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RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Prometheus Sailing's Coastal Skipper Practical course is the natural progression from the RYA Day Skipper course. It provides a strong foundation for sailors preparing to skipper a cruising yacht on coastal and offshore passages. It teaches advanced skippering techniques and assertive management for confident decision-making.

The Coastal Skipper course content is designed to equip students with the sailing skills needed to undertake day and night passages in complex tidal waters and other demanding passages.

Take your skills to the next level with the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course from Prometheus Sailing.

Why Take the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course?

This sailing course is ideal for sailors seeking to skipper on coastal and offshore passages in various weather conditions. You’ll strengthen your passage planning skills and execute complex passages while managing both the yacht and crew effectively. 

Course elements include:

  • Practical passage planning using tidal stream, heights, routes and ports of refuge.

  • Yacht handling under power and sail with restricted visibility.

  • Pilotage planning using clearing bearings and transits.

  • Berthing and unberthing situations in high tide and strong winds.

  • Learning about adverse weather sailing preparation for heavy weather sailing.

  • Using electronic navigational equipment in real-world sailing situations.

  • Practical leadership skills, delegating responsibilities and developing an appreciation for crew welfare.

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive a course completion certificate and may progress to the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster competence exam.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum pre-course experience required:

  • RYA Day Skipper or at least 15 days sailing, 2 days as skipper.

  • 300 nautical miles logged.

  • Around 8 hours of night sailing.

You must also have completed the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course, or have equivalent knowledge, before attending the practical course.

If you are unsure whether your sailing experience is up to speed, we recommend joining one of our Yacht Refresher courses before enrolling.  

Improve your sailing ability and build your confidence with the skipper courses from Prometheus Sailing.

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What’s Included

  • 5 nights onboard the yacht 

  • Experienced RYA instructor 

  • Breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snacks 

  • Wet weather gear 

  • Fuel, gas and engine hours

  • RYA Coastal Skipper Course completion certificate (upon successful completion) 

 

2026 RYA Coastal Skipper Course Dates

20-25th February

3rd - 8th April

3rd - 8th May

24th - 29th May

5th - 10th June

21st - 26th June

19th - 24th July

23rd - 28th August

 

Cost 

5 Day courses 

  • Off-peak (1st November – 31st March): £735pp

  • Peak Season (1st April – 31st October ): £785pp

 

 

Facts & Figures

Recommended Pre-Course Experience: RYA Day Skipper Practical Course
Prior Days at Sea Required: 15
Night Hours: 8
Prior Sailing Miles Required: 300
Prior Days as Skipper Required: 2
Minimum Age: 18
Days on Board: 5
Maximum Ratio: 5:1

 

 

Syllabus

The course content of the Coastal Skipper Practical Sailing Course gives students the opportunity to develop practical competence and navigation in various conditions.

Passage planning:

  • Plan a coastal passage including yacht capability, navigation, victualling, weather, ports of refuge, tidal heights and tidal streams, publications required and strategy.
  • Know Customs procedures.

Preparation for sea:

  • Is aware of the safety equipment required for offshore passages.
  • Can prepare a yacht for sea, including stowage, safety briefings, watch keeping, delegating and equipment and engine checks.

Pilotage:

  • Prepare and execute pilotage plans by day and night, with consideration of surroundings, transits, clearing bearings, buoyage, port or harbour regulations and tidal considerations. 

Passage making and skippering ability:

  • Take charge of a yacht and direct the crew.
  • Organise the navigation, deckwork, crew welfare and domestic duties of a yacht on passage.

Interpret meteorological trends:

  • Use electronic navigational equipment for planning and undertaking a passage, including the use of waypoints and routes.

Yacht handling under power:

  • Control the yacht effectively in a confined space under power.
  • All berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide.

Yacht handling under sail:

  • Use the sails to control the yacht in a confined space.
  • Anchoring and mooring in various conditions of wind and tide.
  • Efficient sailing on all points of sailing.

Adverse weather conditions:

  • Prepare for heavy weather and yacht handling in strong winds.
  • Navigation and general conduct in restricted visibility.

Emergency situations:

  • Man overboard recovery under power and sail.
  • Understands action to be taken when abandoning the liferaft and during helicopter and lifeboat rescues.

 

FAQs About Our RYA Coastal Skipper Course

Explore our answers to some frequently asked questions.

How much skippering responsibility will I have during the course training?

You will be expected to take full control of the yacht, including leading the crew, watchkeeping, setting routes and safety-focused decision-making. This course goes beyond the theoretical knowledge of skippering a cruising yacht; it mirrors real-life situations you will encounter as a skipper.

Will I be expected to lead fellow crew members?

Yes, a large part of skippering involves crew management and not just boat handling. Instructors will assess safety briefings and protocol, delegation, communication and crew welfare. These skills reflect real yachting scenarios skippers need to know.

What makes Solent a good training ground for the RYA coastal skipper course?

The Solent waters offer a perfect balance of strong tides and mixed traffic. It’s in this space where sailors will navigate confined harbours and changing weather. Our instructors will guide you through various practical pilotage and regulation compliance scenarios.

Is the focus more on passage making than boat handling?

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course covers yacht handling and emergency situations, but emphasises passage making and ability as a skipper. You’ll execute coastal and offshore passage, learn tidal considerations and how to adapt navigation.

By the end of your training, you’ll execute day and night navigation and man overboard emergency procedures.

Will I be expected to sail under adverse weather conditions, even as a student?

Yes, where and when it’s deemed safe and appropriate for your training. The course is designed to prepare for changing weather and strong tides, not avoid them. You may need to sail under strong winds and reduced visibility. 

It’s best to learn how to handle these situations and gain practical experience under careful supervision. These skills are a key part of building confidence at sea.

 

Prometheus Sailing: Broaden Your Horizons

Prometheus Sailing is an RYA-accredited sailing school in the UK. Based in Port Solent, our sailing courses offer both theoretical and practical training to sailors at all skill levels. These courses have been designed to equip skippers with essential boat handling, navigation and crew management skills needed to sail safely.

Our team of experienced RYA instructors guide students through their training aboard our modern Jeanneau fleet. Students build their confidence and gain practical experience that will make them a valuable crew member and skipper.

 

Take control of your sailing journey with the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course from Prometheus Sailing.

Email us at learn@prometheus-sailing.co.uk or call us on 02394 350505 to book your course.