What’s included in the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course?

The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster™ online theory course is designed to give more experienced skippers the confidence to undertake longer and more complex passages which may involve sailing at night. The course is delivered fully online enabling you to complete it from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.

All course materials are provided in a handy navigator’s bag: including paper charts, training almanac, shorebased notes, Portland plotter and dividers. Instructor support and the cost of the exams is also included in your course price.

The Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster™ syllabus builds on knowledge already gained at a Day Skipper level. This includes chartwork, collision regulations, tidal height calculations, tidal streams, pilotage and passage planning, meteorology, and electronic navigation techniques.

What do I need to do the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course?

We are often asked about how best a candidate can prepare for RYA Yachtmaster courses … our response is always “know your basics!”. You should start the course knowing the basics of vessel lights, vessel day shapes, collision regulations, buoyage etc. This is the most elementary part of navigation theory and is taught at Competent Crew level.

We find that revision of some subjects during the practical training week can be of great benefit to students. If you choose to do this, focus on some ‘examiner favourites’:

• Secondary port tidal calculations
• Course to steer
• Passage planning

What happens next?

Completing this theory course enables you to undertake an RYA Coastal Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster™ practical course, which is typically held over 5 days. It provides you with knowledge and confidence undertake more advanced passages, explore tranquil anchorages and visit foreign destinations. If your three exams are formally invigilated, you can also use it as a commercially-endorsed qualification and a stepping stone towards a career on the water.

Further Support

Sovren Nautical Academy also recommend apps from Safe-Skipper.com.

Why should I choose an Online Yachtmaster Theory course?

With content structured for a virtual experience, Sailing Course Online helps you gain theory knowledge that’s essential for when you’re out on the water. The courses we offer include RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster™.

Rated 4.9 stars out from 5 from genuine feedback on Feefo, Sailing Course Online has successfully delivered courses to thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to undertake a practical course. And although the course is online, you’re only an email away from fast and helpful support from Sailing Course Online’s team of qualified instructors.

Learning online brings many advantages for those who struggle to take five days off to learn in a classroom:

• Online offers a no pressure approach – learn at your own pace.
• Easy to follow course, with animations and 20+ videos that bring the content to life.
• Bite-sized modules enable you to organise learning around day-to-day life.
• Review your knowledge as many times as you like with the end of module tests.
• A wealth of “Skipper’s Tips” give you extra real-life perspective on many of the topics.
• Fast help from qualified instructors whenever you need it – no question is too silly!

A hard copy certificate is posted to you upon successful course completion.

What device should I use to complete the online course?

The courses work seamlessly across PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, enabling you to learn anywhere you have an internet connection. Access to the exams is included, and as all exams are hand-marked, you will receive tailored feedback on your answers, giving you the confidence to put your newly acquired skills into practice.

There are some issues with the free chart plotter simulator provided by the RYA. It works on PC and Mac but not on mobile devices. It is not essential to the courses so it can be worked around if you do not have access the PC based units.