{"id":5989,"date":"2022-07-22T15:04:17","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T15:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/?p=5989"},"modified":"2025-10-21T13:21:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T13:21:44","slug":"what-is-the-rya-coastal-skipper-practical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/what-is-the-rya-coastal-skipper-practical\/","title":{"rendered":"RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Explained \u2014 Your Questions Answered"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"1034\" data-end=\"1334\">If you\u2019ve completed <strong data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1069\">Day Skipper<\/strong> and are ready to take your sailing to the next level, the <strong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1161\">RYA Coastal Skipper Practical<\/strong> course could be your next big step. This guide answers the most common questions about the course \u2014 from what experience you need, to what you\u2019ll do, and where you\u2019ll sail.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1747\">\n<p data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1747\">\u2693 For a full overview of what this qualification enables you to do, read <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/what-does-coastal-skipper-allow-you-to-do\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1548\">What you can do with a Coastal Skipper qualification<\/a>.<br data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1552\" \/>\ud83d\udcd6 Or, if you\u2019re still comparing courses, check out <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/difference-between-day-skipper-coastal-skipper\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1606\" data-end=\"1746\">Difference Between Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1752\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1754\" data-end=\"1798\"><strong data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1798\">Do I Need to Complete Prior Courses?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1959\">While you don\u2019t have to hold every previous RYA qualification, you <strong data-start=\"1867\" data-end=\"1873\">do<\/strong> need to meet certain experience and knowledge standards before starting the course.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1979\">You should have:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"2164\">\n<li data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"2036\">\n<p data-start=\"1982\" data-end=\"2036\">At least <strong data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2009\">15 days at sea<\/strong> (including 2 as skipper)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2068\">\n<p data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2068\">Around <strong data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2059\">300 miles<\/strong> logged<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2069\" data-end=\"2090\">\n<p data-start=\"2071\" data-end=\"2090\"><strong data-start=\"2071\" data-end=\"2088\">8 night hours<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2164\">\n<p data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2164\">Theoretical knowledge to <strong data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2156\">Day Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory<\/strong> level<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2313\">This course won\u2019t cover the basics again \u2014 instead, it develops your ability to apply those skills confidently as a skipper making longer passages.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7339\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7339\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7339\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Sail-3-584.webp\" alt=\"RYA Coastal Skipper instructor briefing crew before passage planning exercise.\" width=\"584\" height=\"570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Sail-3-584.webp 584w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Sail-3-584-300x293.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7339\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">RYA Coastal Skipper instructor briefing crew before passage planning exercise.<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2462\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2531\"><strong data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2531\">What Does the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course Include?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2680\">The <strong data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2570\">RYA Coastal Skipper Practical<\/strong> runs over <strong data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2606\">five consecutive days<\/strong> and focuses on advanced skippering techniques in real-world conditions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2682\" data-end=\"2710\">You\u2019ll gain experience in:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2865\">\n<li data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2744\">\n<p data-start=\"2713\" data-end=\"2744\">Passage planning and pilotage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2745\" data-end=\"2784\">\n<p data-start=\"2747\" data-end=\"2784\">Yacht handling under power and sail<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2822\">\n<p data-start=\"2787\" data-end=\"2822\">Watchkeeping and night navigation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2823\" data-end=\"2865\">\n<p data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2865\">Heavy weather and emergency management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2867\" data-end=\"3060\">Once completed, you\u2019ll receive an <strong data-start=\"2901\" data-end=\"2954\">RYA Coastal Skipper course completion certificate<\/strong>. This can also be used to apply for an <strong data-start=\"2994\" data-end=\"3043\">International Certificate of Competence (ICC)<\/strong> through the RYA.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7340\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7340\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7340\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Night-Sail.webp\" alt=\"Yacht under sail at night during RYA Coastal Skipper training passage\" width=\"584\" height=\"569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Night-Sail.webp 584w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Night-Sail-300x292.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7340\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yacht under sail at night during RYA Coastal Skipper training passage<\/p><\/div>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3197\" data-end=\"3356\">\n<p data-start=\"3199\" data-end=\"3356\">\u26f5 See upcoming course dates and full details on our <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/rya-courses\/coastal-skipper\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3251\" data-end=\"3355\">Coastal Skipper practical training page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3361\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3396\"><strong data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3396\">Where Will We Be Sailing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3398\" data-end=\"3703\">Most training takes place in <strong data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3441\">The Solent<\/strong>, one of the UK\u2019s most rewarding and varied sailing areas. However, this course is about <strong data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3548\">passage-making<\/strong>, so you may sail farther afield \u2014 to <strong data-start=\"3586\" data-end=\"3629\">Weymouth, Brighton, the Channel Islands<\/strong>, or even <strong data-start=\"3639\" data-end=\"3670\">cross the Channel to France<\/strong>, depending on weather and tides.