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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

      • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
      • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

      • Places
        Find anywhere nautical, including marinas & training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
      • Courses
        We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

      • Nautical Terms & Terminology
        Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
      • Why do we have tides?
        Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
      • What causes our weather?
        A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
      • Buoyage Flashcards
        Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
      • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
        Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
      • The Salty Sea Blog
        From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

      • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
      • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

      • Places
        Find anywhere nautical, including marinas & training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
      • Courses
        We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

      • Nautical Terms & Terminology
        Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
      • Why do we have tides?
        Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
      • What causes our weather?
        A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
      • Buoyage Flashcards
        Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
      • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
        Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
      • The Salty Sea Blog
        From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
  • Chandlery
Sign In Join now—it’s Free

Courses

The thrill of gliding across the water, feeling the ocean breeze, and exploring the vast blue is an experience like no other. Whether it’s sailing, kayaking, or powerboating, marine and watersports activities offer adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature. Learning essential skills through structured courses not only enhances safety and confidence but also allows enthusiasts to make the most of their time on the water.

Marine and watersports courses cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, from beginners looking to navigate a paddleboard for the first time to experienced sailors aiming for advanced certifications. These courses provide hands-on training in fundamental techniques, safety procedures, and environmental awareness. Understanding the principles of wind, tides, and water currents, as well as mastering equipment handling, can significantly enhance the enjoyment of any watersport.

Safety is a key reason to invest in proper training. Whether you’re learning to sail, operate or a powerboat, knowing how to react in different conditions is essential. Courses teach vital skills such as rescue techniques, navigation, and risk assessment, ensuring that water-based adventures remain safe and enjoyable.

Beyond the technical aspects, marine and watersports courses open the door to new experiences and communities. They offer opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, join sailing clubs, or even pursue a career in marine industries. The sense of accomplishment gained from mastering a new skill—whether it’s steering a boat or catching a wave—builds confidence and a lifelong passion for the water.

No matter your age or experience, learning watersports skills enhances your ability to explore, enjoy, and respect the marine environment. With the right training, the water becomes not just a place to visit, but a playground of adventure and discovery.

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  • Term
    Definition
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Level 3 - Better SailingThe RYA Keelboat Level 3 course refines sailing techniques and enhances confidence in challenging conditions. Participants practice advanced... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Performance SailingThe RYA Keelboat Performance Sailing course is tailored for sailors looking to optimize performance in keelboats. Participants focus on advanced... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Regional RacingThe RYA Keelboat Regional Racing course is designed for sailors competing at a regional level. The program focuses on advanced racing tactics,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Sailing with SpinnakersThe RYA Keelboat Sailing with Spinnakers course introduces sailors to spinnaker handling. Participants learn how to rig, hoist, trim, and gybe... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Seamanship SkillsThe RYA Keelboat Seamanship Skills course focuses on building practical skills for handling keelboats in various conditions. Participants practice... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Keelboat Start RacingThe RYA Keelboat Start Racing course introduces sailors to the fundamentals of competitive keelboat racing. Participants learn essential racing... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Learn to WingsurfThe RYA Learn to Wingsurf course introduces participants to the basics of wingsurfing. Participants learn how to control the wing, balance on the... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Level 1 Start Powerboating (PB1)The RYA Level 1 Start Powerboating course introduces beginners to the basics of powerboat handling. Participants learn low-speed maneuvers, safety... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling (PB2)The RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling course is a comprehensive two-day program that teaches participants the skills needed to operate powerboats... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Marine Radio VHF (SRC)The RYA Marine Radio VHF (SRC) course is a mandatory qualification for anyone operating a marine VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC).... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Club RacingThe RYA Multihull Club Racing course prepares sailors to participate in local club races with confidence. The course covers race rules, starting... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Day SailingThe RYA Multihull Day Sailing course prepares sailors to undertake safe and enjoyable day trips on multihulls. Participants learn about trip... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Level 1 - Start SailingThe RYA Multihull Level 1 course introduces participants to the basics of sailing multihulls. Participants practice rigging, steering, and sail... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Level 2 - Basic SkillsThe RYA Multihull Level 2 course builds on the skills learned in Level 1, focusing on independent sailing in multihulls. Participants practice... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Level 3 - Better SailingThe RYA Multihull Level 3 course refines sailors’ techniques, focusing on advanced boat handling and performance optimization. Participants... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Performance SailingThe RYA Multihull Performance Sailing course is designed for experienced sailors looking to optimize their skills in high-performance multihulls.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Regional RacingThe RYA Multihull Regional Racing course is tailored for sailors competing at a regional level in multihull events. This advanced program focuses... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Sailing With SpinnakersThe RYA Multihull Sailing With Spinnakers course focuses on spinnaker handling in multihulls. Participants learn to rig, hoist, and trim... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Seamanship SkillsThe RYA Multihull Seamanship Skills course builds essential practical skills for handling multihulls in a variety of conditions. Participants... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Multihull Start RacingThe RYA Multihull Start Racing course introduces sailors to the fundamentals of racing multihulls. Participants practice starting techniques, boat... More Details
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