RYA Coastal Skipper Practical - 5 Day Sailing Course

Previous experience needed: - Theory knowledge to RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course level or equivalent knowledge and practical sailing skills to RYA Dayskipper level (recommended 15 days sea time, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours)

The aim of this 5 day live aboard course is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night.

What will I learn?

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course is for the more experienced skipper who has the sailing skills to RYA Dayskipper standard and the theory knowledge to RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster level.

During the week your instructor will guide you through preparations for sea and the safety equipment required for offshore passages, advanced passage planning and pilotage techniques and navigating in restricted visibility. 

A Coastal Skipper needs good boat handling skills and you will have time to practice berthing and mooring under power and sail in various conditions. You will live onboard during the week and we will be visiting many different ports by night and day and you will learn about preparations for adverse weather sailing and emergency situations.

Click on the following link to download the course syllabus RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

What is the programme for a typical 5 day sailing course?

You arrive at the yacht for a 9 am start on the first day and the instructor will be there to welcome you, show you around the yacht and give you a safety brief.  Then it is out into the harbour to try your hand a steering the yacht before heading out into the Bay to hoist the sails.  During the week, the days will be spent sailing around Geographe Bay, visiting places like Quindalup, Castle Rock, Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay.  We can also sail north to visit Koombana Bay in Bunbury. Lunchtime is normally spent on a mooring or we can drop anchor in one of the beautiful bays, and there is always time for a swim.  Evenings are spent either in the marina, on a mooring or at anchor and one evening we will be out on the water for a few hours to experience sailing at night.

What do I get?

You will receive a complimentary RYA logbook and on successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate which is recognised worldwide and can lead to commercial qualifications.

What do I need to bring?

The course includes accommodation onboard and all meals and we will send you a copy of our joining instructions when you book.  These tell you what to bring and where our yacht is located.  All accommodation is on a shared basis. Cabins will be allocated upon arrival and Students are not guaranteed to have a cabin. When necessary, a berth will be in the saloon.

Is there anything I need to do before the course?

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course does require that you have either completed the RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster Theory course or have equivalent knowledge and have practical sailing skills and experience to RYA Dayskipper level.

Sailing courses operate with a maximum of 5 students and one instructor.

Next step: - RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam

Contact us on 0412 060 130 or email sailing@oceanwest.net.au