RYA Day Skipper Practical
The RYA Day Skipper practical course provides you with the necessary skills to Skipper a yacht in familiar waters by day, testing your basic navigation, pilotage and sailing skills whilst taking charge of the yacht and crew. Perfect for those looking to charter a yacht for a sailing holiday or purchase their own boat in the near future.
Ideally candidates will already hold an RYA Competent Crew certificate and have basic navigation skills.
During the 5 day practical sailing course you will gain a greater understanding of navigation, bouyage, colregs (IRPCS) and passage planning, to achieve this your theory must already be at Day Skipper level, those without any previous navigation skills may wish to consider our Express Skipper option taken over 7 days (non-tidal). Remember that good skippers lead by example and to earn the respect of your crew you need to have basic skills in sail handling and trimming, wind awareness and the ability to tack and gybe efficiently.
Good skippers are like good managers, they keep their cool when things aren't going 100% to plan, clear communication and command skills will be required to resolve the situation. Taking on this challenging role is just the start of your sailing career, there is still a lot more to learn and many adventures to be had.
On succesful completion of the Day Skipper course, students can apply for an ICC which may be required on mediterranean sailing holidays and yacht charters.
To complete your new RYA qualification, why not attend one of our VHF radio or First Aid courses, helping to make your time afloat safer.
Listed below are some questions that we are commonly asked:
Q - On completion of the Day Skipper practical sailing course, can I skipper my own yacht?
A - Yes, by the end of the week you should be competent enough to skipper a yacht in familiar waters by day.
Q - Can I really learn to sail in just 5 days?
A - No, but you will be confident and competent enough to skipper a small yacht in familiar and gain further experience.
Q - Can I charter a yacht with my Day Skipper or ICC certificate?
A - Yes, although it is down to each company, their policies and insurance cover that ultimately dictate what qualifications they are prepared to let you charter with, but Day Skipper and the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is generally accepted in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Q - How do I apply for an ICC?
A - Holders of RYA qualifications at Day Skipper level and above, automatically qualify for an ICC providing they are a British Citizen or Resident (some other Nationalities are also eligible). RYA members are entitled to this licence for free as just one of the many benefits that membership offers. Join today via our link and take advantage of FULL membership benefits. We also offer ICC training as Spanish Legislations now insists that Skippers of British flagged vessels carry a valid ICC onboard.
Q - On completion of Day Skipper, where do I go next?
A - You can never gain too much experience and this can only be acquired by practical sailing, so its lots more practice on the water, then back into the classroom for Coastal/Yachtmaster theory, VHF radio, 1st Aid and finally the Coastal skipper practical week.
Still unsure which course is for you, read our course advisor notes.
Interested in becoming a Skipper and taking command of your own vessel on the high seas - enquire now for availability or to make a booking.
Skype call / Instant Message: go-n-sail
UK cheap call 0872 426 0837 or Spain - 0034 695 326 184 | 
