The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence examination is the ideal addition to the RYA Coastal Skipper course. Once completed, and following some coastal sailing it will allow you to put the lessons you have learnt into practice.
The holder of an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal passages, but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer offshore passages.
Course Overview
- Preparation and brush up for the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence.
- Revision of advanced skippering techniques, close quarters handling under power and sail, navigation and pilotage by day and night, man overboard recovery and overall yacht management skills.
Duration
- 5.5 days – Meeting on the Sunday at 1000, with the preparation week running Sunday to Friday lunchtime and the exam usually commencing on the Friday afternoon and finishing in the evening of the Saturday (the exam duration is approximately six to ten hours per candidate)
Previous Experience Required
- 30 days aboard
- 2 days as skipper
- 800 miles logged
- 12 night hours
- RYA VHF Radio Course
- RYA First Aid Course
- Suitable First Aid Certificate: Click here for the RYA guidance
- If an RYA Coastal Skipper completion certificate is held only 400 miles required
- Although not compulsory we also recommend the RYA Radar Course – no knowledge of radar will be an instant fail!!
- Finally we also recommend you have completed at least one other RYA Practical Course – this is so you will have an understanding of the RYA standards required.
Included
- Accommodation on board for the duration of the course + Friday and Saturday night after the course.
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Bedding (Duvet and 2 pillows)
- Towels (Hand and bath towel)
- All breakfasts
- All lunches (including homemade cake!)
- 1 evening meal + meal on the night of the exam
- Use of wet weather gear
- Use of lifejackets and safety lines
- All mooring fees including water and electricity
- WIFI
Price per Person
- 1350€ + £230 examination fee
Dates
- 24th January 2026
- 22nd February 2026
- 15th March 2026
- 5th April 2026
- 3rd May 2026
- 6th September 2026
- 11th October 2026
- 1st November 2026
- 6th December 2026
For more dates please contact stephanie@endeavour-sailing.co.uk
Example Itinerary
A sample itinerary is listed below (this does alter depending on the winds!). We have found over the years that during the week the areas most people need to brush up on are passage planning and pilotage, Man Overboard Drills, Close quarter sailing and power handling, navigation in restricted visibility and International Collision Regulations. During the preparation week there is a strong focus on feedback and you will be given a nightly debrief on your progress.
Please click the tab below to open the Itinerary.
Bookings & Info
For more information please contact Stephanie: stephanie@endeavour-sailing.co.uk
Recommended RYA Books
To help you in your personal preparation for the course we can advise the following book/s.
If you click on the link it will take you directly to the RYA website to the appropriate page where you can order it and have it despatched directly to you.
Before joining the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience outlined above, navigation theory to the level of the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course and a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations.
In preparation for the course we can suggest some precourse reading. You can order these books direct from the RYA using the links below and they will then post direct to you:
You will also need to have a copy of the RYA logbook, if you do not have a copy already. This can either be purchased via the RYA using the link below and bringing with you or you can purchase direct from us when you arrive for 15 euros.
