Setting Sail: The Start Yachting Course

Embarking on the vast expanse of the ocean begins with a single sail, and there's no better introduction than the RYA's Start Yachting course. This two-day venture serves as your initiation into the world of sailing, a brief but immersive dip into the ocean of yachting knowledge. Designed specifically for beginners, no prior experience is required, just a hunger for adventure and learning.

From the moment you step aboard, the course aims to familiarize you with the yacht itself — a complex, self-contained floating haven that becomes your transport and home at sea. You'll get to understand the basics of yacht handling and safety, essential ropework, and become acquainted with the sea's ever-changing environment. It's about more than the technical aspects; it's about soaking in the seafaring lifestyle, from the thrill of the waves to the camaraderie among the crew.

The course also introduces participants to the concept of eco-friendly sailing, promoting respect for the marine ecosystem and emphasizing the role sailors play in preserving the ocean's natural beauty. It's not merely about steering through the waves but also understanding the impact you have on the blue world beneath and around you.

By the end of the Start Yachting course, you'll have not only learned the fundamental skills but also experienced the life of a sailor. This initiation might be brief, but it's enough to ignite the passion for sailing in many, often serving as the foundation of a lifelong journey on the waves.

2. Competent Crew: Your First Certificate

Your sailing education continues with the Competent Crew course, your first thorough introduction to the yachting industry, after receiving your first taste of the ocean with the Start Yachting course. This 5-day course is where your practical journey truly begins, turning enthusiastic beginners into confident, skilled crew members, fully capable of actively participating in all aspects of life on board a yacht.

Unlike the introductory course, the 5 day Competent Crew takes you deeper into the practicalities of sailing. Participants immerse themselves in the fundamentals: steering the yacht, adjusting the sails, and keeping a sharp lookout. Beyond handling the boat, you learn about emergency procedures, which are a crucial aspect of ensuring safety at sea.

Sailing involves more than just operating a vessel, though. It revolves around teamwork, adaptability, and understanding. You'll get a chance to experience the special camaraderie that develops between sailors over these five days as you work together to steer the ship to its destination and share responsibilities. You'll learn not only to tie knots but also to coexist in a confined space, managing the daily routines of cooking, cleaning, and even sleeping aboard.

Additionally, the Competent Crew course instills an eco-conscious perspective in budding sailors. Here, you start to comprehend the fragile balance of the marine ecosystem and your responsibility to preserve it. Efficient use of resources, minimizing waste, and adhering to marine regulations form a significant part of your learning.

By the end of this course, you'll hold in your hands not just a certificate, but tangible proof of your competence and commitment to sailing. You'll be equipped with the self-assurance needed to be a contributing crew member, the knowledge required to help with sailing maneuvers and a deep appreciation for the marine environment. It's more than a course; it can be your rite of passage into the world of sailing.

3. Stepping Up the Game: From Theory to Practice

Transitioning from a crew member to a skipper is a significant leap, requiring a deeper understanding of sailing. This journey begins with theory before advancing to hands-on application, a process that the RYA has meticulously structured through its Day Skipper courses.

Day Skipper Theory Course Online

In the digital age, learning has transcended physical boundaries, and the Day Skipper Theory course is no exception. This theoretical section, which is available online, is a thorough educational program created to give you the navigational information and safety procedures necessary to become a responsible skipper. Over the course duration, you dive into the nautical world from the comfort of your home, exploring intricate topics like coastal navigation, pilotage, weather patterns, and maritime regulations.

The emphasis on decision-making in this course is an important component. Every decision matters when you're in charge, and this course equips you to handle that responsibility. You acquire the knowledge necessary to plan and carry out a safe, pleasurable voyage, including the ability to evaluate weather forecasts, read sea charts, and comprehend the implications of tidal changes.

Day Skipper 5-day Practical

Post theory, it's time to put your knowledge into action with the Day Skipper Practical course. This intensive five-day training takes you back to the rolling decks, where you take command under expert supervision. This phase is about application and refinement: you'll implement your theoretical knowledge, make real-time decisions, and master seamanship skills.

