How to Prepare for Day Skipper

Many students ask us how to best prepare themselves for the RYA Day Skipper practical and theory courses. To take the Day Skipper practical course you first of all have to do the Day Skipper shorebased theory course or at least have knowledge to the same level as if you had done the theory course. You also need to have done the Competent Crew course or have knowledge to the same level. There is a neat picture here of how the courses all fit together.

So, with that in mind, this guide will explain how to prepare for Day Skipper Practical which takes place on the water, once you have completed the theory course.

Here’s what you can do if you want to be fully prepared for Day Skipper…

1. Take the shore-based theory course first

To reiterate, you should have taken the theory course before the practical. You can either do this online or in the classroom at our London or Southampton locations.

2. Gain further experience on the water

Aside from theory, you also need to have some practical experience in sailing. It is recommended that you have at least five days of sailing experience before taking RYA Day Skipper. This will give you a solid foundation and let you then build on those skills during the course.

It will be assumed that you know how to sail to the level of Competent Crew standard.

If you really want to be prepared, see if you can find an opportunity to practice your sailing skills in the days between the shore-based and practical courses. Focus on your boat handling, sail trim and balance, plus anchoring and mooring skills. We offer a number of sailing opportunities from weekend trips to 5 or 7 day cruises that go a bit further afield

And don’t forget to practice your knots! It’s easy enough to do, all you need is a length of rope.

3. Refresh and sharpen up your knowledge with pre-course reading

You can prepare further by sharpening up your knowledge by reading the Day Skipper Practical course notes in the days leading up to your course.

We recommend you have a good understanding of navigation and seamanship, which you will have gained during the theory course, but it does no harm to refresh yourself. Aspects to read up more on include:

• Chartwork and pilotage
• Planning a passage
• Tides and currents
• Buoyage and lights
• The Colrges

Also refresh yourself on safety procedures.

• Safety equipment
• Emergency protocols
• Man-overboard recovery

Plus, weather and meteorology basics:

• Weather forecasting
• Understanding weather systems
• Applying weather knowledge

4. Recommend further reading

Aside from the RYA Day Skipper handbook, there are also a couple of books available on Amazon that you could read.

• “Pass Your Day Skipper” by David Fairhall (buy on Amazon)
• “The Complete Day Skipper” by Tom Cunliffe’s book (buy on Amazon)

To conclude, preparing for the RYA Day Skipper practical course requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. By completing the shore-based theory course first, you’ll establish a strong foundation in navigation, seamanship, and safety protocols. Supplement this knowledge with at least five days of practical sailing experience to ensure you meet the Competent Crew standard.

You can then prepare further by practicing essential sailing skills and reading before your course starts.

This should mean you are well-equipped to embark on your Day Skipper practical course with confidence and competence, paving the way for a successful and enjoyable experience on the water… and a solid foundation in sailing that will last you a lifetime.

Posted by: First Class Sailing