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, 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.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.
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 & TerminologyUnderstanding 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 FlashcardsFlashcards 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 BlogFrom 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.Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. You’ll wonder why a “sheet” isn’t something you sleep under but a rope that controls a sail. “Bowsprit” sounds like a sneeze, “booby hatch” isn’t a bird’s hideout, and “port” doesn’t come in a glass—it’s just left. If someone yells, “Man overboard!” don’t ask which direction they swam. And heaven help you if you think “scuttlebutt” is gossip—well, actually, you’d be right about that one. By the time you’ve figured out that “head” means toilet and “galley” isn’t an alley with gourds, you’ve already been hit with a wave and lost your hat to the wind they call a “nor’easter.”
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.
A period in the astronomical tidal cycle when the range between successive high and low waters is relatively large. Springs generally occur near new and full moon when lunar and solar tide-generating effects reinforce one another. The name refers to the tide springing or rising more strongly and has no connection with the season of…
Mooring lines led diagonally to limit a vessel’s forward or aft movement alongside. A forward spring and an aft spring oppose movement in opposite directions. Their names describe where they lead and the movement they control rather than simply the end of the vessel from which they are handled, so terminology should be agreed clearly…
A sudden, substantial increase in wind speed that lasts longer than a brief gust. A squall can accompany a shower, thunderstorm, cold front or line of convective cloud, but it is not defined by the presence of dark cloud or by one particular type of front. Wind direction may shift and heavy rain, hail, lightning…
An inclined prepared surface leading between land and water for launching, recovering or building vessels. A slipway may be a simple ramp for trailers, a railed cradle system or a large construction berth. Gradient, surface, tidal access, depth, turning space, load limit and permitted users determine which vessels and equipment can use it. Algae, mud,…
A sailing vessel with one mast and a fore-and-aft mainsail, normally with a headsail set ahead of it. The modern sloop is a common yacht rig, usually carrying a mainsail and one working headsail such as a jib or genoa. Variations include masthead and fractional rigs, and additional sails may be set without changing the…
The gap through which air flows between two adjacent sails. The term most commonly describes the space between a headsail and mainsail. Its width and shape change with sail trim, sheet lead, mast position and the relative sizes of the sails. Airflow through the slot influences the pressure distribution and flow over both sails. A…
A sudden shock load caused when slack in a line is taken up abruptly. An anchor, mooring or towing line can snatch when vessel movement alternately slackens and then jerks it tight. Inadequate scope, little elasticity, waves and poor lead can increase the load on the line, fittings and vessel. In a separate verb use,…
To secure a vessel, its rig and loose equipment in a compact, protected condition for heavy weather, harbour or inactivity. The expression can include reducing or stowing sails, lashing booms and movable gear, closing openings, securing lockers and preparing moorings, anchors or storm equipment. The actions depend on whether the vessel is under way, at…
General Nautical Terminology,Weather (Meteorology)
Removable or fixed panels forming part of the walking surface inside a vessel. They commonly cover bilges, tanks, structure or service runs and may provide inspection access through lifted panels or separate hatches. Marine plywood, timber, composite or metal panels can be used, often with a non-slip finish. Boards must be supported and secured against…
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
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