yachtmaster theory syllabus

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory – All The Information You Need

What is the rya coastal skipper and yachtmaster theory course.

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course is a theory-based course aimed at yacht skippers advancing to RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster exams.

It is an advanced course in navigation and other nautical topics such as meteorology that allows you to skipper a vessel on coastal voyages by day and night.

What Does the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory Allow You To Do?

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory sets you up to be ready for your RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Sail or Motor course.

The course will also provide you with the relevant nautical theory knowledge to help for those advancing to the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exams.

Who Can Do an RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course?

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course is open to anyone who has equivalent knowledge to that covered in the RYA Day Skipper Theory course. There is no age limit.

If you are a complete novice to nautical sailing, then you may want to consider the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course or the RYA Day Skipper Theory course is also suitable for novices.

If you are an experienced mariner with many years of experience, both skippering and taking on navigational duties but with no formal training, then there is another suitable course that we have at Ardent Training for you. This is the RYA Fast Track to Yachtmaster course which is essentially the same as the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course but with extended content to bridge the gap for someone without an RYA Day Skipper Theory course completion.

Can You Go Straight to the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Course?

A theoretical experience in line with the RYA Day Skipper Theory course is required.

A practical experience in line with the RYA Day Skipper course is desirable but not required.

If you have advanced practical skills but lack theoretical knowledge, then the RYA Fast Track to Yachtmaster Course is for you.

If you currently lack both theory and practical experience, you will want to start at RYA Day Skipper Theory.

Where Can I Take My RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory?

There are many thoughts on where is best, but to be truthful, it is what works for you best. 

Your 2 main options are in a classroom course or via an online provider. The 2 different types of learning suit different types of people.

Classroom courses benefit from listening to and talking to other students face-to-face, as well as having the instructor in front of you. Online courses benefit from being able to work at your own speed, repeat lessons, and get a more in-depth learning experience as you are not tied to completing the course at the end of the week at the same pace as the others in the classroom. At Ardent Training we pride ourselves on bringing the best of both of these worlds together with instant 1:1 instructor support on demand, built-in discussions on our online platform, a student forum, and every single lesson being recorded in video format as well as visual and text.

How Long Does an RYA Yachtmaster Theory Take?

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory is suggested to take a minimum of 40 hours of learning, plus exam time. I believe the average to be about 50 hours in total.

How this time is shaped can vary. In online courses, you can generally work at your own speed, while in classroom environments, anything from evening classes of 2-3 hours a week, to 3 weekends in a row, or a 6 or 7 consecutive day course over a week.

Is There a Set RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory Syllabus?

There is indeed a syllabus. Each of the following topics represents a specific part of the learnings that will be covered on an RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course in varying levels of detail.

Navigational Instruments, tidal heights, tidal streams, position fixing and chartwork, Meteorology, pilotage, safety, passage planning and marine environment detail the various aspects of the syllabus.

Read on to learn in a little more detail about how each of these is covered in a little more detail.

What Will I Learn in the Yachtmaster Theory Course?

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course covers a wide range of topics and introduces many topics and important knowledge that will be useful not only for completing an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course but in preparing and passing your RYA Yachtmaster exams.

Navigational instruments will cover all those aids to navigation that we have to use onboard such as GNSS, compasses, radar and chartplotters. At this stage, charts should be known about and so they won’t be taught in this course other than using them for our chartwork.

Tidal theory will cover everything from how they are created to using the tidal curves, working out secondary port data, clearances and all about tidal streams. Tidal streams include using a tidal atlas, tidal diamonds and computation of rates table.

Our chartwork at this stage is using the pre-learned tidal information to advance our basic dead reckoning positions to more complex estimated positions, courses to steer and even doing running fixes.

Fog, weather effects, frontal depressions and pressure systems will all be covered within meteorology while IRPCS will see a more in-depth look at vessel lights, shapes and their various characteristics which allow us to know what to do to prevent a collision at sea.

Pilotage and Passage planning will bring all our knowledge together as we learn all the steps contained within the structure of a passage plan and how to formulate and use these. Safety will of course be covered in full, but personal and on-board safety items while we will also look at things to be aware of while being in and to help protect the marine environment.

How Much Does This Course Cost?

