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RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory

Intermediate  ·  Classroom or online  ·  6-day classroom £600  ·  Bespoke: contact us

The Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course is where serious navigation begins. Building directly on Day Skipper knowledge, it takes you into the deeper waters of coastal and offshore passage planning, advanced meteorology, electronic navigation, and the kind of decision-making that extended passages demand.

This is the recognised theory qualification for the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical, Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore examinations — the benchmark qualifications for competent, confident skippers operating beyond coastal waters. Whether your ambition is a Yachtmaster certificate or simply the ability to plan and execute longer passages with assurance, this course provides the knowledge to get there.

Course at a Glance

Level

Intermediate

Duration

6 days (classroom)  or  online at your own pace

Format

6 consecutive days (Mon–Sat), split weekends, or online

Who it’s for

Skippers and experienced crew aiming for Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster exams

Prerequisites

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased or equivalent (essential); practical experience; working knowledge of IRPCS (essential)

Class size

Maximum 6 students (classroom). Bespoke 1:1 or small group available.

Price

6-day classroom: £600. Bespoke: contact us.

Certificate

RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Shorebased Certificate

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for skippers and experienced crew who are ready to move beyond Day Skipper level and develop the theoretical knowledge required for offshore and extended coastal passages. It is the required shorebased theory component for:

• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal examination
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore examination
• RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate

It is also a valuable qualification in its own right for any skipper looking to sharpen their navigation and meteorology skills and plan longer passages with greater confidence.

Prerequisites

The following are required before starting this course:

• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased certificate or equivalent navigation knowledge — essential.
• Practical experience of applying that knowledge afloat — essential.
• A working knowledge of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) — essential.
• RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) — desirable. You will need this before sitting your practical exam, so completing it before this course is strongly recommended.

Classroom or Online?

The complete RYA syllabus is available in both formats. Both include the same assessment papers and lead to the same certificate.

Classroom

Six days of instructor-led teaching at Port Hamble Marina, available as six consecutive days (Monday to Saturday) or as a series of weekends arranged to suit you. We cap classroom numbers at six students — significantly below the RYA’s permitted maximum of twelve — so every student has a double desk and the space to work properly with their charts. The minimum group size for a scheduled course is three.

Bespoke courses for individuals or small groups can be arranged on dates that suit you. Contact us to discuss.

Online

Study at your own pace via the RYA Interactive platform, with full email support from WTS instructors. Your course pack, charts, and handbook are sent to you by post. Work through the material whenever suits you, and contact us whenever you have a question.

Online students complete the same assessment papers as classroom students. For most students these do not require formal invigilation. However, if you intend to use the certificate for professional or commercial purposes, invigilation is required. WTS can arrange this with an RYA Instructor local to you; a small fee may apply.

Assessment

The course includes four written assessment papers:

• IRPCS — Collision regulations
• Chartwork
• Passage planning (two papers)

At the end of the course your instructor will provide a full debrief covering your performance across all papers.

What You Will Learn

The course advances your navigation knowledge significantly beyond Day Skipper level, with a particular focus on offshore passage planning, weather interpretation, and the use of electronic systems.

Advanced navigation

• Position fixing: electronic and magnetic compass, pilotage techniques, and passage planning.
• Course shaping and plotting for coastal and offshore passages.
• Tides and tidal streams: advanced application in passage planning.
• Use of almanacs and Admiralty publications.
• Buoyage, lights, and IRPCS in an offshore context.

Electronic navigation

• GNSS: operation, accuracy, and limitations.
• Echo sounder, log, and deck log: use and interpretation.

Meteorology

• Taking and interpreting weather forecasts for passage planning.
• Plotting weather systems and understanding their development.
• Weather prediction using a barometer.

Safety and the marine environment

• Safety at sea: passage preparation and emergency procedures.
• Navigating in restricted visibility, including radar use.
• The marine environment: responsibilities and good practice offshore.

What’s Included

All students receive:

✓ 2 RYA Training Charts
✓ RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Handbook
✓ RYA Yachtmaster Exercises book
✓ RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Certificate on successful completion

Classroom only

✓ Six days of instructor-led teaching
✓ Use of plotter, dividers, and training almanac throughout the course
✓ Parking at Port Hamble Marina
✓ Tea and coffee throughout

Online only

✓ Full access to the RYA Interactive E-Learning platform
✓ Unlimited email support from WTS instructors
✓ Free postage of course pack and certificate to UK mainland addresses

Not included — classroom: meals or accommodation. Not included — online: plotter and dividers (available to purchase from us); overseas postage (contact us for current rates).

Where Does This Course Lead?

On completing the Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Theory course, you will have the theory qualification required to progress to:

• RYA Coastal Skipper Sail or Power Practical
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal examination
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore examination
• RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat course

The Yachtmaster Offshore certificate is one of the most respected qualifications in recreational and semi-professional sailing. This shorebased theory course is the essential first step on that path.

Book Your Place

Scheduled six-day classroom courses run regularly from Port Hamble Marina. Bespoke dates for individuals or small groups can be arranged year-round. Online access can be set up quickly once you book.

To book, ask about bespoke options, or find out more, contact us at info@whitetipsailing.com or visit whitetipsailing.com.

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