Become an RYA Yachtmaster

Ready to take your sailing to the next level?

Becoming an RYA Yachtmaster is one of the most respected achievements in sailing. Whether your goal is to skipper your own yacht with confidence, undertake longer passages, or work professionally in the marine industry, the Yachtmaster qualification is the benchmark of competence and seamanship.

At Infinity Yachting, we specialise in helping sailors progress through the RYA pathway towards Yachtmaster. From your first steps in sailing through to advanced training and exam preparation, we can guide you every step of the way.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced sailor looking to progress, we can design a training programme tailored specifically to your experience, goals, and timeframe.

More Than Just Sailing

Becoming a Yachtmaster requires far more than just sailing ability. A well-rounded skipper needs a wide range of practical knowledge and supporting skills to operate safely and confidently at sea.

Along the way you may also complete supporting qualifications such as:

• VHF Radio (SRC)

• Diesel Engine Maintenance

• First Aid

• Radar

• Sea Survival

• Yacht Maintenance

These skills are essential parts of becoming a competent and confident skipper.

Yachtmaster Coastal

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence demonstrates the knowledge and ability required to skipper a yacht on coastal passages.

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal allows you to skipper commercial vessels up to 24 metres in Category 3–6 waters, operating up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

This qualification is ideal for sailors who want to develop strong coastal skippering skills and begin working professionally in the industry.

Yachtmaster Offshore

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is recognised worldwide as one of the highest practical sailing qualifications.

A Yachtmaster Offshore is qualified to skipper a yacht on passages where the vessel is no more than 150 miles from harbour.

With a commercial endorsement, the certificate allows you to work as Master of commercial vessels up to 200gt operating in Category 1–6 waters, up to 150 miles from a safe haven.

This qualification opens the door to professional opportunities and represents a significant milestone in any sailor’s journey.

Your Yachtmaster Journey Starts Here

At Infinity Yachting, we provide:

• Structured training programmes

• Mile building passages

• Practical experience at sea

• Yachtmaster preparation courses

• Expert instruction from experienced skippers

Our aim is simple — to help you become a confident, capable skipper ready for the Yachtmaster exam.

The RYA Yachtmaster Pathway

Below you can see the typical RYA training pathway towards Yachtmaster, showing the courses and experience that help you build the knowledge and sea time required.