✅ Ready to take the helm with confidence?
We believe owning a yacht should feel exciting—not stressful. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and local knowledge to enjoy your boat with peace of mind.
👉 What We Offer at Take A Turn Yachting:
✅ Private RYA Courses – Day Skipper, Competent Crew & more
✅ Training anywhere in Cornwall – Falmouth, Truro, Mylor, Helford & beyond
✅ Local experts who know the water and the weather
Owning your own yacht is a milestone many dream about—freedom on the water, hidden coves, unforgettable time with friends and family. But once the champagne bottle has been cracked, reality sets in. From legal responsibilities to mooring fees, and systems you’ve never used before, yacht ownership can feel overwhelming.
If you’re based in Cornwall or the UK South West, this guide is designed to give new owners exactly what they need to know—and how Take A Turn Yachting can help you gain confidence with tailored own boat tuition and private RYA courses.
⚓ 3. Get to Know Your Boat – For Real
Yachts are complex machines. From electrical systems and bilge pumps, to fuel filters, sea cocks, and plotters, many new owners are handed the keys with little more than a walkthrough.
🎯 We help you learn all of this—on your own yacht. You’ll train with your equipment, in real conditions, and be better prepared than any manual could ever make you.
⚓ 4. Cornish Weather Can Catch You Out
In Cornwall, conditions can shift quickly. The sea may look calm off Falmouth, but turn dicey around Dodman Point or in The Lizard’s tide races. Local knowledge is invaluable.
We teach you to:
- Read marine forecasts and tide tables
- Use local bolt-holes and anchorages safely
- Practice real-world passage planning based on Cornish conditions
📍 Our instructors are RYA-qualified, with years of experience sailing Cornish waters. Some are ex-RNLI crew, meaning you’re learning from the best.
⚓ 5. You Don’t Need a Crew—Just the Right Training
Many new yacht owners assume they’ll need a permanent crew to operate safely. But with the right skills, many vessels under 50 feet can be confidently handled by a couple or even solo.
At Take A Turn Yachting, we offer:
- Tuition for solo sailors, couples, or family crews
- Skills in berthing, anchoring, sail trim, radar, MOB drills, and more
- Flexible schedules and practical learning on your own boat
⚓ 1. You’re Legally Responsible – Even Without a License
Surprisingly, you don’t need a formal license to own or operate a private yacht in UK waters. However, you're still fully responsible for the safety of your vessel and those aboard. In the event of an accident or marine incident, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) or local harbour authorities may investigate your level of seamanship and safety training.
“We strongly encourage all new boaters to complete at least the RYA Day Skipper theory or practical course before heading out solo,” says a representative from Truro Harbour Office.
“It’s not about passing a test—it’s about being prepared for the sea conditions and port responsibilities unique to the South West.”
💡 Bonus Tip: Many marine insurers offer lower premiums for boat owners with formal RYA training, particularly Day Skipper.
📍 At Take A Turn Yachting, we provide:
- Private RYA Day Skipper (and other RYA courses) tailored to your needs and schedule
- The option to complete your course aboard your own yacht, anywhere in Cornwall or the South West
- One-on-one tuition that helps you build real-world confidence—on your terms, in your vessel
⚓ 2. Mooring & Marinas in Cornwall: Be Prepared
Getting a berth or mooring in Cornwall can be tricky—especially during summer. Popular spots like Falmouth Haven, Mylor Yacht Harbour, and St. Mawes can fill up quickly, and many have waitlists for long-term berthing.
“New skippers are often caught off guard by silt build-up in the channel. Always check local notices to mariners and tidal depth before passage planning.”
💡 In our own boat tuition, we take you into real local harbours and marinas, helping you master:
- Mooring under pressure
- Handling crosswinds and tide
- Communicating effectively with harbour staff
