RYA Coastal Skipper is the ideal qualification to follow the RYA Day Skipper course. It may also form a bridge to the full MCA/RYA Yachtmaster™ examination. It’s designed to give an experienced skipper the confidence to undertake longer and more complex passages which may involve sailing at night or involve watch-keeping systems.
Skippering a motor cruiser on coastal and offshore passages demands strong navigation, seamanship and leadership skills. During the RYA Coastal Skipper course your instructor will guide you through navigation (both offshore and in limited visibility), weather forecasting and passage planning, watch keeping, preparation for sea and handling heavy weather. You will put this all into practice as you plan and execute passages whilst in complete command of the vessel. Coastal skippers must be good boat handlers and you will receive plenty of practice mooring the vessel and experience night navigation. Weather permitting you will also undertake a longer coastal passage.
Achieving your RYA Coastal Skipper certificate is an accomplishment ideal for anyone who wants to further their training, especially to tackle more challenging coastal passages.