Whether you skipper a sailing yacht or a power vessel, safe and enjoyable boating starts with knowledge and good decision-making.

The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course gives you the confidence to plan passages, navigate safely, understand weather, and make informed decisions on the water.

Suitable for recreational sailors and powerboaters alike, this course complements the practical training in our Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical, and Powerboat programmes.

Course content

• Seamanship and safety – nautical terminology, ropes, anchoring, safety equipment, lifejackets, distress procedures, and protecting the marine environment.
• Navigation and pilotage – charts, publications, compass use, buoyage, lights, tides, position fixing, and pilotage.
• Passage planning – meteorology, passage planning, collision regulations (COLREGs), and operating in restricted visibility.

Course format

The programme includes approximately 40 hours of classroom instruction delivered over five days, plus exam time and practical exercises.

Expect a highly interactive mix of instructor-led teaching, chartwork exercises, passage planning scenarios, and group discussion.

Location and instruction

The course is delivered in our comfortable waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club by an experienced and certified RYA shorebased instructor.

Teaching is practical and engaging, using real-world cruising and offshore sailing examples to bring the theory to life.

• Tuition, course publications, course pack with practice charts, and certification.
• Plotter and dividers.

Qualifications 

• RYA  Day Skipper Shorebased Theory certificate

• The course is suitable for beginners. 
• It is recommended for anyone planning to be the skipper of a recreational power or sailing vessel up to 24 metres in length.  

• Go on to join a Day Skipper Practical course.
• View our Yachtmaster programmes if you want to work as a professional skipper or crew. 

• Booking information
  • Secure your place with a 20% holding deposit using the links above. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the course start date.
  • Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • Places are limited and popular dates often fill early.
• Do I need to complete any previous courses first?
  • No formal prerequisites are required.
  • However, we recommend completing RYA Competent Crew or having equivalent practical experience so that basic boating terminology and onboard routines already feel familiar.
  • This course is suitable for both sailing and powerboat skippers.
• Do I need to be good at maths?
  • No advanced maths is required.
  • The course uses straightforward practical calculations involving distance, speed, time, tides, and passage planning.
  • Your instructor will guide you step by step and there is plenty of opportunity to practise during the course.
• Is there any pre-course learning?
  • Before the course, we provide pre-reading covering the IRPCS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).
  • We recommend becoming familiar with the basic rules, lights, and shapes beforehand to make classroom learning easier and more enjoyable.
• How difficult is the course?
  • The Day Skipper Shorebased course is designed to be challenging but accessible.
  • Most students complete the course successfully with active participation and a little revision outside class.
  • You do not need previous navigation experience.
• What happens if I do not pass the assessment?
  • We aim to prepare every student thoroughly and the vast majority pass first time.
  • If additional work is needed, your instructor will provide guidance and an action plan to help you strengthen any weaker areas before reassessment.