Zero To RYA YachtMaster® Training Path

you can join the RYA TRAINING Ladder where appropriate for your experience

You want to learn how to sail and get your yacht skipper’s license. For many, the motivation for getting a skipper’s license are so they can charter a yacht. Likely a family holiday in the Mediterranean, possibly further afield. You may well have done a flotilla holiday or skippered charter but now want a bareboat charter and gain the flexibility to go wherever the wind takes you.

The first training ladder is focused on achieving the recognition needed to attain the Internation Certificate of Competence, widely used by charter companies as a barometer of a skipper’s ability. Whilst it is not a guarantee, most major companies use this as a base level.

Depending on your level of experience, you can join the training ladder at different points.

You have not had any previous experience of sailing, or perhaps went on a boat with a friend and thought, “I could enjoy doing this!”

No Previous Experience

You have not had any previous experience of sailing, or perhaps went on a boat with a friend and thought, “I could enjoy doing this!”

You want to find out more about sailing and if you enjoy it

Start Yachting

An introduction to sailing and the enjoyment of a weekend on the water.
The RYA Start Yachting course is a two-day introduction to the basics of yacht sailing.

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You want to find out more about sailing and if you enjoy it

You have had previous experience on a boat, perhaps with friends, or having done the Start Yachting Course.

One or Two Weekends

You have had previous experience on a boat, perhaps with friends, or having done the Start Yachting Course.

You want to understand more about what’s going on, particularly with the navigation

RYA Essential Navigation

The RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course provides a great introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and crew. It’s for anyone interested in sailing, motor boating, sea angling or diving, and works well in complementing the RYA on-the-water training, such as the Competent Crew courses.

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You want to understand more about what’s going on, particularly with the navigation

You’ve spent some time on a boat and enjoyed it and would like to become an active crew member

Competent Crew

RYA Competent Crew is a popular starting point in the yacht cruising syllabus. This course is for beginners and those who would like to become an active crew member rather than just a passenger.

You’ll spend 5 days on a boat learning the ropes including how to hoist the sails, helming and other jobs needed to help run a yacht.

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You’ve spent some time on a boat and enjoyed it and would like to become an active crew member

You have spent five or more days aboard a yacht and feel you are an active member of the crew. Perhaps you’ve done the Competent Crew course.

An active member of the crew

You have spent five or more days aboard a yacht and feel you are an active member of the crew. Perhaps you’ve done the Competent Crew course.

You want to learn the basics of skippering a yacht yourself

RYA Day Skipper theory

The RYA Day Skipper theory is a comprehensive introduction to navigation and cruising for new skippers, providing the necessary tools to ensure you put out to sea safely. The course provides a solid foundation in boat safety, charts and navigation techniques, including integrated navigation using both paper and electronic chart plotter (GPS) tools.

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You want to learn the basics of skippering a yacht yourself

You are wanting to skipper on your own, possibly to charter a boat

RYA Day Skipper Practical

The RYA Day Skipper Practical is a course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience, basic navigation and sailing skills. The course is run in a safe, but fun and friendly environment to build confidence in your skippering ability.

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You are wanting to skipper on your own, possibly to charter a boat

You have gained experience skippering a yacht, either through courses or over your lifetime

Skipper experience

You have gained experience skippering a yacht, either through courses or over your lifetime

You need proof of your abilities, probably to charter a yacht

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

The ICC is generally recognised by yacht charter companies as proof you are capable of safely skippering a sailing yacht. It can be obtained by:

An administrative exercise, converting your RYA Day Skipper practical certificate

An assessment covering boat handling, navigation, and safety procedures and a theory test assessing knowledge of rules, regulations, and buoyage systems.

Find ICC Test Centres

You need proof of your abilities, probably to charter a yacht