As ever, many schools differ in price and it is important to understand everything that is included within your course such as materials, available content and instructor help. As always, the cheapest is not often better. At Ardent Training, our online RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory is priced at £345 and that includes everything. A unique student pack with Ardent Training extras, free worldwide postage, access to materials and instructor help and of course, your end-of-course certificate.

What Is the Pass Mark for the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course?

There is no specific pass mark as such. The instructor’s aim is to bring you up to a level where you have a satisfactory level of theory knowledge across the subjects covered to be able to put your new learnings into practice during your RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course.

What Comes After RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory

After your RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory, we suggest progressing on with your RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Sail or Motor course as soon as possible. That way, all your recent learnings are still fresh in your mind and you can use the practical tasks to consolidate all your knowledge. After that, you can look to start gaining more miles at sea, longer passages and progressing the to coveted RYA Yachtmaster certificates of competence.

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Coastal / Offshore

RYA Yachtmaster

Online Theory Course

A challenging course which stretches you but backed up with excellent coaching and instructor support.

Advanced training for more experienced skippers to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages

The RYA Yachtmaster  online theory course takes your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

This course advances your skills as a skipper of a yacht or motor boat, with an emphasis on navigation and passage planning for more complex coastal or offshore passages by day and night

Includes some time for the revision of Day Skipper subjects then moves on to cover a greater depth of knowledge and more advanced skills in navigation, pilotage & meteorology.

Successfully gaining your RYA Yachtmaster theory certificate will enable you to confidently work towards your Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore practical qualification.

• Assumed knowledge To Day Skipper theory level.
• Minimum duration A minimum of 40 hours of course study time is specified by the RYA, plus time for exercises and exams.
• Ability after course Theory knowledge to skipper a vessel on coastal and offshore passages by day and night.  

Simply click below to try a free lesson.

Pilotage for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

• Charts & Other Publications
• Definition of Position, Time, Speed & Distance
• The Compass (including allowance for deviation and swinging the compass)
• Tidal Theory
• Tidal Heights (including secondary ports)
• Tidal Streams (including interpolation of drift)
• Estimated Position
• Course to Steer
• Visual Aids to Navigation
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology (including interpreting surface pressure charts)
• The Collision Regulations
• Safety & Protection of The Environment

Unlimited support from our dedicated RYA Instructors - 365 days a year via email, phone or Skype/Zoom.

14-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

17 fully-narrated online lessons including animations, videos and realistic 3D graphics.

Embedded quizzes with instant feedback in each lesson.

14 self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers.

Over 50 downloadable or linked resources.

Videos covering: updating paper charts, engine checks, dismasting, jury rig, flood control, firefighting, gas explosions, capsize, lifejacket checks, how to put on a lifejacket and what happens when it inflates, man-overboard recovery, launching and boarding a liferaft.

Free Radar course.

RYA Student Pack (including 2 training charts, training almanac & course handbook).

Mock exams to prepare you for the real thing and give you the confidence to pass. 

3 final online exams with detailed instructor feedback and free repeat attempts if requried.

RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory Course Completion Certificate.

12 months access to study with instructor support and exams - you can extend this if you want.

Lifetime access to training materials once you’ve completed the course.

Optional Extras

Plotter and divider You’ll need a course plotter and chart-dividers to complete the chartwork exercises - if you don’t already have these you can purchase a top quality set from us for £28 when you place your order.

Delivery UK delivery is free.  European delivery is £20, outside Europe delivery is £40.

You can start studying immediately as many of the lessons don’t rely on the printed support materials.

This course is accessed online with no additional software required.

Lessons are accompanied by optional professional narration, and notes. 

They are intuitive and easy to follow, whilst more complex subjects are accompanied by interactive animations and graphics to help you gain a full knowledge of each subject in the course syllabus.

Detailed step-by-step workings for navigational or tidal calculations make it easy for you to follow along as we show you how to plot positions, make tidal height and stream calculations, etc

You can go over these again and again, and test your knowledge with regular quizzes throughout each lesson. 

At the end of each lesson there is an excercise containg similar questions to the exam, with detailed and illustrated answers sent to you immediately to confirm your progress and fully prepare you for your mock and final exams.

You can repeat entire lessons and excercises as often as you wish until you are confident that you fully understand each subject.

When you have completed the course you can request mock and then final exams.

These are assessed by our RYA Instructors and detailed feedback is provided in any areas that may require further study within the course.

