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Coastal Skipper

*provided in association with RYA recognised Training Centres

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

● Advanced Yachting & Offshore Leadership ●

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course is designed for ambitious sailors ready to move beyond coastal day-sailing. This intensive five-day course focuses on the complexities of longer passages, advanced boat handling, and the critical decision-making required for offshore skippering by day and night.

    • Offshore Command: Learn to manage a yacht and crew on extended passages. Our instructors guide you through the logistics of watch-keeping, victualling for distance, and offshore navigation.

    • Night Navigation & Pilotage: Master the art of entering unfamiliar ports under the cover of darkness. You will gain hands-on experience in night pilotage, identifying light characteristics, and maintaining situational awareness at night.

    • Heavy Weather Tactics: Build the confidence to handle adverse conditions. We cover yacht preparation for strong winds, reefing protocols, and heavy-weather seamanship.

    • Precision Boat Handling: Refine your skills under both power and sail. From advanced berthing in tight marinas to "Sailing onto a Mooring," you will develop the finesse expected of a professional-level skipper.

    • Passage Planning

      Comprehensive planning for coastal/offshore voyages including tidal heights, strategy, and ports of refuge.

    • Preparation for Sea

      Safety briefings, engine checks, and delegating watch-keeping responsibilities for extended trips.

    • Advanced Pilotage

      Use of transits, clearing bearings, and electronic navigation tools (GPS/Radar) in restricted visibility.

    • Skipper Ability

      Taking full command of the vessel, managing crew welfare, and meteorological trend analysis.

    • Handling Under Power

      Close-quarters maneuvering in challenging wind and tidal stream conditions.

    • Handling Under Sail

      Sailing efficiently on all points; anchoring and mooring under sail in confined spaces.

    • Emergency Procedures

      Advanced Man Overboard (MOB) recovery and life-raft/helicopter rescue protocols.

  • To ensure you get the most out of your training, candidates must meet the following RYA requirements:

    • Minimum Age: 17 years.

    • Previous Experience: 15 days at sea, 300 nautical miles, 2 days as skipper, and 8 night hours.

    • Theoretical Knowledge: Navigation and meteorology skills to the level of the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory course.

    • Instruction Ratio: Maximum 5:1 (Personalized, elite-level coaching).

    • Assessment: Continuous practical assessment (No written exams).

    • Certification: RYA Coastal Skipper (Sail).

vessel size and navigation range

Understanding the legal and practical limits of your RYA Coastal Skipper qualification is essential for planning your offshore adventures. At Sailing Xperience, we ensure our graduates understand exactly where and what they can sail.

Maximum Vessel Size Up to 24 Meters (approx. 80 feet)
Maximum Tonnage Up to 80 Gross Tons (GT)
Day/Night Sailing Qualified for unrestricted 24-hour navigation
Passage Range Coastal and offshore passages up to 60nm from a safe haven
Legal Licensing (ICC) Valid for Coastal Waters (typically up to 12nm offshore)

  • The RYA Coastal Skipper certificate is the industry standard for skippering larger recreational vessels.

    • Vessel Length: You are qualified to lead a crew on yachts up to 24 meters in length.

    • Vessel Type: While the certificate is typically issued for Sail, it can be endorsed for Power depending on your practical training.

    • Chartering: This qualification is highly favored by charter companies worldwide for larger, high-performance catamarans and monohulls that often exceed the comfort levels of basic Day Skipper requirements.

  • Unlike the Day Skipper qualification—which is intended for daylight hours in familiar waters—the Coastal Skipper is an advanced leadership grade.

    • The 60-Mile Rule: Practically, a Coastal Skipper is trained to plan and execute passages up to 60 nautical miles from a safe haven. This allows for significant offshore legs and island-hopping across open stretches of sea.

    • Night Navigation: One of the primary advantages of this license is the authority to sail at night. You are certified to handle complex night pilotage and 24-hour watch-keeping systems.

    • The ICC Connection: When converted to an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), your license is endorsed for Coastal Waters. In European jurisdictions like Greece, this legally permits skippering within the territorial waters of the coastal state (usually 12nm from the baseline).

  • If you intend to sail internationally or cross borders (e.g., sailing from Corfu to Italy), the Coastal Skipper is the preferred level of competence. It proves to authorities and insurance providers that you possess the advanced meteorology, passage planning, and heavy-weather skills necessary for voyages where land may be out of sight for extended periods.

what is included

We believe in complete financial transparency. Our Coastal Skipper course fee is fully inclusive, covering all necessary operational, instructional, and comfort costs for your five-day advanced training in Greece.

  • Advanced RYA Tuition
    Five days of expert coaching from an RYA-certified instructor, focusing on offshore leadership and advanced boat handling.

  • Onboard Living & Accommodation
    Five nights of accommodation aboard a modern, well-equipped school yacht. Freshly laundered bedding and towels provided for every student.

  • Provisions & Catering
    All meals, snacks, and drinks provided while at sea.

  • No Hidden Operational Costs
    We cover all mooring fees, fuel, and gas. Unlike many schools, you will not be asked to contribute to a "kitty" at the end of the week.

  • Professional Equipment
    High-quality wet weather gear (jackets and trousers) provided. All necessary study materials, charts, and RYA resources.

  • Greek VAT
    All prices are inclusive of Greek VAT at the current legal rate.

where & when

A bird's eye view of Kavala

01-06 November 2026 NOW BOOKING

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ok, ok, but how much is it?

We believe that sailing is an investment in yourself and your future. By learning to sail, you'll gain a whole new set of skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. You'll also have the opportunity to join a passionate community of sailors who share your love of adventure.

The RYA Coastal Skipper course is 1030€* payable in two installments. Use the form below to get in touch with us when you’re ready to learn something new.

*When completing the course you’ll get a voucher of 50€ , for your next training or holiday with Sailing Xperience!