RYA Practical Courses: Day Skipper

5-Day RYA Day Skipper Course: Mylor, Falmouth

RYA Day Skipper Course – Overview

The RYA Day Skipper course is a five‑day practical sailing programme designed for sailors who already have some experience and want to skipper a yacht confidently in familiar waters by day. You’ll spend five full days and five nights onboard, developing essential skippering skills such as pilotage (navigating in confined waters), boat handling under sail and motor, chart reading and plotting, passage planning, and basic navigation.

The course is based in Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth, Cornwall, sailing primarily around the Fal Estuary, Helford Passage and surrounding coastline, with a longer coastal passage (often to Fowey) included when conditions allow. The training emphasises applying navigational knowledge in real‑world settings and covers emergency handling, deck work, tides and currents, and night cruising techniques.

Details on course dates, pricing, group size, what’s included and what to bring are covered in the FAQ section below.

Day Skipper FAQ

Before starting the Day Skipper course, you must have at least 5 days, 100 miles, and 4 night hours onboard a sailing yacht, and you must have passed your RYA Day Skipper Theory course.

The course teaches practical skippering skills including pilotage (navigation in confined waters), boat handling under sail and motor, deck work, chart reading and plotting, understanding tides and currents, basic boat maintenance, emergency handling, passage making, and night cruising.

The Day Skipper course runs for five full days, starting at 17:00 on Sunday and finishing at 15:00 on Friday. Participants spend all five nights onboard as part of the training.

Pricing is: £850 per person; £800 per person when booking two together; private course options are £2800 for up to 4 people or £3200 for up to 5 people. Private courses can also be scheduled over 3 weekends or start on different days by arrangement.

The course is based in Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth, Cornwall, with most sailing around the Fal Estuary, Helford Passage, and nearby coastline. A longer passage — often to Fowey — is also included depending on conditions.

Mixed group courses have a maximum instructor ratio of 1:4. For private courses, the maximum ratio is 1:5.

Breakfasts and lunch are included each day, along with four evening meals onboard. One evening is usually spent ashore (not included). Accommodation is in the larger 3-cabin yachts: the instructor takes one cabin and students share the remaining berths. Single occupancy can be arranged. Smaller yachts may occasionally be used for very small groups.

The course price includes lifejackets and all safety equipment, onboard food, fuel, and marina fees.

Bring a passport-style photo for your certificate, a copy of your theory certificate, waterproof jacket and trousers, sailing-appropriate footwear with non-marking soles, sunscreen, anti-seasickness medication, warm layers, sleeping bag and pillow, refillable water bottle, head torch (red light useful), notebook/pencils, and toiletries.

Course schedules and activities are flexible and may be adapted around weather and conditions to ensure safety while still making the best use of sailing time.

You can check availability and book directly via the Take A Turn Yachting website or contact the team to discuss course dates and options.

This 5-day course runs from 17:00 on Sunday to 15:00 on Friday, and includes five nights onboard as part of the training experience. Use the calendar below to view our upcoming course dates and secure your spot.

If you’d like to arrange a private course or have any questions, please use our ‘Get in Touch’ form to discuss your requirements.

Before your course start date you must have 5 days, 100 miles and 4 night hours onboard a sailing yacht. You must have passed your RYA day Skipper Theory course.

Cost per person - £850
Booking 2 people on the same course - £800 per person
Private course (up to 4 people) - £2800
Private Course (up to 5 People) - £3200
Private courses can run over 3 weekends or start on different days, please call to discuss your requirements

Check Course Availability

On this calander you will see the start dates of each course. Each course spans five full days, starting at 17:00 on Sunday and concluding at 15:00 on Friday, with participants required to spend all five nights on board as part of the training.

You can then select the course you wish to book, select ‘next’ and complete our quick booking request form.