If you pass the final exams you will be awarded the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate , which will be posted to you.

Additional free resits, with suitable Instructor guidance, are available if required.

Call us for advice on 0238 218 2604

Course reviews.

Laura Anderson

Very enjoyable and informative

Impressively prompt and thorough feedback on all queries, tests, mock and real exams. Very high standards and you feel you have earned the Yachtmaster certificate.

Ciaran McIntyre

Comprehensive and well delivered

Excellent course materials and high quality delivery. Very responsive and excellent instructor feedback

Andrew Harvey

Excellent Yachtmaster theory course - I’d definitely recommend it.

Does what it says on the tin and more. I was impressed how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

Oliver Fleming

Well put together course.

I found the Yachtmaster theory course to be really well structured and covered all of the syllabus in great detail. I was impressed by how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

Combined - RYA Day Skipper & Yachtmaster to fast track your theory learning

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RYA Yachtmaster Exam Syllabus

RYA Yachtmaster Exam

In each section the examiner will expect to see the candidate take full responsibility for the management of the yacht and crew.

During the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam the candidate will be expected to demonstrate understanding but may not have had the opportunity to practice all aspects of the syllabus under a range of different weather conditions.

During the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam the candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence based on a more broad experience.

Here is a detailed look at the RYA Yachtmaster Exam syllabus and during your RYA Yachtmaster Exam you can expect to be examined on any of the following subjects

1. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Questions will be confined to the International Regulations and although candidates must be aware of the existence of Local Regulations, they will not be expected to memorise specific local regulations.

• General Rules (1 – 3)
• Steering and sailing rules (4 – 19)
• Lights and shapes (20 – 31)
• Sound and light signals (32 – 37)
• Signals for vessels fishing in close proximity (Annex II)
• Distress signals (Annex M)

Candidates will be expected to know what safely equipment should be carried on board a yacht, based either on the recommendations in the RYA Boat Safely Handbook (C8), the ISAF Special Regulations or the Codes of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Vessels. In particular, candidates must know the responsibilities of a skipper in relation to:

• Safety Harnesses
• Lifejackets
• Distress flares
• Fire prevention and fighting
• Knowledge of rescue procedures
• Helicopter rescue

3. Boat Handling

Candidates for Yachtmaster Coastal examinations will be expected to answer questions or deomonstrate ability in simple situations only. Candidates for Yachtmaster Offshore will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise.

• Coming to and weighing anchor under power or sail in various conditions of wind and tide
• All berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide
• Recovery of man overboard
• Towing under open sea conditions and in confined areas
• Boat handling in confined areas under sail
• Boat handling in heavy weather
• Helmsmanship and sail trim to sail to best advantage
• Use of warps for securing in an alongside berth and for shifting berth or winding

4. General seamanship, including maintenance

• Properties, use and care of synthetic fibre ropes
• General deck-work at sea and in harbour
• Engine operations and routine checks
• improvisation of jury rigs following gear failure

4. Responsibilities of Skipper

• Can skipper a yacht and manage the crew
• Communication with crew
• Delegation of responsibility and watch-keeping organisation
• Preparing yacht for sea and for adverse weather
• Tactics for heavy weather and restricted visibility
• Emergency and distress situations
• Victualling for a cruise and feeding at sea
• Customs procedures
• Standards of behaviour and courtesy

5. Navigation

• Charts, navigation publications and sources of navigational information
• Chartwork including position fixing and shaping course to allow for tidal stream and leeway
• Tide and tidal stream calculations
• Buoyage and visual aids to navigation
• Instruments including compasses, logs, echo sounders, radio navaids and chartwork instruments
• Passage planning and navigational tactics
• Pilotage techniques
• Navigational records
• Limits of navigational accuracy and margins of safety
• Lee shore dangers
• Use of electronic navigation aids for passage planning and passage navigation
• Use of waypoints and electronic routeing

6. Meteorology

• Definition of terms
• Sources of weather forecasts
• Weather systems and local weather effects
• Interpretation of weather forecasts, barometric trends and visible phenomena
• Ability to make passage planning decisions based on forecast information

Candidates for Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Coastal must hold the Restricted (VHF only) Certificate of Competence in radiotelephony or a higher grade of certificate in radiotelephony.

Full details can be found on the RYA’s website .

