An RYA Yachtmaster™ needs a wealth of knowledge, not only to cope with plain sailing or motor cruising but also to be able to cope in demanding situations.
The RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Offshore Certificates of Competence, are recognised and respected around the world. Qualification as a RYA Yachtmaster™ is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.
Course Content
The content of the RYA Yachtmaster™ Preparation course depends on the needs of the candidate, but you should expect to spend a lot of time practising navigation and carrying out various challenging boat handling exercises. The course will based around the exam syllabus shown in the RYA Yachtmaster™ Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158) and is intended for fine tuning existing skills rather than teaching new ones.
Prior the prep course, read the exam syllabus and give yourself an honest appraisal of your strengths and weaknesses. Try to address any shortfalls beforehand and then be open with your instructor about your abilities and what you need to work on so the correct training package can be created.
During the RYA Yachtmaster™ prep course your instructor will frequently update you on your progress and ability and recommend which exam you should aim for – whether Yachtmaster™ Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore. If they feel you need further training prior to the exam they will say so and it is very wise to take their advice! They have extensive experience of the examination conditions and have undertaken additional training and assessment to reach the level of RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor.
Sail Training Yacht
Our highly popular Yachtmaster™ preparation course is conducted on board stunning sailing yacht Chao Lay. She is a 46 foot Beneteau Oceanis 461. Bluewater Sailing’s Yachtmaster™ preparation course includes the use of Chao Lay for 4 days during the preparation course and during the 1 or 2 day examinations.
If you need to gain more experience and logged sea miles check out our Bluewater Sailing mile building charters.
RYA Yachtmaster™ Preparation Course Prerequisites
| Pre-course experience for Yachtmaster™ Coastal candidates | Documented minimum sea time1 completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years: 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 20 days at sea on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt2 if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate is held; 2 days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA; 800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt2 if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate is held; 12 night hours A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher. An RYA First Aid certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website. RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate, ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above. See: Information on qualifying passages. 1 At least half the qualifying sea time should be gain in tidal waters. 2 Contact training@rya.org.uk if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt. |
| Pre-course experience for Yachtmaster™ Offshore candidates | Documented minimum sea time1 completed on a seagoing sailing yacht in the last 10 years: 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt2; 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA; 2500 miles on yachts up to 500gt2, half of which must be on vessels less than 24m LOA; 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper. A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher. Theoretical knowledge to the level of RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore. An RYA First Aid certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website. See: Information on qualifying passages 1 At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters. 2 Contact training@rya.org.uk if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt. |
| Minimum duration | 4 days (plus 1-2 days of RYA examinations) |
| Minimum age | RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal: 17 RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore: 18 |
RYA Yachtmaster™ Preparation Course Details
| Included | Accommodation on yacht during your prep course/exams, mooring fees, water and diesel used. Tuition as booked with course reference materials available in our extensive library. Fully insured and RYA inspected training vessel, with experienced RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor and all safety equipment as required. |
| Excluded | Flights, transfers, customs clearance between islands (if applicable) and food. |
| Yacht options | Join one of our group courses (maximum 4 students) or privately charter the yacht for highly personalised tuition. |
| Cabin options | Private ensuite cabin with double sized bed (suitable for a couple or a single). Single saloon berth (non private and shared head with instructor). |
| Course content | The international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, safety on board and at sea, boat handling, general seamanship skills, boat maintenance, responsibilities of the skipper, navigation, meteorology and signals. |