The RYA Coastal Skipper Theory course takes your navigation and passage-planning knowledge to the next level and is designed for sailors who want to undertake more advanced coastal passages.

Building on the knowledge developed at Day Skipper level, the course explores navigation, meteorology, tides and passage planning in considerably greater depth.

You’ll develop advanced chartwork and position-fixing skills, explore tidal calculations and tidal streams, and learn how to plan longer and more complex coastal passages.

Meteorology is another important component. You’ll develop a better understanding of weather systems, forecasts and the way changing weather conditions can affect a passage. You’ll learn to consider not only what the weather is doing now, but what it is likely to do throughout the passage.

The course also covers electronic navigation, pilotage, collision regulations and the practical considerations involved in planning and executing coastal passages.

A major benefit of Coastal Skipper Theory is learning to bring all of this information together. A skipper needs to consider the yacht, crew, route, weather, tides, navigational hazards and alternative options before making a passage plan.

The course provides an excellent theoretical foundation for the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course and is also valuable for experienced sailors who want to strengthen their navigation and passage-planning knowledge.

For anyone aspiring to become a confident and independent coastal skipper, this is an important step in the journey.

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COURSE TOPICS

Navigation - master your skills to navigate using electronic charting, paper charts, routing software and instruments you will find on vessels, ranging from traditional cruisers to top level racing boats!

Weather and meteorology - learn in detail, where weather forecasts come from so you can confidently compare weather predictions and models. Be prepared to make the best possible passage planning decisions for your boat and crew.

Tides and currents - learn how to properly interpret tides and currents anywhere using an abundance of tide forecast information. As a Yachtmaster, you will be required to locate and interpret local information in locations around the world. 

Collision avoidance - professional and recreational skippers need to know the rules of the road! This course will guide you through a clear and logical method to learn the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS). 

Pilotage - develop your confidence in the use of pilotage charts, chart plotters, pilotage books, maps and other modern tools available to navigators. You will learn how to explore and navigate new locations in daylight and darkness. 

Voyage planning - Unravel the complexities of multi-day and international passages with guidance on course laying, customs procedures, weather routing, long range communications, and much more. Passage planning lessons comprise of practical examples and considerations to prepare you for skippering complex passages.