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RYA YACHTMASTER THEORY £315

RYA Yachtmaster Theory

Also sometimes knows as "coastal skipper/yachtmaster theory".

An advanced course for experienced skippers studying towards formal certification to command vessels up to 200GRT or to apply for a MCA Master 200 Oral Examination

• 14-day unconditional money-back guarantee
• 25% off for 2 or more bookings
• 12 months access
• 24*7 Instructor Support  (from UK and Thailand)
• Student Pack (2 charts, training almanac & course handbook)
• RYA chart-plotter software
• 15 fully-narrated lessons (not just the animations) including including realistic 3D graphics and embedded quizzes with instant feedback
• 15 self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers
• Videos covering: updating paper charts, engine checks, dismasting, jury rig, flood control, firefighting, gas explosions, capsize, lifejacket checks, how to put on a lifejacket and what happens when it inflates, man-overboard recovery, launching and boarding a liferaft
• Downloadable US Chart 1 (5011 equivalent) + 48 other downloadable or linked resources 
• Radar & AIS Training
• Mock Exams with automatic feedback
• 4 Final Online Exams with detailed instructor feedback and unlimited attempts. You can arrange your own invigilator. See  exam guidance  for more information.
• Unlimited free exam resits
• RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course Completion Certificate to support your practical course, professional qualification or MCA Master 200 Oral Exam
• Download lessons to run offline on iPads, iPhones and Android Devices
• 2 Years further access to training materials once you’ve completed the course
• UK Delivery by First Class Post. Worldwide delivery by DHL Express (+£20)
• Top quality Portland Plotter and brass chart dividers, £28
• Additional 6 months, £50 or 12 months, £80

RYA Yachtmaster Theory Syllabus

• Charts & Other Publications
• Definition of Position, Time, Speed & Distance
• The Compass (including allowance for deviation and swinging the compass)
• Tidal Theory
• Tidal Heights (including secondary ports)
• Tidal Streams (including interpolation of drift)
• Estimated Position
• Course to Steer
• Visual Aids to Navigation
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology (including interpreting surface pressure charts)
• The Collision Regulations
• Safety & Protection of The Environment

25%+ off for multiple bookings

Studying with friends or family is fun and tends to get better results

Order 2 or more courses and get a whopping 25% off every course. Not everybody has to study the same course.

otherwise complete this form to register

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• "Fantastic Course to do. It gave me excellent knowledge of navigation using charts and all the inputs that go into ensuring safe passage on the sea. It was delivered the content in a clear and practical way and was of great asssistance all the way." settings Mark Wharton settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "I've found the training with Above & Beyond Boating really helpful, you can never be too prepared when you head out to sea and their training has helped every step of the way." settings Richard Harris settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "Fabulous! Neil is a great teacher; he made the course enjoyable and the whole learning process was very well supported. Neil also provided support in preparing to go cruising for the first time - very practical and reliable in advice and support. Highly recommend!" settings Jennie Fogarty settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE
• settings "As a sailor who's cracked the podium at World Champs in SB20, 18 and 14 ft skiffs, won Cowes Week in the IRC1 and Extreme 40s and been in boats since overnighters with the folks on Lake Rotoiti as a 5 year old...I'm here to thank Neil for teaching me the many previously unknown facets of the Yachtmaster programme." settings Grant Rollerson settings ENROL FOR THIS COURSE

This e-learning course has been developed by Above & Beyond Boating. The course content covers the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Syllabus.

There are 12 course units, comprising of lessons and activities. Lessons are structured with dynamic content and quiz exercises, which provide immediate feedback, to test your knowledge. On completion of the course units, you will be required to complete some online assessments to receive your certificate.

The RYA course framework has been used with Australian and International scenario based case studies to ensure you finish the course with confidence to undertake coastal passages.

The course takes around 40 hours in total to study. The self-paced e-learning structure allows you to log in and work through the course material in your own time.

RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate.

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore course builds upon the navigation, meteorology, and passage making that is delivered in the  RYA Day Skipper Theory Course . This RYA training course will introduce new topics and develop a deeper understanding of familiar topics. All units of this course have an assumed prior knowledge of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course.

Above & Beyond Boating is here to help! If you are not sure which course is best suited for your skills and future boating aspirations, please contact us today to discuss your pathway.

Once you have completed the twelve units of study, there are three assessment papers to complete in the online course. There is a Chartwork assessment, IRPCS assessment, and a Passage Making assessment.

