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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 Windsurfing Foiling First FlightsThe RYA Windsurfing Foiling First Flights course introduces windsurfers to the exciting world of foiling. Participants learn how to set up and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Foiling Performance FlightsBuilding on initial foiling skills, the RYA Windsurfing Foiling Performance Flights course focuses on refining control and increasing speed.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Foiling Sustained FlightsThe RYA Windsurfing Foiling Sustained Flights course is for experienced foilers looking to master continuous foiling. Participants focus on... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Intermediate RacingThe RYA Windsurfing Intermediate Racing course introduces windsurfers to the fundamentals of racing. Participants learn starting procedures, mark... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Start RacingThe RYA Windsurfing Start Racing course is perfect for beginners looking to enter the world of competitive windsurfing. Participants learn basic... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Wingfoiling First FlightsThe RYA Wingfoiling First Flights course is designed for those new to wingfoiling. Participants learn how to handle the wing, balance on a foil... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Wingfoiling Sustained FlightsThe RYA Wingfoiling Sustained Flights course is for those who have mastered the basics of wingfoiling and want to focus on continuous flight.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Yachtmaster Ocean TheoryThe RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course teaches celestial navigation and advanced passage planning for long-distance offshore sailing.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Start RacingThe Youth Sailing Scheme Start Racing course introduces young sailors to the fundamentals of dinghy racing. Participants learn starting... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 1The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 1 is an entry-level course for children aged 8–12. This program introduces young sailors to the... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2Building on Stage 1, the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2 equips young sailors with more advanced techniques. Participants learn... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 3The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 3 focuses on refining skills and building self-reliance on the water. Young sailors learn how... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 4The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 4 is the culmination of the youth sailing program, focusing on advanced boat handling and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1The RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1 course introduces children aged 8–12 to the basics of windsurfing in a safe and engaging environment.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 2Building on the basics, the RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 2 course focuses on developing greater control and confidence. Young participants learn... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 3The RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 3 course takes young windsurfers to the next level by introducing more advanced techniques. Participants practice... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 4The RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 4 course is the final stage of the youth windsurfing progression. It focuses on high-performance techniques,... More Details
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  • Community Views & NewsNews, views, tips’n’tricks.
  • Contact UsGet in touch, we love talking to people on our wavelength.

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