Day Skipper vs Coastal Skipper: What’s the Difference Between These RYA Courses?

If you’re wondering which course is right for you, this guide explains the main differences between Day Skipper vs Coastal Skipper, including experience requirements, what each qualification allows you to do, and how they fit into your RYA learning pathway.

For over 20 years, First Class Sailing has been teaching students how to sail — from complete beginners to confident skippers. Thousands have gained their RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper qualifications with us.

RYA Day Skipper vs Coastal Skipper — The Key Difference

The biggest difference between Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper is the level of independence and responsibility each qualification represents.

• Day Skipper: At the end of it you should be able to skipper a yacht during daylight hours in familiar waters, ideal for those building confidence.

• Coastal Skipper: At the end of it you should be able to skipper a yacht by day and night on longer coastal passages, with more complex navigation and planning.

Both are respected RYA qualifications recognised worldwide, but they serve different levels of experience and ambition.

RYA Day Skipper student helming yacht during daytime training in Southampton.

The RYA Day Skipper Course — First Step to Independence

RYA Day Skipper is designed for sailors who already have some experience (e.g., after completing RYA Competent Crew) and are ready to take charge of a yacht.

You’ll learn practical navigation, pilotage, passage planning, and safety procedures — everything you need to skipper a cruising yacht confidently by day.

Many Mediterranean charter companies require this qualification before you can charter a yacht.

Pre-course experience needed:

• 5 days at sea

• 100 miles logged

• Basic navigation and sailing skills

• Day Skipper Theory (or equivalent knowledge)

Once qualified, you’ll be able to skipper during daylight hours, with a few hours of night sailing included for awareness.

⚓ Find out more about our RYA Day Skipper Practical course.

The RYA Coastal Skipper Course — The Next Step

Coastal Skipper builds on what you learned during Day Skipper and takes you into more challenging, real-world situations.
You’ll plan and complete longer passages (often overnight), navigate tidal areas, and make decisions as the skipper under supervision.

Pre-course experience needed:

• 15 days at sea (2 as skipper)

• 300 miles logged

• 8 night hours

• Knowledge equivalent to RYA Yachtmaster Theory

The practical course runs over five consecutive days — covering passage planning, pilotage, boat handling, night sailing, and leadership under pressure.

RYA Coastal Skipper students sailing at night on passage from Hamble to Poole.

⛵ See course dates and full details on our RYA Coastal Skipper Practical page.

Progression Path — From Beginner to Yachtmaster

The RYA sailing scheme is designed as a clear pathway:

Competent Crew ➜ Day Skipper ➜ Coastal Skipper ➜ Yachtmaster

Each stage builds your knowledge, independence, and confidence.
Completing Day Skipper first gives you a solid foundation in yacht handling and safety, while Coastal Skipper develops you into a self-reliant skipper capable of tackling night passages and challenging weather.

RYA instructor briefing crew on passage planning exercise at Shamrock Quay

🧭 Learn what the Coastal Skipper qualification allows you to do in our guide — What Does Coastal Skipper Allow You To Do?
⚓ Read more about what’s involved in the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course

Still undecided? Use the RYA Sailing Level Finder to get a personalised recommendation in minutes.

Posted by: First Class Sailing