RYA cruising courses cater for the beginner right up to expert. Here are some of the courses the RYA provide and some information:
- Start Yachting - Introduction to sailing for the beginner. No experience of sailing is necessary for this course. The duration of the course is generally for 2 or more days. The basic syllabus includes learning how to steer a sailing yacht, handling the sails, ropework and improving knowledge of safety on board. Completing the start yachting RYA cruising course will help you to complete your competent crew and can reduce the length of the competent crew course.
- Competent Crew - Like the start Yachting sailing course, the competent crew course can be taken with no prior sailing knowledge. This course aims to take you one step further so that the pupil will be able to be more active around the boat and be able to do day to day tasks. This basic seameanship and helmsmanship course is often over 5 days, 3 weekends or can be achieved in 3-4 days with an RYA start yachting qualification
- Day Skipper - Moving on from the competent crew is the RYA day sailing course. This requires 5 days, 100 hours and 4 night hours experience on board a sailing yacht. It is also recommended that the pupil attends the shorebased Day Skipper course before embarking on this sailing course. The course aims to get the pupil to a standard where they can skipper and navigate a small yacht. The course is 5 days long.
- Coastal Skipper - A 5 day course for those looking to improve their sailing skills. Previous knowledge of sailing and navigation is required. The sailing course will equip the pupil with the necessary skills to navigate and skipper a yacht day and night.
- Yachtmaster - This is a highly respected certificate worldwide is achieved through an exam. No practical is required however RYA certified sailing centres will provide tailored training.