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7343\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7343\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7343\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/IMG_8682.webp\" alt=\"RYA Coastal Skipper students navigating passage through The Solent.\" width=\"584\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/IMG_8682.webp 584w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/IMG_8682-300x225.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7343\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">RYA Coastal Skipper students navigating passage through The Solent.<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3839\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3841\" data-end=\"3874\"><strong data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3874\">What Equipment Do I Need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3876\" data-end=\"3959\">If you\u2019ve completed other RYA courses, you\u2019ll already have most of what\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"3974\">We provide:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3975\" data-end=\"4069\">\n<li data-start=\"3975\" data-end=\"4017\">\n<p data-start=\"3977\" data-end=\"4017\">Waterproof jackets and trousers (free)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4018\" data-end=\"4069\">\n<p data-start=\"4020\" data-end=\"4069\">Safety gear including lifejackets and harnesses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4071\" data-end=\"4090\">You should bring:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4193\">\n<li data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4131\">\n<p data-start=\"4093\" data-end=\"4131\">Non-marking waterproof sailing boots<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4132\" data-end=\"4165\">\n<p data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4165\">Warm clothing and base layers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4166\" data-end=\"4193\">\n<p data-start=\"4168\" data-end=\"4193\">Sleeping bag and pillow<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4198\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4249\"><strong data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4249\">What Skills Will I Have After the Course?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4251\" data-end=\"4328\">After completing your <strong data-start=\"4273\" data-end=\"4306\">RYA Coastal Skipper Practical<\/strong>, you\u2019ll be able to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4497\">\n<li data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4388\">\n<p data-start=\"4331\" data-end=\"4388\"><strong data-start=\"4331\" data-end=\"4386\">Skipper yachts on coastal passages by day and night<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4389\" data-end=\"4442\">\n<p data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4442\"><strong data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4424\">Plan and manage longer routes<\/strong> with confidence<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4443\" data-end=\"4497\">\n<p data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4497\"><strong data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4495\">Lead crew safely and make key decisions at sea<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4499\" data-end=\"4629\">It\u2019s the final step before <strong data-start=\"4526\" data-end=\"4561\">Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore<\/strong>, helping you transition from competent sailor to confident skipper.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4631\" data-end=\"4784\">\n<p data-start=\"4633\" data-end=\"4784\">\ud83e\udded Explore your full RYA journey with our <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/first-class-sailing-rya-course-progression-plan\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4675\" data-end=\"4783\">Course Progression Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"4786\" data-end=\"4789\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4791\" data-end=\"4820\"><strong data-start=\"4795\" data-end=\"4820\">Ready to Get Started?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4822\" data-end=\"4941\">Join <strong data-start=\"4827\" data-end=\"4850\">First Class Sailing<\/strong> for expert-led RYA training from <strong data-start=\"4884\" data-end=\"4914\">Shamrock Quay, Southampton<\/strong> \u2014 the heart of UK sailing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4943\" data-end=\"5100\">\ud83d\udcc5 <em data-start=\"4946\" data-end=\"4975\">See dates and details here:<\/em><br data-start=\"4975\" data-end=\"4978\" \/>\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/rya-courses\/coastal-skipper\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4981\" data-end=\"5100\">Find out more about Coastal Skipper practical training<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5102\" data-end=\"5279\">\ud83d\udccd <em data-start=\"5105\" data-end=\"5144\">Still deciding which level suits you?<\/em><br data-start=\"5144\" data-end=\"5147\" \/>Take the <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/level-finder\/1\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5156\" data-end=\"5237\">RYA Sailing Level Finder quiz<\/a> for a personalised course recommendation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5102\" data-end=\"5279\">Updated 21.10.25<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course is an intensive five-day sailing qualification that builds real-world skippering confidence. Learn what experience you need, where you\u2019ll sail, and what to expect from this advanced RYA training with First Class Sailing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7339,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,633,533],"tags":[638],"class_list":["post-5989","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn-to-sail","category-coastal-skipper","category-rya-courses","tag-coastal-skipper-faqs"],"views":1319,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5989","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5989"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5989\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7345,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5989\/revisions\/7345"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5989"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5989"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5989"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}