RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course
Starting from: £380
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The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is a shore-based course. We run classes in Southampton and London. The Yachtmaster Theory course is an advanced navigation course, designed to enhance your navigational skills and knowledge needed for confident and safe offshore sailing. The full name of the course is the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course.
- Excellent supporting materials provided
- Complete guidance from expert instructors
- Taken over 6 consecutive days, or 3 weekends, or 8 evenings and a weekend
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Enthusiasm and Energy
Just passed my Yachtmaster Theory examinations and like all the previous training I’ve completed with First Class Sailing, everything was very well organised and the instructor was brilliant. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, which made the classes and knowledge gained both highly informative and good fun. I can recommend First Class Sailing without hesitation and am already looking forward to doing my Coastal Skipper practical, Yachtmaster offshore practical exams with them.
Hani S, UK
Verified Customer
The Yachtmaster Theory course is a shore based course in more advanced navigation techniques. It goes into the subjects covered in the Day Skipper Theory course in a lot more detail and it is assumed you will have done that course (or at least have knowledge to the same level). It will equip you with the navigational skills needed for coastal and offshore passages.
If you have done an RYA Day Skipper Theory Course or owned a boat for a while and have already done a reasonable amount of navigating this shorebased course is the next step for you.
Classroom Courses are in Southampton or in London.
Looking for the Yachtmaster Practical? Click here.
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More Info on the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course
Comprehensive materials provided: An RYA work pack of charts, tide tables, different types of port information and practice questions, plus a student website with copies of the course slides available online - very useful if you miss a lesson or would like to see what is coming up in the next lesson or wish to refresh your memory.
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for students doing their RYA Yachtmaster Theory.
RYA Yachtmaster Theory certificate: At the end of your course, you will take a 1.5hr exam on Col Regs, a 2hr exam on Chartwork, and an exam on Passage Planning that is split in Section A, 1.5hrs, and Section B 2hrs. You will then receive your RYA Yachtmaster Theory Certificate provided you have passed.
Guarantee: You will be well prepared for the exams by the time you get to them. However, in the unlikely event you do not pass and if you have attended all the classes you are welcome to retake the course and/or exams at no additional cost.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course:
Required Experience
- Day Skipper Theory or navigation knowledge to the same level.
Course Duration
- 8 evenings and a weekend
- 3 weekends
- 6 consecutive days
Course Content
Offshore and Coastal navigation, pilotage coastal and offshore passages.
Skills Gained
Background and theory knowledge to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make getting your RYA Yachtmaster Theory easy.
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming course dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Take The Course
You’ll learn skills required to earn your shore-based Yachtmaster accreditation.
Become A Pro Sailor
Navigate off into the sunset with your new found navigational sailing skills.
RYA Yachtmaster Theory -
Complete Breakdown
RYA Yachtmaster Theory course (also known as Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Course).
If you enjoyed the Day Skipper theory course or have plans to progress to Coastal Skipper practical, Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore then you should be taking this more advanced course to improve your existing knowledge.
The Yachtmaster Theory course is a more intensive course and next on from the Day Skipper theory course. It goes into a lot more detail that which is covered in the Day Skipper theory course.
The course includes navigation techniques. The syllabus makes some provision for the revision of subjects covered on the Day Skipper Course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper Course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the time available.
If you have owned a boat for a while and have done some of your own navigation but have not had any formal training then you may well be able to go straight to this course without doing the Day Skipper Shore-based course.
Different formats of the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course in London or Southampton
There are different ways that you can take the Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Shorebased course.
- Classroom Courses. These generally run over 8 weeks (1 evening a week) and a weekend OR over 2 and 1/2 weekends in London and over 6 consecutive days in Southampton. We run these in Limehouse and at other locations in London, and in our classrooms in Southampton. If you have a suitable space we can come to your office and run one for your colleagues. This is something we have specialised in for over 20 years. f this might interest you have a look here and do get in touch. Course in Your Office.
- Online course. This version is purely online and allows you to dip in and out of the course as and when it suits you. There is support on the phone and email from an instructor if need be.
What To Expect From the Yachtmaster Theory Course in Southampton or London
- The first session will be a quick revision session of the Day Skipper shorebased course.
- Fun.
- You'll learn a lot.
- You'll meet like minded individuals.
- You'll get as much or as little help from your instructor as you need.
- An instructor who loves teaching you.
- An excellent selection of course materials.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 577 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 337 Happy Customers On Google ReviewsExcellent Service
I have used First Class Sailing for a number of sailing courses, both shore-based and practical, and did the ARC with them. I liked my experiences with them so much that I have signed up to do the Fastnet too!
Everyone at First Class delivers excellent service. They are very easy to book with and are always willing and able to help with any questions you may have.
Wendy B, UK
Verified Customer
Brilliant Learning Experience
I have just done the yachtmaster coastal theory course which was brilliant. Hosted at LSE Rosebury Hall and with Johnny the instructor I hugely enjoyed the course. I have done my VHF radio course with the same company and will continue to do the rest with them as well to improve my sound knowledge.
Charles F, UK
Verified Customer
High-Quality Instructors
Great sailing lessons with high-quality instructors. They have something for all levels. I would highly recommend!
Yehor S
Verified Customer
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Earn Your Yachtmaster Theory
Take your navigation skills to the next level.
- Learn in a classroom with other students
- Friendly and knowledgeable instructor
- Classes in Southampton, London, your office, or online
Very enjoyable
I have used First Class Sailing for my Day Skipper and Yachtmaster theory courses, together with the VHF and First Aid shore based tuition days. The instruction techniques are nothing less than superb and above all a very enjoyable experience. Thank god they managed to get their domain name first as they truly deserve it! I plan to continue using their school for further tuition and would not hesitate recommending them to others.
Kevin W
Verified Customer
Ready to Earn Your Yachtmaster Theory
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