
RYA Day Skipper Theory & Practical (Fast track)
The RYA Day Skipper Theory & Practical (Fast track) course is based in Puerto Calero on Lanzarote. This course is over 9 days, starting on a Saturday morning and finishing a week later on the Sunday afternoon.
Divided into the shore phases in the classroom and the sea phase. You will do two days in the classroom, followed by 5 days at sea and then finish with 2 more days in the classroom.
The shore phase is a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, lights, International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS) and basics of seamanship. Invaluable for how to start making decisions on board ready for when you start your sea phase. At the end of the week you will have two assessment papers to complete and awarded your certificate.
Skippering a yacht for the first time is often a scary thought but it is a rewarding and thrilling experience. The RYA Day Skipper practical course (sea phase) is designed to teach you to "Take Charge" safely and confidently. A skipper does much more than navigate, you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the yacht and crew. These responsibilities include weather forecasting, victualling, engine maintenance, sail selection and handling, passage planning, watch keeping, navigation and pilotage.
Your experienced and patient instructor will teach you these skills and you will put them into practice as you skipper the yacht on short passages around Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. There is particular emphasis on boat handling for Day Skippers and during the course you will practice mooring under various conditions. Students live aboard for the duration of the course and visit many different harbours and anchorages to practice pilotage techniques which, like boat handling, is an essential skill for the aspiring skipper. You will complete at least 4 night hours sailing to experience night pilotage and identify lights.
Course Overview
At the end of the RYA Day Skipper course you will be confident to skipper a cruising yacht on short passages by day. Students who successfully complete the Day Skipper course are awarded the RYA Day Skipper completion certificate. This course will also enable you to apply for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence). This qualification is required by most European countries to validate your competence to own or charter a boat. The ICC, obtained by presenting your RYA Day Skipper certificate, will cover sailing yachts up to 24 metres in length in coastal waters.
Click on the course title for the syllabus for the Day Skipper Theory and Day Skipper Practical see the topics you will be covering.
Duration
- 9 days - Saturday 09.00 until Sunday 17.00
Previous Experience Required
- 5 days aboard with 100 miles logged and 4 night hours
- Basic sailing ability
- Knowledge of basic navigation which is best gained by the RYA Basic Navigation & Safety course
Included
- RYA Day Skipper Theory Packs including charts, course work and course notes book.
- Use of navigation equipment
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts and lunches for duration of course
- Tea and coffee
- 1 evening meal during sea phase of course
- Bedding
- Towels
- Wet weather gear
- Life jackets
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
Dates
- 6th September to the 14th September 2025
- 11th October to the 19th October 2025
- 15th November to the 23rd November 2025
- 13th December to the 21st December 2025
- 10th January to the 18th January 2026
- 14th February to the 22nd February 2026
- 14th March to the 22nd March 2026
- 11th April to the 19th April 2026
- 9th May to the 17th May 2026
- 6th June to the 14th June 2026
- 11th July to the 19th July 2026
- 12th September to the 20th September 2026
- 17th October to the 25th October 2026
- 14th November to the 22nd November 2026
- 12th December to the 20th December 2026
If for some reason you are not able to attend on these dates please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss a possible alternative.
Price Per Person
- 1500€
Bookings & Info
Book NowFor more information please contact Stephanie: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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 dispatched directly to you.
You will also need to have the RYA Logbook, if you do not have one already, and you can again purchase this directly from the RYA via the link below or you can purchase one from us upon arrival for 15.00 euros.