To attain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore candidates must pass a practical examination of their skippering ability. A Yachtmaster is capable of skippering the yacht on extended offshore passages by day or night.
He or she will essentially be a much more experienced Coastal Skipper and can do the same things more smoothly, for longer periods and in more arduous conditions.
Early in the week the instructor will asses your strengths and weaknesses and coach you in the areas required to pass the examination however our experience normally leads us to work on the following areas; passage planning, man overboard recovery, close quarters handling, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations.
The instructor will debrief you fully as the week progresses and ensure that you get time to work on those weaker areas. Before joining the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience outlined above, navigation theory to RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory level and a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations.
The examiner will ask each candidate to skipper the yacht on several short passages and complete various demonstrations of their skippering and sailing ability over the course of the weekend.
Course Overview
- Preparation and brush up for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore 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 – We meet you on the Sunday at 1000 and at 1830 we will settle you onto the boat and discuss the plan for the week and the preparation week then finishes on the Friday at lunchtimewith the exam usually starting on the Friday afternoon and finishing on the Saturday. Exam duration is between 10-12 hours per candidate.
Previous Experience Required
- 50 days aboard
- 5 days as skipper
- 2500 miles logged
- 5 passages of over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper.
- RYA VHF Radio Course
- RYA First Aid Course
- Suitable First Aid Certificate: Click here for the RYA guidance
- 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 at the end of the course free of charge.
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Bedding (Duvet and 2 pillows)
- Towels
- All breakfasts
- All lunches (including homemade cake!)
- 1 evening meal + evening meal for 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€ + exam fee of £266
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
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
We also recommend some precourse reading in preparation for your week with us and these can be ordered from the RYA via the links below.
If you do not have one already you will need the RYA logbook, which you can purchase direct from us upon arrival for a cost of 15 euros, or you can purchase direct from the RYA via the link below and bring it with you (the examiner will need to see this).
