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RYA Day Skipper Practical

This intermediate course enhances navigation, decision-making, and boat handling. Skipper a yacht under instructor supervision, managing planning, weather, and mooring, suitable for ages 16+

Skill levelIntermediate
duration1 week
DeliveryPrivate or Shared

What to Expect

Prior to arrival in Greece, you will complete the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course online (included in course fee). This covers topics such as charts, buoyage, navigation, pilotage, tides, diesel engines, rules of the road and passage planning. We will send your pack which includes practice charts, dividers and a Portland plotter to get you started. So, you’ll be fully prepped before your arrival in Greece! The training yachts, three Beneteau 393s and a Beneteau 361, are equipped for teaching with modern instruments, galleys, and clean facilities. Course costs include: supplies for breakfasts and lunches aboard and 2 evening meals aboard, linens, towels, and access to showers and shore facilities (when in Gouvia Marina or Plataria).

The Day Skipper course requires prior proficiency to the equivalent level of Competent Crew, including navigation, sailing, and seamanship, along with at least 100 miles of experience on a cruising yacht. It is unsuitable for complete beginners, as the course focuses on planning and executing safe passages rather than teaching basic sailing skills.

*For special requests and considerations regarding medical conditions, disabilities, or reduced mobility, please refer to page 6 of our booking terms.

Assumed Knowledge

  • RYA Competent Crew
  • Minimum 100 miles on a cruising yacht as an active crew member
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Basic navigation, sailing, rope work, seamanship
  • Basic fitness level

Where we sail

Our training base is Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island. The RYA courses take place in the beautiful North Ionian islands which offer a fantastic mix of coastal sailing and Island hoping. There is no set itinerary for the courses however our instructors endeavour to sail to a new destination each day throughout the week, with an eye on the weather forecast to achieve best possible sailing conditions. With their local knowledge, you will be sure to reach some ‘off the beaten track’ spots.

Getting there

Your journey begins in Gouvia Marina, a short drive from the airport on Corfu Island.

Unlike our flotilla holidays, our RYA courses do not include flights and transfers as standard. Many people like to arrange their own flights and transfers to Corfu, particularly when combining the course with other onshore activities.

We can arrange flights and transfers for you on request. Simply drop us an email or give us a call!

Course Schedule

SundayStudents can arrive at any time throughout the day, with instructors available to welcome them at the marina between 12 noon and 5PM (If you will be arriving later than this please let us know).
Monday – FridayTraining sessions commence and typically run from 9AM to 6PM. Certificates are awarded on the Friday and the instructor will depart from the training yacht.
SaturdayA leisurely day at Gouvia Marina for students. There is no sailing on this day so presents a fantastic opportunity to explore Corfu town or enjoy the beach.
SundayStudents must disembark from the training yacht by 8:30 AM.

Before you get to Greece

All students are required to complete the online RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course before they arrive, which includes:

  • RYA Day Skipper course book
  • Sailing and key sailing terms
  • Knot-work
  • Theoretical and practical skills

Whats included

  • 7 nights accommodation aboard the yacht
  • Tuition from one of our instructors
  • Sunshine and swim stops
  • Online theory tuition pack
  • All RYA course material and Logbook
  • All RYA course material and Logbook
  • All fuel, water and marina fees

Whats excluded

  • Flights
  • Transfers

Our Training Yachts 

Our courses are taught on our dedicated Beneteau 393 or Beneteau 361 training boats. These are spacious cruising yachts, set up exclusively for teaching and equipped with all the essentials.

Why do the RYA Day Skipper course?

Get qualified to sail anywhere

The RYA Day Skipper is a recognised qualification that demonstrates competence, accepted by most insurance and charter companies globally. It is ideal for those planning flotilla or yacht charter holiday and automatically qualifies you for an International Certificate of Competency (ICC) if you are a UK resident.

Become a confident skipper

The Day Skipper course enhances your leadership skills and confidence as a yacht captain, ensuring the safety and comfort of all on board. It offers a rewarding experience, enabling you to confidently take family and friends sailing.

Learn new skills

You’ll walk away with important safety skills such as how to use a dinghy, how to operate life jackets, life-rafts, and how to assist the recovery of a man overboard - exactly what every skipper needs in a good crew.

Combine your RYA Course with a Flotilla Holiday

  • One Week Paxos Flotilla
  • Two Week Whole Ionian Flotilla
  • Two Week Faraway Islands Flotilla

Learn the ropes on Flotilla

Not quite ready to dive into an RYA course but eager to learn the basics of sailing? Consider booking a skippered flotilla, where you can learn the ropes from an experienced skipper.

Meet your RYA instructors

Pete
Chief RYA Yacht Master Instructor
Will
Chief RYA Yacht Master Instructor
Joe
Cruising Instructor
Tim
Tom
Instructor
Sean
RYA Instructor
Meg
Cruising Instructor

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