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.Ahoy, fellow sea wanderers! If the smell of salt in the air, the rhythmic slap of waves against the hull, and the endless horizon call to your soul, you’ve found the right place. The Salty Sea Blog is a place for musings on sailing—whether it’s the thrill of a stiff breeze filling the sails, the quiet magic of a sunrise at anchor, or the camaraderie found in harbours worldwide.
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.
Fair winds and following seas! ⛵
When you’re at sea, understanding the weather isn’t just about checking your app — it’s about reading the sky, feeling the wind, and spotting pressure trends. These natural signs often give you far more warning than a digital forecast. In this post, we’ll explore how to identify common cloud types, interpret wind shifts, and understand…
So, you’ve completed the theory and booked your Day Skipper Practical Course. But what’s it actually like to live, learn, and sail as skipper for the first time? Whether you’re feeling excited or a bit nervous, this guide walks you through what to expect from day one to your final sail. ⛵ Welcome Aboard: Your…
Mastering Tidal Precision for Sailing and Motoring Ferry gliding is a brilliant technique that harnesses the tide’s power to move your boat smoothly across the water without battling the current head-on. It’s a vital skill for mooring under motor or sail, navigating tight spaces, working with (rather than against) the elements. What is Ferry Gliding?…
Chart plotters have revolutionised how we navigate, making real-time position tracking, route planning, and decision-making more accessible than ever. Central to this technology are waypoints—specific geographic points you plot on your electronic chart. By linking waypoints together, you can plan a passage and monitor your performance using data like Bearing to Waypoint (BTW), Distance to Waypoint (DTW), and Cross…
We’ve compared the best Online RYA Day Skipper Theory Course Providers Updated for 2026. Are you ready to take the helm? If you’re planning to skipper your own yacht or want to gain confidence with coastal navigation, an RYA Day Skipper Theory course is an essential step. We’ve checked course pricing, syllabus format, access options,…
From Overwhelmed to In Control – Stress-Free Passage Planning with APEM If you’re new to navigation and planning your first cross-Channel trip, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s where the acronym APEM comes in—Appraise, Plan, Execute, Monitor. These four steps help ensure your passage is safe, legal, and enjoyable. Let’s walk through each stage, using…
Thinking of a family sailing holiday in Greece? Here’s why the Ionian is perfect for beginners—and how to get qualified in time for summer. 🌴 Why the Ionian Is Perfect for First-Time Sailors 🛥️ Do You Need a License to Charter a Boat in Greece? Yes—but it’s simpler than you might think. To charter a…
Don’t just sail—speak the language. Master key nautical terms before you hit the water. Sailing isn’t just a sport or a way to travel—it’s a world of its own, full of colorful language rooted in centuries of maritime tradition. If you’re new to sailing, some of the vocabulary might feel like a foreign language. Why…
How a Maritime Signal Became the World’s Most Iconic Peace Symbol The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) logo is one of the most recognisable symbols of peace in the world today. Often referred to as the “peace symbol,” it has transcended its original purpose and become a universal emblem of non-violence, anti-war movements, and global…
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is an internationally recognised qualification that certifies an individual’s ability to operate a pleasure craft safely. It is particularly useful for those who wish to hire or operate boats abroad, as many countries require proof of competence before allowing access to their waters. This guide outlines the steps necessary…
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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Ahoy there, Visiting Sailor! Ask us anything—whether you need help choosing a course, have a sailing question, or want to speak to the crew.
Sailing Essentials is our free introductory course. Its bite-sized modules cover seamanship and nautical terminology, safety equipment and procedures, basic meteorology, collision regulations and protecting the marine environment.
The material introduces subjects that also form part of the RYA Day Skipper Theory syllabus. You can work through it at your own pace on a phone, tablet or computer, although a larger screen is helpful when studying detailed material.
If you later enrol on our Day Skipper Theory course, your completed Sailing Essentials sessions are carried into your Day Skipper progress, so you do not need to repeat them.
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