The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course is designed for confident Day Skippers, or those with equivalent experience, who are ready to take their skills offshore.

You’ll develop the confidence and competence to help plan, manage, and complete short coastal and offshore passages safely, by day and night.

Working as part of the crew, you’ll be actively involved in passage planning, navigation, pilotage, watchkeeping, yacht handling, and onboard routines.

Course content

Passage planning and preparation

• Navigation, tides, weather, and route planning
• Safety checks, engine checks, and crew briefings
• Victualling, watchkeeping, and onboard routines

Passage-making and pilotage

• Pilotage into and out of harbours
• Navigation, deck work, and domestic duties on passage
• Use of electronic navigation, waypoints, and routes

Yacht handling under power and sail

• Berthing and unberthing under power
• Sail trim and steering on all points of sail
• Use of preventers and poles downwind
• Picking up a mooring under sail

Heavy weather and emergencies

• Preparing the yacht for stronger conditions
• Offshore man-overboard recovery drills
• Use of storm sails and emergency equipment

Location and sailing conditions

You’ll explore ports along the New South Wales coast, with possible destinations including Broken Bay, Newcastle, or Port Stephens.

The route is planned on the first day to make the best use of the prevailing weather and sea conditions.

Expect spectacular scenery, excellent sailing, and the chance to see dolphins and whales in season.

The yacht and your instructor

The course takes place on one of our offshore-approved training yachts and is led by a qualified RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.

You’ll be actively involved in all aspects of operating the yacht, building confidence through practical experience offshore.

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading.
• Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided, and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• We provide food on board for the passage-making part of the course. 

Qualifications and experience

• 250 sea miles logged
• RYA Coastal Skipper

• You have spent at least 15 days on board, including two as skipper, logging a minimum of 300 nautical miles and eight night hours.
• You hold the RYA Day Skipper practical certificate or have equivalent experience. 
• You will have a good grasp of navigation, meteorology, pilotage and the IRPCS equivalent to the knowledge gained in the RYA Dayskipper Shore-based Theory course.

• At the end of the course, your instructor will give you feedback on your sailing skills and your ability as a skipper, making recommendations for your future training and experience.
• See our Yachtmaster Short Course options to progress to the next level. 

• Booking information
  • To secure your place, pay a 20% holding deposit via the links above. This reserves your spot until 60 days before the course start date, when the balance is due.
  • The deposit is non‑refundable but may be transferred to any other Flying Fish course or event.
  • Spaces are limited—early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
  • See our terms and conditions.
• Who should attend?
  • Designed for RYA Day Skippers (or equivalent) looking to progress into coastal and offshore sailing.
  • Participants must be confident steering, trimming sails, handling lines and winches, and standing watch.
  • You’ll refine your seamanship, navigation, and leadership skills under real offshore conditions.
• What type of yacht will I sail on?
  • We sail aboard our offshore‑rated Beneteau First 40 cruiser‑racer.
  • This yacht offers a stable, responsive platform with modern navigation systems and full safety gear.
  • Crew accommodation in comfortable cabins, with shared heads and galley facilities on board.
• How fit do I need to be?
  • The course involves deck work, sail handling, and watchkeeping in variable conditions.
  • Reasonable fitness, agility, and a positive attitude are essential.
  • If you’re prone to seasickness, bring your preferred remedy and start treatment at least 24 hours before departure.
• How long to become an offshore sailor?
  • Offshore sailing is a lifelong learning journey; this five‑day course provides an intensive introduction.
  • Many graduates progress along the RYA Yachtmaster pathway to commercial qualification.
  • Each passage boosts your confidence—expect to return a much more capable skipper or crew.
• What if the weather is bad?
  • Training continues in most conditions—handling challenging weather is part of the learning.
  • We only delay departure for genuine safety risks; otherwise, it’s valuable real‑world practice.
• Can I book as a private group?
  • Yes—private group bookings on the Beneteau First 40 are welcome.
  • An excellent option for sailing clubs or teams preparing for longer coastal voyages.
  • Contact us to discuss a bespoke training week tailored to your group’s goals.
• What should I bring?
  • Quick‑dry layers and warm mid‑layers for cooler conditions
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan sets available if needed)
  • Non‑slip deck shoes or trainers
  • Hat, sunglasses, and high‑factor sunscreen
  • Sleeping bag, pillowcase, towel and personal toiletries
  • Headtorch with red‑light function
  • Seasickness medication (start 24 hours before)
  • A sense of adventure and teamwork!