When you have submitted an assessment attempt, it will be marked by a course instructor, and you will be provided with feedback. If you do not pass your assessment on your first attempt, we will provide feedback to help you prepare for another attempt. You can re-sit an exam again when you are ready.

A formal exam invigilation is required if you intend to gain an MCA large yacht qualification, such as the Officer of the Watch or Master 3000. Should you require a formal exam, we can assist with finding an RYA Training Centre in Australia, or internationally, to invigilate.

Our courses have been specifically designed for an online learning experience. Enrolment in an online course presents a flexible opportunity to work at your own pace. Our team can provide feedback, instruction and personal support to help you get the answers you need. 

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster ™ Offshore Theory (Online)

• This course looks to refine the techniques learnt in your RYA Day Skipper Theory course
• International Maritime Law
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology
• Environmental care

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory is a more advanced course that builds on the knowledge gained at the RYA Day Skipper Theory level. Its aim is to take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical course.

This course is open to anyone who has already completed Day Skipper Theory, and ideally has some practical boating experience. You should be comfortable applying concepts such as tidal heights and streams and interpreting weather information. You will be familiar with pilotage and passage planning. You will feel at ease with the practical and thorough application of the IRPCS. You will understand how to fix position using a variety of methods. Your knowledge of safety systems and practices will be substantial.

Your full training pack contents include:

• Two RYA practice charts
• The RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster course notes
• The RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster exercises
• The RYA Training Almanac

Please note: Your online course is provided by Navathome. Booking conditions are not the same as for courses delivered by Andrew Simpson Yachting.  

Notes on shipping of training materials.

All training materials for the online courses are shipped to you the buyer. Please be aware of the Navathome policy relating to shipping. This forms part of their terms and conditions.

• Navathome is unable to ship to addresses which contain PO Box Numbers. A physical address will be required.
• Buyers must provide a valid contact telephone number at the time of booking
• Packs being shipped to Russia must be delivered to a business address.
• All packs must be signed for, so the buyer must ensure that there will be somebody available to accept the package
• Navathome will not accept responsibility for packs sent to marinas, or c/o addresses. If the pack goes missing after it has been signed for, the buyer will be liable for the cost of the replacement pack. 

Course Outcomes

• With this qualification combined with additional practical experience, you should be equipped with the knowledge required to consider the RYA Yachtmaster ™ Coastal or Yachtmaster ™ Offshore examination.

Course Dates

If you can't find what you are looking for online, please contact us directly to discuss options available to you.

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Yachtmaster Online Theory Course

Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course.

“This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills”.

– Royal Yachting Association

The most experienced yachtsmen and yachtswomen around the world agree that the Yachtmaster Coastal & Yachtmaster Offshore examinations are the most useful and credible of all yachting qualifications. RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory is a fundamental step towards gaining these practical Certificates of Competence. Whether you wish to use the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams as a stepping stone to a career on the water, or you just want to challenge your self to obtaining the ticket for personal use, you will be among an elite group of sailors.

Our Unique Course Material

There are lots of online sailing schools out there offering the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Theory Course. You’d be forgiven for thinking that all of these courses were the same – but they are not. Sure, they all need to cover the same syllabus. However, each individual sailing school is responsible for creating the online content to teach that syllabus.

In our opinion, when you are learning practical skills such as nautical navigation, weather and collision regulations, the learning material is really important. This is why we have created interactive, engaging videos to illustrate each and every point in the syllabus. We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that our videos are the best, most effective way for our students to learn the skills this course is designed to provide.

Our videos make the course material easy to digest, clear and enjoyable. It’s also resulted in us having a 100% pass rate to date! Watch Sample Course Material

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Theory Syllabus

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages and to foreign destinations and can be used as a stepping stone towards a career on the water.  The Nav-School course comprehensively covers the full RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Syllabus.

• position fixing
• course shaping and plotting
• tidal knowledge
• use of almanacs and admiralty publications
• electronic position finding equipment
• taking and interpreting forecasts
• plotting weather systems
• weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
• collision regulations
• customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad
• it allows some time for revision of the basics and then moves on to advanced navigation techniques

Taken from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) website

Who Should Take the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Theory Course?

