Course Overview
Motor Cruising Coastal Skipper develops the command, pilotage, navigation, seamanship and large-boat handling needed for more ambitious coastal and offshore passages by day and night.
Each trainee plans and skippers demanding passages with the instructor available to coach decisions, passage management, radar use, boat handling and crew leadership.
The five-day Phuket format follows the current RYA minimum duration. Final dates, vessel and delivery arrangements are confirmed in writing before booking.
Who Is This Course For?
Experienced Motor Day Skippers who want to progress toward advanced coastal passage-making and Yachtmaster-level development.
Prerequisites
- 15 days aboard, including 2 days as skipper
- At least 300 miles and 8 night hours
- Motor-cruiser handling to RYA Day Skipper Practical standard
- Navigation knowledge to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory standard
- Minimum age 17
Typical Itinerary
The five-day sequence concentrates on advanced command and passage work, with the final route adapted to the crew, vessel and conditions.
- Skills assessment, vessel systems and advanced passage planning
- Pilotage, radar, close-quarters handling and skipper-led passages
- Night operation, watchkeeping and emergency scenarios
- Longer command passage, feedback and progression planning
What Is Included
Included
- Five days of practical coaching
- Use of the nominated motor cruiser and safety equipment
- Course material applicable to the confirmed delivery plan
- Fuel and normal school-craft operating costs during the course
Not included
- Certification unless the final delivery meets current RYA requirements
- Travel, accommodation and personal insurance
- Meals, personal expenses and external certification fees
- Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
Optional extras
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
Bookable extras can be selected on the booking page.
Delivery dates and final inclusions are confirmed before payment. External examination or certification fees remain separate unless your written quote explicitly includes them.
Course Syllabus
- Passage planning and preparation for sea
- Pilotage, navigation and passage making as skipper
- Radar and electronic navigation aids
- Close-quarters and open-water motor-cruiser handling
- Adverse weather, night passages and watchkeeping
- Emergency situations and crew leadership
What you will work toward
- Plan and manage longer, more complex motor-cruiser passages
- Take command and coordinate the vessel and crew by day and night
- Apply pilotage, radar, navigation and weather information in practice
- Handle adverse conditions and emergency scenarios more confidently
Arrange this programme
This programme is organised by enquiry. We first review the participants, goals and preferred dates, then confirm the vessel, instructor, delivery plan and complete quotation in writing.
- No fixed starting dates are published
- An enquiry does not reserve a place or create a payment obligation
- Delivery details and inclusions are confirmed before payment
This five-day course is offered by enquiry so experience, theory knowledge, dates and delivery arrangements can be confirmed before booking.
Recommended to Bring
- RYA logbook and evidence of prerequisite sea time
- Relevant theory notes, charts and navigation tools
- Quick-drying clothing and non-marking footwear
- Sun protection, waterproof layer and soft luggage
Supporting Courses
Marine Radio VHF/SRC, RYA First Aid and the appropriate RYA shorebased navigation course support safe progression through the cruising scheme. We will identify any missing qualification when reviewing your enquiry.
Local Information
Flights and Arrival
Yacht Haven Marina is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Phuket International Airport in normal traffic. Exact boarding, checkout and examination arrangements are confirmed in the written joining instructions.
Typical Weather
Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.
Mid Oct–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–May
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
July–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Mid Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the five-day course arranged?
The course is delivered over five days. Contact us first so we can confirm your experience, theory knowledge, dates, vessel and the recognised delivery arrangement in writing.
What theory should I complete first?
You should arrive with navigation knowledge to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory standard so practical time is not used reteaching advanced theory.