From developing boat handling skills, mooring alongside and med mooring the yacht to managing the crew, from plotting a passage to navigating it, you're in the driver's seat, but still under guidance from seasoned instructors. The course hones your leadership skills, as it teaches you to coordinate tasks, ensure the safety of your crew, and handle the yacht efficiently. It's not just about leading, though; it's also about fostering teamwork.

Both the theoretical and practical Day Skipper courses emphasize eco-conscious sailing, underscoring the importance of protecting marine life and habitats. You'll gain knowledge on how to reduce your environmental impact, the effects of pollution, and the positive effects of responsible resource management while traveling.

Passing the Day Skipper courses marks a pivotal point in your nautical journey. You're no longer just following instructions; you're making the decisions, setting the course, and ensuring everyone aboard is working as a coherent, efficient, and eco-conscious team. This milestone is not just about skill acquisition; it's about stepping up, taking responsibility, and leading by example on the waves.

4. Navigating Deeper Waters: Advanced Courses

As your journey progresses, the waters become more challenging, but so do your skills and aspirations. It's time to navigate deeper waters, both literally and metaphorically, with the RYA's advanced courses: Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster. These certifications represent mastery and a profound commitment to the craft of sailing.

Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory

Before you can master the sea, you will first need to master the classroom. The Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course is an advanced level of study that prepares you for the complexities of coastal and offshore sailing. This rigorous theoretical groundwork is essential for understanding longer passages, night sailing, and handling challenging sea conditions.

The curriculum delves into advanced navigation techniques, detailed meteorology, and a thorough understanding of the Collision Regulations, ensuring that you're not just a sailor but a scholar of the sea. This course instills a deep respect for the ocean's power, teaching you to anticipate, plan, and respond to the sea's ever-changing moods and challenges.

Coastal Skipper Practical

After achieving the necessary experience as a skipper, both distance and night sailing, and passing the theory exam, the Coastal Skipper Practical course tests your capabilities and necessitates not just competence but also knowledge, endurance, and resilience. Over five days, you'll tackle more complex sailing scenarios, take command of the yacht on coastal passages, and make crucial decisions that affect the safety and success of your voyage.

This advanced training hones your leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and ability to handle a vessel with confidence under various sea and weather conditions. It involves proactive problem-solving, accurate navigation, and flawless seamanship to prepare you for your first steps to ocean sailing.

Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam

The Yachtmaster qualification is the pinnacle of recreational sailing certifications, a testament to your expertise, experience, and dedication. The preparation is intense and thorough, available in 5 or 10-day courses, designed to refine your skills and knowledge to a level of mastery. It's a recapitulation of everything you've learned, with a focus on precision, efficiency, and advanced problem-solving.

The culmination, the Yachtmaster exam, is a challenging 48-hour assessment, where an RYA examiner will test your competence in navigation, safety, and overall vessel management. It's rigorous and demanding, as it should be for the highest standard of recreational sailing certification.

These advanced courses and the Yachtmaster certification are about commanding a yacht with confidence, skill, and a deep understanding of the responsibility it entails. They signify that you're not just a sailor, but a guardian of the sea, with the skills needed to handle whatever the ocean throws your way and committed to preserving its natural majesty.

Embarking on the journey through RYA courses is more than an educational pursuit; it's a life-changing experience that combines passion with skill, leisure with education, and aspirations with discipline. From the tranquil initiation in the Start Yachting course to the adrenaline-fueled mastery demanded by the Yachtmaster exam, each stage represents a pivotal point of personal and professional growth.

These courses do more than teach sailing; they instill a deep respect for the marine environment. They prepare sailors not just to face the elements, but to understand and respect them, fostering a harmonious relationship with the ocean. Whether you're seeking a casual hobby or a committed lifestyle, the RYA's structured courses are gateways to uncharted waters, waiting for you to set sail. Remember, every accomplished Yachtmaster began as a curious novice!

