RYA progression
Choosing the right sailing course
Start at the level that matches your real experience. You do not need to begin at the first course, but advanced courses rely on the skills and knowledge below them.
Your RYA Sailing journey
Choose one course or follow a complete pathway
The numbered stages show the core RYA progression. Mile Builders sit between the formal courses, giving you time to consolidate skills and build the experience required for the next level.
Choose a course that matches your level
Pick a Fast Track — all beginner-friendly
1I am new to yacht sailingStartRYA Competent Crew
A practical liveaboard introduction with no previous sailing experience required.
Ability after this step
Able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist with day-to-day routines aboard a cruising yacht.
- No previous experience
- Want to become useful crew
- Prefer hands-on learning
2I need Day Skipper navigation knowledgeNavigation theoryRYA Day Skipper Theory
Develop the chartwork, pilotage, weather, tides and collision-regulation knowledge used by a Day Skipper.
Ability after this step
A sound theoretical foundation for planning and skippering short passages in familiar waters by day.
- Study online with a partner or join a planned classroom course
- Best completed before Day Skipper Practical
- Approximately 40 hours of study plus assessment
3I want to skipper by daySkipperDay Skipper Practical
Build decision-making knowledge ashore, then practise pilotage, command and boat handling afloat.
Ability after this step
Able to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.
Prerequisite
- Day Skipper Theory completed online or in classroom
- At least 5 days and 100 miles
- Basic sailing ability
- Ready to take responsibility for a yacht and crew
I need more experience before Coastal SkipperBuild milesAndaman Mile Builder and skipper practice
Consolidate Day Skipper skills through longer passages, watchkeeping, navigation and active time at the helm before moving into advanced coastal training.
Ability after this step
Greater confidence and practical experience in passage routines, navigation, watchkeeping and active crew participation.
- Build logged sea miles and passage experience
- Practise watchkeeping, pilotage and navigation
- Develop confidence before Coastal Skipper training
4I need advanced passage-planning knowledgeAdvanced navigation theoryCoastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
Advance your navigation, meteorology, tides and passage planning before demanding coastal practical training.
Ability after this step
The theory standard expected for Coastal Skipper Practical and preparation for a future Yachtmaster examination.
- Study online with a partner or join a planned classroom course
- Complete before Coastal Skipper Practical certification
- Build on Day Skipper-level navigation knowledge
5I want to make demanding coastal passagesAdvancedCoastal Skipper Practical
Advanced planning, pilotage and skippering by day and night for experienced sailors.
Ability after this step
Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.
Prerequisite
- Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory completed online or in classroom
- At least 15 days and 300 miles
- Two days as skipper
- Boat handling to Day Skipper standard
I need Yachtmaster miles and qualifying passagesQualifying sea timeExtended Mile Builder and qualifying passages
Use purposeful passages to strengthen command experience, navigation and crew management while working toward the sea-time requirements for a future Yachtmaster examination.
Ability after this step
A stronger logbook, broader passage experience and better-developed command skills for Yachtmaster preparation.
- Build documented mileage in varied conditions
- Seek qualifying passages and skipper experience
- Review your logbook before booking exam preparation
6I want to work as a commercial skipperProfessional pathwayYachtmaster Preparation and Exam
Prepare for the independent Yachtmaster examination, then complete the additional requirements needed to apply for an RYA Commercial Endorsement.
Ability after this step
Passing the appropriate RYA Yachtmaster examination provides a globally respected Certificate of Competence. With the required medical, PPR course, sea-survival training and supporting documents, eligible certificate holders can apply for a Commercial Endorsement—an important entry qualification for professional work as a commercial skipper in the yachting industry.
Prerequisite
- Yachtmaster Coastal: 30 days at sea, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles and 12 night hours
- Yachtmaster Offshore: 50 days at sea, 5 days as skipper and 2,500 miles; at least half the qualifying sea time must be in tidal waters
- Offshore candidates: 5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper
- Navigation knowledge to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased standard
- Marine Radio SRC or higher GMDSS certificate, valid first-aid certificate and photographic ID
- Minimum exam age: 17 for Yachtmaster Coastal and 18 for Yachtmaster Offshore
DSFTDay Skipper Fast Track12 daysStages 1–3Day Skipper Fast Track Close card
From beginner crew to Day Skipper practical in one coordinated programme.
Time needed
12 days
Format
- 5 days: Competent Crew
- Middle weekend: VHF/SRC and theory consolidation
- 5 days: Day Skipper Practical
Key notes
- No previous experience required
- Day Skipper Theory should ideally be completed before the programme
CSFTCoastal Skipper Fast TrackAbout 6 weeksStages 1–5 + milesCoastal Skipper Fast Track Close card
Build foundations, Day Skipper skills, experience and advanced coastal command.