Candidates for the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory should have good sound basic knowledge up to the level of RYA Day Skipper Theory. It is an advanced course that builds on the knowledge gained at the theory Day Skipper level. It is aimed at sailors and motor boaters who are looking to undertake more complex coastal passages, offshore and at night.

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory is a fundamental step towards gaining the practical Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence. Whether you wish to use the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams as a stepping stone to a career on the water, or you just want to challenge yourself to obtaining the ticket for personal use, you will be among an elite group of sailors.

How Long Does the Course Take to Complete?

There’s no set answer to this. The beauty of it being an online course is that you can complete it at your own pace, at a time that suits you. Our RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ theory course takes approximately 40 to 45 hours to complete. This can be completed within an intense fortnight, or a leisurely couple of months. We don’t mind, we just want you to complete it at a rate that suits you.

If you’d like to get started, just click the button below to sign up to the course and complete your payment. Once you’ve done this, you’ll get access to all our course material and our full learning management system. You will also receive an email from your designated course tutor who is a fully qualified Yachtmaster Instructor. They are available at any point should you have any questions or problems during your course.

We look forward to speaking with you!

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RYA/ISA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Syllabus

This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The syllabus makes some provision for the revision of subjects in the Day Skipper course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the time available.

1. Position

– Dead reckoning and estimated position

– Satellite-derived position

– Use of waypoints to fix position

– Radar fixes

– Techniques of visual fixing

– Fixes using a mixture of position lines

– Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing

– Area of uncertainty

2. The magnetic compass

– Allowance for variation

– Change of variation with time and position

– Causes of deviation

– Swing for deviation (but not correction)

– Allowance for deviation

– Different types of compass

– Causes of tide – Springs and Neaps

– Tide tables – sources

– Tidal levels and datum

– Standard and secondary ports

– Tide anomalies (Solent, etc.)

4. Tidal Streams

– Sources of tidal information

– Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsmen’s Almanacs

– Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer

– Tide rips, overfalls and races

– Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc

– IALA system buoyage in Region A

– Limitations of buoys as navigational aids

– Characteristics

– Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal

– Rising and dipping distances

– Light lists

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RYA Yachmaster Theory

Course duration: 6 days, course details.

The 5-day RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced navigation course for more experienced skippers. Building on the Day Skipper theory course it is highly recommended for anyone contemplating the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam.

The course syllabus focuses on advanced navigation including secondary ports, long-distance passage planning, navigation in restricted visibility, course shaping and pilotage. By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of meteorology and how this may affect your passage as well as a detailed knowledge of the collision regulations and safety at sea.  YMtheory3

GPS has become a primary tool for navigation so modern electronic aids are an important part of the syllabus.

Our RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Theory course is run in our dedicated classroom overlooking Hamble River in Port Hamble Marina as a 6-day course, Wednesday - Sunday, or join the split weekend option in January.

What's Included

• Training materials
• Practice charts and almanacs
• Professional instructor
• Dedicated classroom
• Pencil and rubber
• Refreshments throughout the course
• RYA theory certificate

Pre- Requisites

The Yachtmaster Theory syllabus is quite extensive so you should ensure your theory knowledge is up to date to the level of Day Skipper theory before the course begins. Our 1-day Day Skipper theory refresher course offers a perfect revision opportunity.

Please check our online booking portal at the bottom of the page for the latest available dates and prices.

All RYA courses are run by Sailing Logic, an RYA Training Centre

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RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook provides detailed information about the structure and content of the practical and shorebased courses for both sail and motor cruising with the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme.

The RYA’s renowned practical training is complemented by a structured shorebased learning process on the theory of navigation, safety, seamanship and by specialist one-day courses on skills such as first aid and sea survival.

This book informs you of what to expect when taking any RYA sail or motor cruising course and also provides pages for you to log your progress and keep your certificates. Your personal boating experience, from starting out up to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, will be enhanced by this book.

This book effectively combines, updates and replaces RYA Sail Cruising & Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G15) and RYA Motor Cruising & Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G18). It also introduces new courses and clarifies pre-exam requirements for all RYA Yachtmaster exams.

RYA Yachtmaster Handbook

£20.49

RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques

£16.99

RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Notes

£13.99

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RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Theory Syllabus

This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The syllabus makes some provision for the revision of subjects in the Day Skipper course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the time available.

