Royal Yachting Association RYA courses,
If you are looking for a sailing course you have probably already heard of the RYA courses of the Royal Yachting Association , the British body that trains sailors and skippers according to international standards. Its certificates – such as Competent Crew, Day Skipper, or Yachtmaster – are recognized all over the world and are also highly sought after in the Mediterranean. Some centers also offer the possibility of following the theoretical modules online, with a practical part on board at a later time. During the courses, you live on board with the instructor and the other participants, sharing life on board, shifts, maneuvers and real navigation.But what types of courses does the RYA offer and where can you take RYA courses in Italy? Let's discover a brief overview of each course with captain and teacher William .
Competent Crew
Perfect for those new to sailing, the Competent Crew course is a comprehensive 5-day introduction to sailing, during which you will be on board a sailing boat learning everything about on-board manoeuvres. It will teach you the basics of sailing and prepare you to become an active and efficient member of the crew. During the course you will learn how to handle the sails, maintain a course, carry out basic manoeuvres, use navigation instruments, manoeuvre a tender and ensure safety at sea. Upon completion, you will be able to take an active part in on-board operations, gaining confidence and practical skills. It is not mandatory to have taken previous courses, but the RYA recommends completing the 'Essential Navigation' theory course first, which can be done online, to gain the theoretical basis needed to make the most of the practical training.
Day Skipper
If you already have some experience and want to take command of a vessel, the Day Skipper is the perfect course for you. It is the first course that qualifies you to navigate as a captain of small sailing vessels in waters you know, during the day, near the coast, from departure until sunset. This certificate is the equivalent of the Navigation License or the title of Patrón de Navegación Básica in Spain, with the difference that the Day Skipper is not recommended for night navigation.
During the 5-day practical course you will learn to plan coastal routes, navigate with and without instruments, use nautical charts and manage safety on board. At the end you will be able to drive a boat in daytime coastal waters with confidence and competence.
Before undertaking this course it is recommended to have at least 5 days of sailing experience, covering a minimum of 100 nautical miles, experience that you can acquire with the Competent Crew course if you have not yet acquired it.
If you do not yet have sufficient theoretical knowledge, the RYA recommends first taking the Day Skipper theory course, a course of about 40 hours that can be done either in person or remotely and that ends with a final test to verify the assimilation of the contents. Unlike other nautical qualifications, the RYA course also includes specific training on electronic navigation.
Coastal Skipper
The Coastal Skipper course is aimed at navigators with consolidated experience, who have sailed at least 15 days, of which at least 2 as captain, and with a minimum of 300 nautical miles traveled, including at least 8 hours of night navigation. The minimum duration is 5 days, during which the students, embarked on a sailing boat, learn to plan crossings, prepare the vessel, steer the helm and act as captain both under sail and under motor. The course also includes the management of navigation in adverse weather conditions and dealing with emergency situations.
The RYA also recommends completion of the Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore theory course, which covers key topics such as the use of charts, tides, almanacs and nautical publications, electronic navigation, meteorology, collision avoidance, as well as knowledge of international customs and shipping regulations.
At the end of the course, participants will be qualified for coastal navigation both day and night, ready to manage longer and more complex navigations. During the course, they will learn to deal with variable weather conditions, manage emergencies and use advanced navigation tools. The skills acquired will prepare them to drive a vessel in coastal and offshore waters, such as those surrounding Sardinia and Corsica.
Yachtmaster Coastal
The Yachtmaster Coastal is designed for those who already have a good amount of sailing experience and want to perfect their skills to become a yacht captain. This course focuses on coastal navigation, emergency management, the use of advanced technology and crew leadership. Once completed, you will be prepared to safely command a yacht in coastal waters, tackling all types of navigation with confidence.
Yachtmaster Offshore
The Yachtmaster Offshore is the advanced course for those who want to sail far from the coast and take on longer crossings. During the course, you will learn how to plan offshore navigations, manage onboard resources and crew, and deal with difficult weather conditions. This program prepares you to command a vessel in more challenging waters, even in difficult sea and wind conditions, such as those that can be encountered in the open waters between Sardinia and Corsica.
Yachtmaster Ocean
Yachtmaster Ocean is the highest level course for those who want to sail the open ocean. You will learn how to plan ocean crossings, use celestial navigation and manage shipboard operations in very difficult situations. This course is for experienced sailors who want to acquire the skills necessary to meet the challenges of ocean navigation, and once completed, you will be ready to captain a yacht anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
Whether you want to learn the basics of sailing or hone your skills to become an expert skipper, RYA courses offer levels of training to suit every need. Each course typically lasts 5 days and it is possible to do two levels in a row by staying on board for two consecutive courses.
RYA Sardinia Course
