This Is by far our most popular course! This intense course combines the RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA Day Skipper Practical courses to offer the fastest route to chartering and skippering yachts in locations all over the world.

Although no prior experience is required, many people who take this option already know that they will love being on a yacht. This course offers the very best value for money and is the fastest route to gaining the complete RYA Day Skipper qualification.This popular course is also the first module on our Professional Yachtmaster Fastrack Program so if you are looking to become a pro-sailor you are on the right track with this course.

Why not conside getting your VHF licence whilst you're here with us?  Just complete your VHF course online before you arrive, and have your face to face assessment whilst you're with us.  VHF online course

What experience do I need?

None – just a sense of humour and a desire to learn how to sail! You must be over 16.

What's covered on this course?

RYA Competent Crew:

In this first stage you'll get to know the yacht and learn how to be a useful member of crew on board. Your instructor will provide you with a basic knowledge of how things work. You'll get a chance to practice some rope work, helm the boat and learn about the equipment that helps to keep you safe. You'll also be introduced to important 'rules of the road' and man overboard recovery techniques.
After five days on board you'll have first-hand experience of how a yacht is managed and you'll be ready to start learning how to take charge yourself.

RYA Day Skipper Theory:

With a taste for sailing, you'll then spend four days in our Gibraltar classroom. You'll cover the basics of navigation – including tidal calculations, chart reading and navigation, collision regulations, meteorology and electronic navigational aids. At the end of the course, you'll be well prepared to take the RYA Day Skipper theory tests. You will need to bring your brain, a notepad, a pen, a 2B pencil, a rubber and a calculator with you.

RYA Day Skipper Practical (tidal):

After completing the theory element, you'll re-join a yacht to put it all into practice over the final five days. Under the guidance of our RYA instructor, you'll take on all aspects of skippering the yacht – including sail trim, stern-to mooring, pilotage, passage planning, anchoring and safety management on board. As part of the course, you'll have the chance to develop your leadership skills by taking charge of a short passage. But don't worry, our instructor will remain on hand to give advice and encouragement and ensure your safety.

Check out our Novice to RYA Day Skipper Itinerary to see what you can expect on this 14 day course. 

Novice to RYA Day Skipper Itinerary

Course schedule:

If starting with Competent Crew : Sunday 18:00 onwards until Sunday 16:30 (14 days).

* Please note, the earliest return flight you could make from Gibraltar Airport is from 17:00

* If starting with DS Theory : Saturday 09:30 until Friday 16:30 (14 days).  Accommodation on board is available on the Friday evening by prior arrangement at a cost of £50 (this can be booked online).  Failure to arrive by 18:00 may result in your berth on board becoming unavailable as we cannot accommodate late arrivals.  If you have a late flight, we suggest you book a hotel for the night. 

* IMPORTANT: If opting for the Saturday start you will start the course with 4 days in the classroom followed by 10 consecutive days on the water. You should only consider this option if you have prior sailing experience.

Option for own cabin:

To guarantee your own cabin for the duration of your training course, please select available dates below

Low Season (1st November - 31st March) from: £1899

High Season (1st April - 31st October) from: £2049

Please note: If you choose not to guarantee your own cabin, you may be allocated a saloon berth.

If you are making a booking for two people and are happy to share a cabin with each other, you do not need to select the own cabin option.

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