Is prior sailing experience required to begin the Start Yachting course?

No, the Start Yachting course is designed for absolute beginners.

Can I skip the Competent Crew course if I have some sailing experience?

While prior experience helps, the Competent Crew course offers valuable training. We advise that you take the course to ensure you have solid foundational skills and that you have an understanding of the RYA way of teaching sailing.

Is the Day Skipper Theory course mandatory before the practical?

No, it isn’t, but understanding the theory greatly aids in mastering the practical aspects of skippering a yacht.

How do I choose between the 5-day and 10-day Yachtmaster preparation?

It depends on your comfort level. If you feel you need more time to refine your skills, the 10-day course will be more beneficial.

Is the Yachtmaster exam challenging?

The exam is thorough and tests your skills comprehensively. However, with the right preparation and dedication, it's highly achievable for dedicated sailors.

Which Are The Best Months To Sail Mallorca?

Spain has some of the highest rate sunlight hours in Europe, with the towns and cities lying on the Mediterranean benefiting from the sunshine without suffering from the infamously excessive heat of the Iberian peninsula. All year round, the Mallorcan climate is relatively mild and is therefore suitable for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities like hiking, climbing, ball sports, and, certainly, sailing.

We are often asked how many people is the ideal number for a crew

Discover the ideal number of crew for a yacht based on its size, sailing experience, and type of sailing with our general guidelines. Our experts provide recommendations for crew sizes for small, mid-sized, and large yachts, as well as racing yachts.

Under the Sail: The Mechanics of Boat Movement

Sailing is an exciting combination of science and art that takes us on a voyage of exploration where the wind and water become partners in a dance with the elements. At the core of this captivating activity is the sail, a remarkable feat of design that elegantly captures the wind's energy, transforming it into forward momentum. This blog serves as a beginner's guide to the fascinating world of sailing, offering a window into the intricate mechanics of how sails harness wind power. Whether you're a novice sailor, eager to learn the ropes, or simply curious about the principles that make a sailboat glide across the water, you'll find some valuable insights here. As we dive deeper into the art of sailing, we uncover not just the technical aspects but also the sheer joy and freedom that come from skillfully navigating the winds and waves. So, let's start this journey and explore the magic and mechanics of sailing.

Types of Sails and How They are Used

Every sail is not created equally. Some smaller yachts have only one sail, which makes sail selection a breeze. However, larger sailboats have several sails with dozens of different sail configurations. When learning to sail, it’s important to understand the different types of sails and how they are used. For example, if you want to go downwind faster, use a spinnaker. If you are headed upwind, you may want a code zero. In other words, different conditions require different types of sails with different characteristics.

Types of Sailing Rigs

Rigging and sails are closely related, and all are part of a yacht’s overall sail plan. There are dozens of types of sails and literally hundreds of various configurations. A sail rig is the way that the sails are attached to the mast. It is the setup or configuration of the sailboat and consists of the sail and mast hardware. It can get confusing. For example, the shape of sails depends on the rigging, so they overlap a bit. In this article, we will explore the most commonly-used modern sail rigs.

Travel Smart - Understanding Visa Rules for Sailors

Sailing across the blue expanses of our planet offers a great sense of freedom and adventure. Yet, the thrill of navigating the open seas comes with its set of bureaucratic challenges, particularly when it comes to understanding and complying with international visa rules. Whether you're a professional skipper or just a recreational cruiser, these regulations can have a big influence on your trip, so you should plan properly before you set off.

Top Apps for Sailors: Weather Forecasting at Your Fingertips

Sailing is a thrilling experience that requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the wind. For beginners, the challenge does not only lie in handling the sailboat but also in predicting and utilizing the wind effectively. This is where wind finder apps come into play and become incredibly useful. These apps are essential tools that help sailors of all skill levels organize and carry out their sailing trips safely and enjoyably.

