RYA Day Skipper Sailing Course in Cornwall

The RYA recommends 5 days, 100 miles and 4 night hours aboard a sailing yacht as pre-course experience for Day Skipper.

You should also have Day Skipper RYA theory-level knowledge or an appropriate RYA theory qualification. There is no requirement to hold a theory certificate before starting the practical course. The course is hands-on and assumes you have this navigation and theory knowledge so that you can concentrate on putting it into practice on the water.

The course is about becoming more confident taking charge of a boat in familiar waters by day.

You will develop practical skills including pilotage, navigation, boat handling under sail and motor, passage planning, seamanship, weather and tides, safety procedures, emergency handling and the practical responsibilities of being skipper.

Our RYA Day Skipper practical course runs over five full days and five nights aboard. Courses normally start at 17:00 on Sunday and finish at 15:00 on Friday.

The course can also be arranged as a split course over three weekends, or as a private course with dates arranged around your group.

The course starts and finishes at Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth, Cornwall.

The Fal Estuary, Helford and surrounding Cornish coastline give us a varied area in which to practise navigation, pilotage and boat handling in different conditions.

The exact itinerary depends on the weather, tides and conditions during your course. We primarily sail around the Fal Estuary, Falmouth and the Helford, with longer coastal passages possible when conditions allow.

Depending on the weather and the needs of the course, this can include Fowey and other nearby ports, anchorages and coastal waters.

The RYA Day Skipper qualification is designed for people who want to take charge of a sailing boat on day trips in familiar waters. It gives you a practical foundation for skippering, while continuing to build experience remains an important part of becoming a confident skipper.

The qualification can also be used as part of the process of applying for an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) if you meet the relevant requirements.

Our mixed-group courses have a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:4. Private courses have a maximum of five students.

Keeping groups small gives you plenty of opportunity for hands-on practice, time at the helm and individual instruction throughout the course.

The course price includes five days of practical RYA tuition, five nights of accommodation aboard, breakfast and lunch each day, snacks and drinks, lifejackets and safety equipment, fuel and marina fees, and parking at Mylor Yacht Harbour.

One evening is usually spent ashore, and the cost of this meal is not included. A course book is also included with the course.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book.

Bring suitable waterproof clothing, warm layers, sailing footwear with non-marking non-slip soles, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and gloves, and any medication you need.

As you will be staying aboard for five nights, please also bring a sleeping bag, pillow and sheet. A phone charger, refillable water bottle, notebook and pencils are useful, and a head torch with a red-light function is recommended.

You will also need to bring a passport-style photo so that your RYA certificate can be issued. A soft bag is preferable to a suitcase for onboard storage. Full joining information is provided before your course.

Sailing plans naturally change with the weather, tides and conditions. Your instructor will adapt the programme to make the best use of the conditions available while keeping the course within safe operating limits.

The aim is to give you as much useful practical experience as possible, with the training adjusted to suit the conditions and the needs of the group.

Yes. The RYA Day Skipper practical course is an assessed course. Your instructor will assess your practical skills throughout the course, including boat handling, navigation, pilotage, seamanship, safety awareness and your ability to take responsibility for the boat and crew.

Your theory knowledge will also be tested and applied during the practical course as you make decisions and navigate on the water.

Completing your RYA Day Skipper is the start of developing your experience as a skipper rather than the end of your sailing training.

There are plenty of ways to keep building your skills with Take A Turn Yachting, including mile-building opportunities, skills weekends, sailing and racing opportunities, and own-boat tuition. You can also progress towards further RYA qualifications such as Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster.

Check the course calendar above for available dates and submit a booking request. If you are unsure whether you have the right experience or theory knowledge, or would like to arrange a private course, get in touch with Take A Turn Yachting and we can talk through what you need.