1. Position

• Dead reckoning and estimated position
• Satellite-derived position
• Use of waypoints to fix position
• Radar fixes
• Techniques of visual fixing
• Fixes using a mixture of position lines
• Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing
• Area of uncertainty

2. The magnetic compass

• Allowance for variation
• Change of variation with time and position
• Causes of deviation
• Swing for deviation (but not correction)
• Allowance for deviation
• Different types of compass
• Causes of tide – Springs and Neaps
• Tide tables – sources
• Tidal levels and datum
• Standard and secondary ports
• Tide anomalies (Solent, etc.)

4. Tidal Streams

• Sources of tidal information
• Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsmen’s Almanacs
• Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer
• Tide rips, overfalls and races
• Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.
• IALA system buoyage in Region A
• Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
• Characteristics
• Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal
• Rising and dipping distances
• Light lists

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Yachtmaster/Coastal Theory

Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.

Pre-Course Requirements

You should already have knowledge of navigation to Day Skipper level and also considerable practical sailing experience. 

Course Syllabus

The RYA Yachtmaster/Coastal Theory course is a 7-day course  

The Course Syllabus includes:

Position Fixing 

Course Shaping and Plotting

Tidal Knowledge 

Use of Almanacs and Admiralty Publications 

Electronic Position Finding Equipment 

Taking and Interpreting Forecasts 

Plotting Weather Systems 

Weather Predictions using a Barometer and by Observation 

Collision Regulations 

Customs and Excise Regulations for Cruising Abroad

What's Included

Plotter and Dividers

Pencils, pencil sharpener and eraser

RYA Charts and Almanac

RYA Yachtmaster Theory Certificate on successful completion of the course and exam

Post Course

After being awarded your Theory Certificate you will be ready to take on the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Coastal Skipper Exam ! 

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• Training Info
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• RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Syllabus

Written by Endeavour Sailing on 01 June 2016 .

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Syllabus

The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtsmaster Offshore Theory  is an advanced course in navigation, meteorology and Collision Regulations for candidates wishing to do the RYA Coastal Skipper course or the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation weeks.

Pre Course Knowledge

• Assumed knowledge to the level of RYA Day Skipper Theory – this course will allow some time for revision of the day skipper theory but if you do not have this knowledge you are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the information covered in this course in the time available

Course Syllabus

1.      position.

• Dead Reckoning and Estimated Position
• Satellite derived position
• Use of waypoints to fix position
• Radar fixes
• Techniques of visual fixing
• Fixes using a mixture of position lines
• Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing
• Areas of uncertainty

2.      The Magnetic Compass

• Allowance for variation
• Change of variation with time and position
• Causes of deviation
• Compass checks for deviation, but not correction
• Allowance for deviation
• Different types of compass

3.      Tides

• Causes of tides – springs and neaps
• Tide tables –sources
• Tidal levels and datum
• Standard and secondary ports
• Tidal anomalies (Solent etc.)

4.      Tidal Streams

• Sources of tidal information
• Tidal stream information in sailing directions and yachtsmen’s almanacs
• Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer
• Tide rips, overfalls and races
• Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.

5.      Buoyage

• IALA system buoyage in Regions A and B
• Limitations of buoys as navigational aids

6.      Lights

• Characteristics
• Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal
• Rising and dipping distances
• Light lists

7.      Pilotage

• Harbour regulations and control signals
• Methods of pre-planning
• Clearing lines
• Use of soundings
• Transits and leading lines

8.      GNSS and Chart Plotters

• Principles of operation and limitations of use
• Raster and vector charts
• The importance of secondary means of position fixing via an independent source and keeping a separate record of position
• The importance of paper charts

9.      Echo Sounders

10.  logs (speed and distance measuring), 11.  deck log.

• The importance of the log as a yacht’s official document
• Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries

12.  Meteorology

• Basic terms, the Beaufort Scale
• Cloud types
• Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems
• Sources of weather forecasts
• Ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weather fax and weather satellite information
• Land and sea breezes
• Use of a barometer as a forecasting aid

13.  Rules of the Road

• A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3

14.  Safety at Sea

• Personal safety, use of life jackets, safety harnesses and life lines
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Distress signals
• Coastguard and Boat Safety Scheme
• Preparation for heavy weather
• Life rafts and helicopter rescue
• Understanding of capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability

15.  Navigation in Restricted Visibility

• Precautions to be taken in fog
• Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog
• Navigation strategy in poor visibility

16.  Passage Planning

• Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and for use on passage at sea
• Customs regulations as they apply to yachts
• Routine for navigating in coastal waters
• Strategy for course laying
• Use of and visual confirmation of waypoints and routes
• Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
• Sources of local and national regulations

17.  Marine Environment

• The responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment

Get in touch

Office hours.