Top 6 Reasons to Learn to Sail in Mallorca

Learn to sail on the spectacular island of Mallorca to experience ideal sailing weather, stunning scenery, and a rich and vibrant culture — setting the perfect landscape for expert RYA sailing training. Mallorca Sailing Academy offers something for everyone — from beginners getting their first taste of the basics of sailing, to day skippers who want to enhance their RYA skills on the exquisite Mediterranean coastline.

Seasonal Sailing: Navigating RYA Courses During the Holidays

As the crisp air signals the approach of winter, it's the perfect time for sailing enthusiasts, especially beginners, to start gearing up for the following sailing season. While the seas may be quieter during the colder months, the off-season is a busy period of preparation and planning for the months to come. This blog aims to guide you through essential steps and considerations to ensure you're ready to set sail when the season arrives. From refitting training vessels to enrolling in courses, we'll cover everything you need to know so that you can make the most of this period.

Dressing for Autumn Sailing in Mallorca: A Practical Guide

Mallorca, a Mediterranean gem, is a sought-after sailing destination that continues to captivate enthusiasts year-round. As summer's grip loosens and autumn starts to roll in, a unique sailing experience beckons. But with the charm of the season comes its own set of challenges. Temperatures that change between warm sunlit days and cool evenings, coupled with unpredictable winds, make dressing accordingly a crucial part of any sailor's voyage. This guide dives into the nuances of Mallorca's autumn climate and offers practical insights on how to dress and gear up, ensuring both comfort and safety.

New Year, New Skill: Kickstart 2024 with an RYA course

Starting a sailing adventure requires progressing through a series of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses, regardless of whether one is a hobbyist or an aspiring professional. Each course, from the foundational Competent Crew to the advanced Yachtmaster Ocean, offers unique learning experiences, skill development, and prerequisites. This RYA Course FAQ offers you an overview of the essential questions related to each stage of your nautical education. You'll discover the prerequisites, learning outcomes, daily routines, and qualifications for courses like Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster, and Yachtmaster Ocean. Whether you're taking your first step into sailing or aiming for high-seas mastery, these FAQs will give you some guidance.

• RYA COURSES

• Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft
• Sailing Courses

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK national body for all forms of boating. The internationally recognised RYA qualifications offer forward-thinking training which is continually evolving to keep up to date with the dynamic world of boating.

RYA STATISTICS

• Over 2,400 recognised RYA training centres in over 58 countries
• 22,000 RYA instructors across the world
• 25,000 professionals working on commercial vessels using RYA certificates of competence
• 155,000 people completing RYA courses every year
• Over 100 professional and recreational courses on the water, in the classroom and online

To book a training session, please contact us at  [email protected] .

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SAILING SCHOOL

12 knots sailing courses.

Weather forecast

Learn how to read clouds and winds like a pro

Competent Crew

Introduction to sailing. Learn how to become an active crew

Bareboat Skipper

Recreational sailing yacht skipper of vessels up to 78 feet

Issued documents

10 days live aboard course on power or sailing yacht. The key objective of the course is to teach candidates to become a recreational sailing yacht skipper and be able to charter and handle big cruising yachts on their own.

Ideal for those who already have little sailing experience and would like to learn coastal navigation.

• navigation at sea
• collision regulations
• practice at sea 200nm
• Skipper on a yacht up to 78ft. / 24m
• 20 miles offshore in day time
• in moderate weather conditions

5-day sailing course on board of a cruising yacht. The main objective of the course is to teach basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, basic sail trim, helm commands, seamanship and safety.

Ideal for candidates with little to no previous sailing experience who wish to train to become an active crew member on a power or sailing yacht.

• no special requirements
• Crew on a yacht up to 78ft. / 24m
• in sight of land and in fair weather
• only with professional skipper

Choose your sailing program. Where to start?

Introduction to sailing, on the coast.

