If you’ve already completed your RYA Day Skipper Theory qualification, it's now time to put the theory into practice - the fun part. Or maybe, it's been a while since you achieved your RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification and you need to refresh your skills? Where better to complete your 5 day RYA Day Skipper Practical training course than the Gibraltar sunshine! You'll learn all about Mediterranean mooring techniques and custom procedures too.
Gibraltar and the surrounding Mediterranean waters are a perfect sailing playground. If you intend to charter yachts in the UK or Med in the future, it makes sense to spread your wings and choose Jolly Parrot to complete this stage of your training and achieve the coveted RYA International Certificate of Competence which will allow you to charter yachts worldwide!
If you haven't completed the RYA Day Skipper Theory qualification, we’d recommend our popular RYA Day Skipper FastTrack course which combines these theory and practical qualifications with just one week off work.
Alternatively, you may prefer to do your Day Skipper theory qualification in the comfort of your own home and go at your own pace? In which case, take a look at our online theory courses.
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‘s covered on this course?
With RYA Day Skipper Theory qualification firmly under your belt, now‘s the time to join a training yacht to put it all into practice.
Under the guidance of our RYA instructor, you’ll be taking on all aspects of skippering a 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 the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course Itinerary below.
What experience do I need?
Check you're up to scratch and can do everything on the Competent Crew Syllabus and have the Day Skipper Theory knowledge, then you'll know you're ready for this Day Skipper training course.
Have a go at the RYA Theory Quiz and see how you get on!
What's included?
- Accommodation onboard throughout the course
- A generous weekly budget to cover the food provisioning of the yacht
- Waterproof clothing
- Bedding and towels
- Safety equipment
- Mooring fees
- All charts and publications
Upon successful completion you’ll be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Practical (tidal) qualification.
The Day Skipper practical qualification also enables you to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
Course schedule:
Sunday to Friday: 18:00 on Sunday evening until 16:30 on Friday afternoon.
Tuesday to Sunday: 18:00 on Tuesday evening until 16:30 on Sunday afternoon.
- Please note, the earliest return flight you could catch from Gibraltar Airport is from 17:00
We are aware some easyJet flights arrive into Gibraltar around 9pm on a Sunday which means you'll miss Meet & Greet at 18:00 and won't get to Queensway Quay Marina until around 21:00. Just let us know in advance if this is the case for you so that we know when to expect you.
Course cost:
Low Season (1st November - 31st March) from: £699
High Season (1st April - 31st October) from: £799
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: £899
High Season (1st April - 31st October) from: £999
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.
Alternative Day Skipper options:
Novice to Day Skipper
Ideal for beginners. This 14 day training course combines the RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA Day Skipper Practical training course. Click here to see our Novice to Day Skipper course.
Day Skipper Fastrack
Ideal for those who have RYA Competent Crew qualification or similar experience. This 9 day training course combines the RYA Day Skipper Theory with the RYA Day Skipper Practical training course. Click here to see our Day Skipper Fastrack course.
What's next?
Being a qualified Day Skipper will allow you to charter yachts all around the world and sail within the charter company's specified range from a safe haven.
Although this is enough for many people, the next step is the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course. or our bespoke RYA Coastal skipper combined course. The RYA Coastal Skipper qualification will allow you to undertake more difficult/longer passages by day and night, handle the yacht in more demanding conditions and progress along your journey to the prestigious level of RYA Yachtmaster Coastal.
How to book:
It's easy! Just select the training course date you want below. Click on book, confirm that this is the course and date that you want and then complete your details on our secure online booking system. A 25% deposit is all that's needed, with the balance payable 45 days before your course starts.
SELECT YOUR COURSE
Book online now
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Course cost:
Low Season (1st November - 31st March) from:
£699
High Season (1st April - 31st October) from:
£799
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:
£899
High Season (1st April - 31st October) from:
£999
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.
Have a question?
If you have any questions please email us or call on +44 7925 784407 or see our Frequently Asked Questions.
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See what our clients say
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Great week with Jolly Parrot our instructors Ian and Lissie were excellent and prepared us above and beyond for our Yachtmaster assessment at the end of the week. Would definitely recommend for any of your training.
Ben
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Amazing 10 days with my instructor Ian working on my yacht master coastal prep course, which I successfully passed the day after the course. Great company couldn’t recommend them enough booking was easy and very well informed thanks to Rachel working behind the scenes.
Greg
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Absolutely incredible! Recently, I completed Jolly Parrot’s ‘Novice to Day Skipper’ course, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I learn to sail, but the course also improved my confidence massively. The instructors were all so lovely and incredibly knowledgeable. Greg was my instructor for the Day Skipper portion and I couldn’t imagine anyone better suited for the job - An excellent instructor with impeccable humour. I met some amazing people during this course (namely my crew mates Bene, Doug and Flo), and overall had a wonderful time :)
Georgia
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Novice to Day Skipper course with Alex & Jason I was eager to learn to sail and at the same time to have relaxing time (holiday-like). It worked well for me, the instructors were cool and I was lucky to meet good colleagues sailors and have good time on the way. Keep rocking Jolly.
Nikola
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16-week Fast-Track I completed the 16-week Fast-Track program with Jolly Parrot, starting as a complete beginner with no prior sailing experience. From the moment I stepped aboard, the instructors—Ian, Greg, Rob, and Jason—became my guides, transforming my raw inexperience into something far more seasoned and confident. With their patience, skill, and unshakable belief in every student, they taught me far more than I could have imagined. If you’re considering joining, I can wholeheartedly recommend Jolly Parrot. The program is well-structured, and the instructors are highly knowledgeable, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to develop their sailing skills.
Tobias
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We spent a wonderful 11 days in November 2021 with Jolly Parrot. I completed the Coastal Skipper Combined course and my wife the Comp Crew. Instructors Flipper, IanG, Hailey, and Tom were all exceptional in their own unique way and we came away with more rounded skills and knowledge as a result of their patient teaching methods. Clive and Rachel did a fabulous job of shuffling schedules and boats to accommodate our different experience levels. Expect to be challenged on the Coastal Skipper course! We made some abiding memories, some long-term connections and friends, and hope to return soon for the next challenge maybe a mile-builder.
James
