All Courses
From complete beginner to advanced skipper. RYA recognised practical courses, online theory, and specialist programmes in Greece, Croatia & the UK.
Course Guide
Whether you are stepping aboard for the first time or preparing for longer offshore passages, we have a course to match your ambitions. Our RYA Yachtmaster Scheme takes you from beginner to Day Skipper and beyond.
We also run specialist programmes — catamaran training, big boat handling, milebuilding voyages, and ICC assessments — for qualified skippers ready to broaden their experience.
6
RYA scheme courses
4
Specialist programmes
3
Locations: Greece, Croatia, UK
2
Online theory courses
RYA Yachtmaster Scheme
Hands-on sailing aboard our training yachts. Live aboard, learn on the water, and earn internationally recognised RYA certificates.
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01 RYA Start YachtingA gentle introduction for complete beginners or younger sailors wanting a taster of life on the water. Covers steering, basic sail handling, ropework and essential safety. Not required before Competent Crew. Beginner2 days UK · 6 days MedAge 8+
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02 RYA Competent CrewGo from total beginner to active, confident crew in one week. You’ll learn practical seamanship, sail handling, helming, ropework and safety — the ideal first step toward Day Skipper. No experience needed. Beginner5 days UK · 6 days MedAge 12+From £716pp
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03 ★ RYA Day Skipper PracticalThe most popular qualification in the RYA scheme — your licence to skipper a yacht. Covers coastal navigation, passage planning, pilotage, boat handling, weather and safety. You’ll skipper on short passages and complete night sailing. ICC eligible on completion. Most Popular5–6 daysAge 16+ICC eligible
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04 RYA Coastal Skipper PracticalFor experienced sailors ready for longer coastal and offshore passages. Covers advanced navigation in limited visibility, heavy weather handling, watch keeping, and taking complete command of the yacht by day and night. Advanced5–6 daysAge 17+15 days + 300 miles required
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Study Online
Complete your navigation and theory training online at your own pace. Delivered by Navathome, an RYA Recognised Training Centre, with full instructor support and all materials included.
Beyond the RYA Scheme
Already qualified? Build confidence on bigger yachts, gain your ICC, or rack up sea miles on our specialist programmes.
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05 ICC Preparation & AssessmentYour international licence to charter abroad. Required in Greece, Croatia, Italy and more. Assessment-only option for experienced sailors, or preparation days available. If you hold RYA Day Skipper, the RYA can issue your ICC directly. Assessment1–5 daysUK · Greece
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06 Corfu & Albania MilebuilderSail north through the Ionian to Corfu, Paxos and across to Albania. Close to 200 nautical miles with two night passages, advanced sail trim training and cross-border formalities. Ideal for Day Skippers building toward Coastal Skipper. Milebuilder7 nightsGreece · AlbaniaFrom £995pp
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07 Catamaran TrainingLearn to skipper a catamaran on a Lagoon 400 with four ensuite cabins. Covers twin-engine handling, stern-to mooring, advanced sail trim and crew management. Also available as an RYA Day Skipper course for those seeking formal certification. Specialist7 nightsGreece (Ionian)From £995pp
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08 Big Boat SailingStep up to a 51ft Ocean Star yacht sailing from Athens. Covers bow-thruster handling, close-quarters manoeuvring, anchoring and mooring on larger craft, plus passage making in the Saronic Gulf and northern Cyclades. Specialist7 nightsGreece (Athens)From £995pp
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Quick Comparison
| Course | Level | Duration | Age | Locations | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYA Start Yachting | Beginner | 2–6 days | 8+ | UK · GR · HR | Practical |
| RYA Competent Crew | Beginner | 5–6 days | 12+ | UK · GR · HR | Practical |
| Day Skipper Shorebased | Intermediate | ~45 hrs | — | Online | Theory |
| ★ Day Skipper Practical | Intermediate | 5–6 days | 16+ | UK · GR · HR | Practical |
| Coastal / YM Offshore Shorebased | Advanced | ~60 hrs | — | Online | Theory |
| Coastal Skipper Practical | Advanced | 5–6 days | 17+ | UK · GR · HR | Practical |
| ICC Preparation & Assessment | Intermediate | 1–5 days | — | UK · GR | Assessment |
| Corfu & Albania Milebuilder | Intermediate+ | 7 nights | — | GR · Albania | Specialist |
| Catamaran Training | Intermediate+ | 7 nights | — | GR (Ionian) | Specialist |
| Big Boat Sailing | Intermediate+ | 7 nights | — | GR (Athens) | Specialist |
Find Your Course
Use our Course Finder to discover the right RYA course for your experience level and ambitions.
Your Sailing Journey
Each step builds practical skills so you grow from crew to skipper at a pace that suits you. The specialist courses sit alongside this pathway for qualified skippers who want to broaden their experience.
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01 Start Yachting or Competent CrewYour first time on a yacht. Learn the ropes — literally. Start Yachting is a 2-day taster; Competent Crew is the full 5–6 day beginner course. Most adults choose Competent Crew. |
02 Day Skipper Theory (Online)Study navigation, weather, tides and collision regulations at your own pace online. Many students prefer to complete this before the practical. Save £50 when booked with a practical course. |
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03 ★ Day Skipper Practical + ICCThe most popular step. You’ll skipper a yacht on short coastal passages and earn your licence to charter worldwide. On completion you’re eligible for the ICC — your international proof of competence. |
04 Coastal Skipper + Advanced TheoryReady for longer passages and night sailing? Coastal Skipper Practical and the Coastal / YM Offshore Shorebased theory take your navigation, seamanship and leadership to the next level. |
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05+ Broaden Your ExperienceOnce qualified, our specialist programmes let you build miles on the Corfu & Albania Milebuilder, step up to a 51ft yacht on Big Boat Sailing, or master twin-engine handling on our Catamaran Training course. |
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Book Your Course
To book or check availability, get in touch with our experienced team.