Mo - Fr 9.30 - 16.30 Sa 10.00 - 14.00

Out of office contact

Mobile 0034 628 478 400

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Email [email protected] Phone 0034 928 849 670 Mobile 0034 628 478 400

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RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course is an advanced course that builds on the knowledge gained on the shorebased Day Skipper course . It is aimed at sailors and motor boaters who are looking to undertake more complex passages perhaps offshore or at night. This course is a must for those looking to work towards taking the RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

• ADVANCED NAVIGATION
• PASSAGE PLANNING
• PROGRESSION

It is an intensive course covering advanced navigation techniques including - position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge including secondary port calculations, navigation in restricted visibility, Admiralty publications and electronic position finding equipment. The meteorology tuition includes the taking and interpretation of forecasts, plotting of weather systems and weather prediction. Students are shown how to use this information when planning and executing passage plans. The International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea are dealt with in detail and you will also learn more about yacht stability and safety offshore.

It is strongly recommended that students have a good grasp of theory subjects to Day Skipper standard and have thoroughly revised the Collision Regulations before attending.

During the course students sit three exams and will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Certificate.

0900 until approximately 1700 Monday until Saturday.

What's Included:

All course materials including RYA Yachtmaster Theory course notes. Morning and afternoon tea. For details of local accommodation establishments please click here.

Support Courses: 

• RYA Sea Survival
• RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course .

Supporting Books:

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (sail) or RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (motor) .

Course Dates: 

Please note that if the dates listed are not suitable for you or you wish to have a course run at your own venue please contact us.

Online option available

Duration: 6 days (Monday to Saturday).

Previous Experience Required: Current knowledge of navigation to RYA Day Skipper theory level and practical sailing or motorboat experience to RYA Day Skipper. 

Course Overview: Advanced coastal and offshore navigation course covering pilotage, meteorology, stability, Collision Regulations and electronic navigation aids such as GPS and chart plotters.

Click here to view full course syllabus.

Yachtmaster Intensive Coastal

• General Description
• Important details
• Enrolment Form

Our course prepares experienced sailors for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam.

This special version of the course is held over a period of a minimum of  11 consecutive days on board plus the exam. It includes  daytime and night time navigation, as well as theory sessions to cover the entire RYA Coastal Skipper /Yachtmaster Theory syllabus and a Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Prep to review your skills under the requirements of the Exam.   Please note that the preparation for the Yachtmaster Coastal is often done alongside Yachtmaster Offshore candidates which we believe is to your benefit as it raises the bar for you and challenges your skillsets.  

During the course we review your existing sailing experience while developing additional skills to manage the vessel using RYA principles and practices to the appropriate level of competence. Areas covered include but are not limited to: sailing of the vessel in different weather conditions, Man Over Board exercises, safety and emergency procedures, leadership and management of the crew, provisioning, navigation exercises such as blind navigation and passage planning, a review of the functioning of the diesel engine , and other situations one might encounter as a skipper. As a combined course we constantly review theoretical concepts such the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea, communications, navigation and terminology . As a combined/intensive course, you will take the YM Theory written assessment at the end of the course to obtain the Theory Certificate.

We often schedule complementary courses, should you need them, prior to or immediately following the Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Intensive, such as 

RYA First Aid

RYA SRC Radio

RYA Diesel Engine

As you complete the course, you will continue to the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam, which we try to schedule after a one or two day break following the course.

Prerequisites to sit for the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam are: (completed in the last 10 years)

• 800 Nautical Miles of which a minimum of 400 in tidal waters  

• 2 days as skipper

• 12 night hours

• 30 days at sea

• SRC/VHF Radio Certification

• First Aid Certification within the last two years

(the mileage and seatime requirement are reduced to 400Miles of which at least 200 in tidal waters, 20 days on board, 12 night hours and 2 days as skipper if the candidate holds a RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate)

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• Antigua and Barbuda
• (New office building next to Al Porto Restaurant)
• +1 268 723 9343
• [email protected]

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