Time needed
About 6 weeks
Format
- Week 1: Competent Crew
- Week 2: Day Skipper Practical
- Week 3: Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory study
- Weeks 4–6: Mile building and Coastal Skipper practical training
Key notes
- No previous experience required
- Day Skipper Theory should be completed before starting
YMFTYachtmaster Fast TrackAbout 15 weeks*Complete pathwayYachtmaster Fast Track Close card
A long-form route from beginner foundations through qualifying miles and exam preparation.
Time needed
About 15 weeks*
Format
- Week 1: Competent Crew
- Week 2: Day Skipper Practical
- Week 3: Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory study
- Weeks 4–14: Mile building and coastal practical training — approximately 2,500nm
- Week 15: 5 days of preparation followed by a 2-day independent Yachtmaster exam
Key notes
- No previous experience required
- Earlier qualifications may shorten the programme following evidence review and Principal approval
Start
I am new to yacht sailing
Recommended: RYA Competent Crew
A practical liveaboard introduction with no previous sailing experience required.
Ability after this step
Able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist with day-to-day routines aboard a cruising yacht.
- No previous experience
- Want to become useful crew
- Prefer hands-on learning
Navigation theory
I need Day Skipper navigation knowledge
Recommended: RYA Day Skipper Theory
Develop the chartwork, pilotage, weather, tides and collision-regulation knowledge used by a Day Skipper.
Ability after this step
A sound theoretical foundation for planning and skippering short passages in familiar waters by day.
- Study online with a partner or join a planned classroom course
- Best completed before Day Skipper Practical
- Approximately 40 hours of study plus assessment
Skipper
I want to skipper by day
Recommended: Day Skipper Practical
Build decision-making knowledge ashore, then practise pilotage, command and boat handling afloat.
Ability after this step
Able to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.
Prerequisite
- Day Skipper Theory completed online or in classroom
- At least 5 days and 100 miles
- Basic sailing ability
- Ready to take responsibility for a yacht and crew
Build miles
I need more experience before Coastal Skipper
Recommended: Andaman Mile Builder and skipper practice
Consolidate Day Skipper skills through longer passages, watchkeeping, navigation and active time at the helm before moving into advanced coastal training.
Ability after this step
Greater confidence and practical experience in passage routines, navigation, watchkeeping and active crew participation.
- Build logged sea miles and passage experience
- Practise watchkeeping, pilotage and navigation
- Develop confidence before Coastal Skipper training
Advanced navigation theory
I need advanced passage-planning knowledge
Recommended: Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
Advance your navigation, meteorology, tides and passage planning before demanding coastal practical training.
Ability after this step
The theory standard expected for Coastal Skipper Practical and preparation for a future Yachtmaster examination.
- Study online with a partner or join a planned classroom course
- Complete before Coastal Skipper Practical certification
- Build on Day Skipper-level navigation knowledge
Advanced
I want to make demanding coastal passages
Recommended: Coastal Skipper Practical
Advanced planning, pilotage and skippering by day and night for experienced sailors.
Ability after this step
Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.
Prerequisite
- Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory completed online or in classroom
- At least 15 days and 300 miles
- Two days as skipper
- Boat handling to Day Skipper standard
Qualifying sea time
I need Yachtmaster miles and qualifying passages
Recommended: Extended Mile Builder and qualifying passages
Use purposeful passages to strengthen command experience, navigation and crew management while working toward the sea-time requirements for a future Yachtmaster examination.
Ability after this step
A stronger logbook, broader passage experience and better-developed command skills for Yachtmaster preparation.
- Build documented mileage in varied conditions
- Seek qualifying passages and skipper experience
- Review your logbook before booking exam preparation
Professional pathway
I want to work as a commercial skipper
Recommended: Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam
Prepare for the independent Yachtmaster examination, then complete the additional requirements needed to apply for an RYA Commercial Endorsement.
Ability after this step
Passing the appropriate RYA Yachtmaster examination provides a globally respected Certificate of Competence. With the required medical, PPR course, sea-survival training and supporting documents, eligible certificate holders can apply for a Commercial Endorsement—an important entry qualification for professional work as a commercial skipper in the yachting industry.
Prerequisite
- Yachtmaster Coastal: 30 days at sea, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles and 12 night hours
- Yachtmaster Offshore: 50 days at sea, 5 days as skipper and 2,500 miles; at least half the qualifying sea time must be in tidal waters
- Offshore candidates: 5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper
- Navigation knowledge to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased standard
- Marine Radio SRC or higher GMDSS certificate, valid first-aid certificate and photographic ID
- Minimum exam age: 17 for Yachtmaster Coastal and 18 for Yachtmaster Offshore
Useful specialist courses that add the safety, technical and professional knowledge to your journey.
Your experience does not fit neatly?
That is normal. Send your logbook summary, recent sailing and goal. We will advise whether you should book, build more miles or refresh theory first.
Ask for a course recommendation