RYA Coastal Skipper

More information on the Coastal Skipper Course

15 days at sea, 300 miles, 8 night hours and 2 days in charge of a sailing yacht.
These are pre-course requirements stated by the RYA. We recommend all experience to be tidal experience before taking the course with us.

This practical course builds on the Day Skipper fundamental skillset. If you already have the required mileage but you are new to the RYA courses, we strongly advise to take the Day Skipper course first.

Preparation

To make the most out of your course, make sure your theory is up to speed before the start. We recommend taking an online course for preparation: RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachmaster Online Theory.

The VHF SRC Radio Course is an essential addition to the Coastal Skipper course since all charter and flotilla companies require one person to hold a valid radio license. For more info follow this link.

You will take charge of the yacht on a series of short passages by day and night. You’ll be expected to lead your crew, navigate confidently and handle your boat efficiently and safely under power and sail, out at sea and in a confined space. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to set the yacht for downwind sailing with a pooled out headsail or, weather permitting, a spinnaker. We’ll give you the chance to tackle a range of challenging scenarios, practice weather forecasting, application of collision regulations, pilotage and passage planning.

What\\\\\\\'s next?

At the end of the RYA Coastal Skipper course you will be confident to skipper a cruising yacht on longer passages by day and night. Students who succesfully tick all boxes of the syllabus are awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper certificate. A valuable ticket to be proud off.

Now it\\\\\\\'s time to build more miles and experience. Make sure the skills will be finetuned and don\\\\\\\'t fade. Step aboard of one of our training trips in Brittany or along the European coast. When you reach the mileage requirement for the Yachtmaster Offshore, contact our office to plan your prepweek and exam.

Packing list etc.

Please bring a passport size photograph for certification purposes.
You can find a detailed packing list and more joining instructions here.

Other participants

Most people come alone. The male/female rate is about 60/40. Ages differ, on average 25-50 years.

In general we mix the Coastal Skipper course with the Competent Crew level.

The yacht

These courses are held on our Wauquiez Centurion 41s.

You can find more info here: https://www.dutchoffshoresailingacademy.com/wie-zijn-zeezeilschool-de-zeezeilers/our-yachts

After booking

On booking you receive a confirmation by mail. When you log in on the website more information on the trip is provided:
- Use the forum for getting in touch with the other crew
- When the skipper is assigned, you can contact him/her too.
- A couple of days or longer befor the trip starts you will receive some last info.

Please contact the office for:
- Reservation on wet weather gear
- Cancellation, the general terms and conditions apply
- Any other questions or booking you next trip

Price includes

Instruction, staying and sleeping on board, use of gas and diesel, certificates, insurances and Dutch VAT.

Price excludes

Transport to and from harbours of departure and destination. Vervoer van en naar de op- afstapplaats. Common board cash for food and drinks on board and harbour fees. The skipper does not participate in the costs.

Theory books and reference books are not included.

Start of the course

Parking

Harlingen is easily accessible by public transport. Carpooling is also possible, after you log in you see the other participants and their hometowns. You can send them a message via the forum.

You can park for a fee at various locations.
Parking longer than a day is cheapest at:

“Parking Bruine Vloot” is a five-minute walk from our yachts. Reservations are required: https://www.parkerenharlingen.nl/en/parking/reserve-bruine-vloot

“All in Parkeren”, they will bring you to and collect you from our yachts with a shuttle bus. They offer charging facilities. It is wise to make a reservation: https://allinparkerenharlingen.nl/reserveren/

In general the course ends on the announced time, after cleaning the boat and disembarking.