The RYA Coastal Skipper practical course is designed for experienced sailors who want to develop the skills and confidence required to skipper longer coastal passages, including passages undertaken at night.

It represents an important progression from Day Skipper level. The emphasis moves beyond simply handling the yacht and towards planning, decision-making and taking responsibility for the entire passage.

During the course, you’ll develop advanced skills in navigation, pilotage, passage planning, weather interpretation, tidal planning and yacht handling. You’ll learn how to plan a passage from departure to arrival, taking into account the forecast, tidal streams, navigational hazards, fuel requirements, crew capabilities and alternative options should conditions change.

Night sailing is an important part of the Coastal Skipper experience. Navigating after dark requires a different level of awareness and understanding, and you’ll gain practical experience identifying navigation lights, using electronic navigation equipment and maintaining an effective watch.

You’ll also develop your ability to manage the yacht and crew in a range of conditions, including making appropriate decisions when the weather or circumstances change.

The Whitsundays are particularly well suited to Coastal Skipper training. The region combines islands, channels, open water, tidal streams, anchorages and coastal passages, providing an excellent environment for developing practical coastal-skipping skills.

The course is aimed at sailors who already have a solid foundation of sailing experience and are ready to take greater responsibility as skipper.

By the end of the course, you should have developed the confidence and practical ability to plan and undertake coastal passages with a greater degree of independence.