Sailing knots - 3 hours

Understanding of the boat - 3 hours

On the water

Basic keelboat - 3 hours

Basic cruising

Safety on board - 3 hours

Live aboard sailing boat - 5 days

Live aboard power boat - 7 days

Bareboat cruising

Mandatory shore-based course for navigation and collision regulations at sea

Passage planning

Collision regulations

Practice at sea

Sailing boat - 10 days

Motor boat - 7 days

Advanced coastal cruising

Take additional shore-based courses prior to practice at sea

Long-term passage planning

Tidal navigation

Night sailing

Celestial navigation

Live-aboard course in tidal waters

Sailing yacht - 7 days

Upcoming courses

Blue water sailing practice

Availability

Competent crew

Marine weather forecasting

“Perfect boat”

A trust company. Very professional, one small problem we had with an error displayed on one of the oil pressure motors. They came after us and fixed the problem. We had a Lagoon 40 (2021) a very good boat.

Sailing School

Home / School, courses also ONLINE / Russia

Sailing schools and courses (ISSA, RYA, IYT) in Russia

The possibilities for yachting in russia are unlimited, since this is a country with a long maritime history. you just need to choose where you want to sail. small and big lakes, full-flowing rivers, warm and cold seas — all this is available to those who want to try sailing in this country..

Practical yachting

You will be able to master the skills of sailing; learn to feel the boat, approach and leave the pier, learn about the safety measures on the water and much more.

There are places in 1 team

International Bareboat Skipper (IYT) Course

Having received the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate, you can independently charter a yacht on a charter and operate it in the waters of any country.

More details

ISSA Offshore Skipper course

The certificated confirms the skills sufficient to sail the yacht in light and dark hours at a distance from a sheltered port up to 100 sea miles.

IYT International Crew course

This is a certificate of excellence for those candidates who wish to train to become an active crew member on a power or sailing yacht. It includes Introduction to Boating for power and sail yachts.

IYT Introductory Sailing Skills course

This course is great for groups of friends or like-minded people to get together for a few days of fun sailing while learning skills to better help as crew onboard.

IYT Try Sailing Course

It’s a fun hands-on course to enjoy being on the water while learning basic sailing skills.

Yacht management training in the Moscow region

In three hours of training, you will learn the basic techniques of managing a yacht, learn some of the specifics of working with a yacht, a helm, sails.

RYA Coastal Skipper course

Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

RYA Competent Crew course

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.

RYA Day Skipper course

A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

RYA Start Yachting course

A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.

• Sail cruising courses

Our practical and theory courses will take you from complete beginner to capable skipper and beyond

Stepping into the world of sailing for the first time is exciting and exhilarating. The courses in the RYA Yachtmaster training scheme will help you learn to sail and build confidence, become a useful crew member and even learn how to skipper a sailing yacht and manage it’s crew. 

Most courses can be taken either on your own or with friends and family, including children provided they meet our minimum age recommendations. There are also flexible options allowing you to do the course in one go or split over several days or weekends. 

Our sail cruising courses can also help you progress to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence  which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide and can be commercially endorsed for professional skippers and crew. 

So whether you’re new to boat ownership, want to charter a yacht on holiday, or to venture further offshore – there’s an RYA course for every level. 

Our practical on-the-water courses build confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to how to skipper a yacht and manage its crew. You can enter at any level, provided you have the correct level of experience. 

Cruising Level 1 - An entry level course focusing on the principles of sailing a yacht. Can be run in conjunction with the Basic Skills course.

A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.

Cruising Level 2 - Build on the skills gained during Start Sailing, Competent Crew or Day Skipper, focusing on sailing techniques as both crew and helm.

A hands-on course for anyone interested in becoming a useful crew member.

A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

Advanced skippering techniques for those with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

Our navigation and other specialist short courses complement the sail cruising practical courses and will take your knowledge and confidence to the next level.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

A more comprehensive course recommended for inexperienced skippers and anyone thinking of doing the Day Skipper practical course.

Take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore practical exams.

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage planning, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

An RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

Sailing is great fun for all ages and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

If you want to cruise outside of the UK you are likely to need an ICC. RYA course completion certificates can be used as evidence of your competence.

Find out more about commercial endorsements, professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.