RYA Day Skipper Practical Course
Take the next step in your sailing journey and gain the skills to skipper a yacht safely and confidently in familiar waters by day.
Our 5-day RYA Day Skipper Practical course is ideal for sailors with some previous experience and basic navigation knowledge (such as the Day Skipper Theory or equivalent). Training takes place aboard our well-equipped performance yacht, giving you the perfect balance of hands-on practice and real-world seamanship.
During the course, you’ll learn to:
✅ Plan and execute short coastal passages by day
✅ Handle the yacht under sail and power in a variety of conditions
✅ Navigate using charts, tides, and electronic aids
✅ Understand the “rules of the road” and collision regulations (IRPCS)
✅ Manage crew, mooring, anchoring, and safety procedures
Day Skipper Practical Course Format
We offer the RYA Day Skipper Practical course in two flexible formats to suit your schedule. You can choose our traditional 5-day continuous course, ideal for those who want to fully immerse themselves and build momentum throughout the week. Alternatively, we run a split weekend option, delivered over two separate blocks—a 2-day weekend followed by a 3-day weekend. This format is perfect for those with work or family commitments, allowing you to gain the same qualification while spreading the training over a more manageable timeframe.
How to book:
Booking is easy, Select the preferred course format below then pick the date that suits you its as easy as that, alternatively you can scroll through the calendar and find dates that way.
If you can't find dates to suit you please get in touch, we can always add bespoke dates to suit our customers
With small group sizes and RYA-qualified instructors, we ensure plenty of personal coaching and hands-on experience — giving you the practical confidence to take charge of your own adventures. We generally operate a 3:1 ratio, students to instructor. If you are a group or a Family we will operate upto 5:1 by special request.
On successful completion, you’ll be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate, allowing you to charter yachts and skipper safely in familiar waters. With the Day Skipper Practical certificate you will also be able to obtain an ICC (international Certificate of Competance) from the RYA which many Charter companies require.
What's Included
- Professional Skipper / Instructor
- A modern performance / crusing yacht with the latest navigation equipment
- A full sail wardrobe
- Accommodation on board (own cabin option available at request)
- Waterproof clothing
- All food for breakfast & lunches, snacks & Hot drinks (Evening meals taken ashore at own cost)
- Mooring fees and fuel
- Safety equipment
- All charts and publications
- A great time with plenty of learning
Where we are:
What experience do I need for the Day Skipper Practical Course?
To get the most out of the RYA Day Skipper Practical course, you should have a reasonable level of previous sailing experience. This typically includes knowledge and skills equivalent to the Competent Crew course, such as basic boat handling, helming, sail handling, and an understanding of onboard routines. In addition, it is strongly recommended that you have completed the Day Skipper Theory course, or have an equivalent level of navigational knowledge, as the practical course builds on this and focuses on applying those skills at sea. If you’re unsure whether you’re at the right level, we’re always happy to offer guidance to ensure you choose the most suitable course.
You can also read our blog about the RYA Day Skipper practical course:
https://infinity-yachting.co.uk/competent-crew-or-day-skipper-where-should-you-start/
