RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep and Exam Course

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep and Exam Course prepares you to skipper a yacht confidently on coastal passages. This preparation course builds on your exisiting skills from the RYA Coastal Skipper theory and practical course and provides the essential practical experience needed for your qualification. 

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at sea. Book your spot to learn advanced skippering techniques and earn your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal certificate of competence. 

Why Take the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep and Exam Course With Us?

This course builds directly on your Coastal Skipper training and coastal sailing experience. It’s designed to help you:

• Apply your existing skills in practice.

• Gain confidence to skipper a yacht safely on coastal passages

• Strengthen boat handling under sail and power

• Improve pilotage techniques and passage planning

• Navigate confidently in tidal waters

• Manage adverse weather conditions and emergencies efficiently

• Prepare thoroughly in line with the practical exam syllabus

Course Details: RYA Coastal Yachtmaster Prep and Exam

You’re eligible for this course if you hold completion certificates in:

• RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory Course 

• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course

You’ll also need prior additional coastal sailing experience to enrol for this training. Once you earn your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence, you’ll be qualified to skipper a yacht on coastal passages. 

This is a prep course for the RYA Yachtsman Offshore Prep and Exam Course, which qualifies you to undertake longer offshore passages.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation 

The first five days are dedicated to preparing you exam-ready. Working closely with an experienced instructor, you will:

• Ensure your sailing is safe, confident and efficient

• Receive an honest appraisal of your existing skills

• Build the knowledge and techniques to meet the exam requirements

• Refine practical elements such as navigation, seamanship and boat handling

• Practice tasks aligned with the Yachtmaster exam preparation syllabus

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Practical Examination

Days six and seven of the course are assessment days. An independent RYA examiner will conduct your practical assessment, which includes: 

• Skippering skills and leadership

• Passage planning

• Yacht handling

• Tidal stream calculations

• Safety awareness and knowledge

• General seamanship

• Navigation competence

• Man overboard recovery

• Thorough knowledge of:

  • International collision regulations

  • Meteorology

  • Distress signals

Yachtmaster Coastal Exam Pre-Requisites

To sit the exam, you must have:

• 30 days at sea, including:

• 2 days as skipper

• 800 miles

• 12 night hours 

If you hold the Coastal Skipper practical course completion certificate, the requirements are reduced to:

• 20 days

• 400 miles

Additional requirements include:

• Half the qualifying sea time must be conducted in tidal waters 

• All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years before the exam

• A GMDSS Short-Range Certificate (SRC) or higher marine radio certificate

• A valid first aid certificate

What’s Included

• 7 nights onboard the yacht 

• Instructor 

• Breakfast  

• Lunch 

• Soft drinks and snacks 

• Wet weather gear 

• Safety equipment

• Fuel, gas and engine hours

Cost

Off-peak (1st November – 31st March): £810pp

Peak Season (1st April – 31st October): £850pp

Additional Information

The Yachtmaster Coastal exam costs £230* per candidate. It's payable before the exam through the RYA online payment system.

For your examination day, you’ll need:

• Assessment fee

• Photo ID

• Two passport-sized photos

* Fee is accurate at publishing and may change without prior notice. Visit the RYA website for any potential changes.

Next available course date

18-25th October 2026 

Facts and figures

The coast is clear. Take the scenic route with the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal course. Book your spot for an enjoyable sailing experience while learning.