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Day Skipper Theory Course (3 consecutive weekends)


  • Shearwater Sailing School Royal Harwich Yacht Club Woolverstone, Suffolk, IP9 1AT United Kingdom (map)

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Day Skipper Shorebased course is a theoretical course that provides the foundational knowledge needed to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. It's a strongly recommended prerequisite for the practical Day Skipper course and offers comprehensive training in chartwork, navigation, meteorology, and seamanship. 

Course Content:

  • Navigation: Chartwork, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, and using navigation tools. 

  • Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns and their impact on sailing. 

  • Seamanship: Basic skills like deck work, maintenance, and emergency procedures. 

  • Rules of the Road: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. 

  • Safety: Knowledge of safety equipment, distress calls, and emergency procedures. 

Prerequisites:

  • While not strictly required, some sailing experience is recommended for the practical Day Skipper course, which is typically followed by the shorebased course. 

Assessment:

  • The course culminates in a final exam, which assesses the student's understanding of the course material. 

  • Successful completion leads to the award of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate. 


6-day classroom-based course at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club.

1st/2nd November, 8th/9th November, and 15th/16th November 2025

Max Spaces 10

** The course includes RYA Day Skipper Theory pack and almanac. 40 hours of tuition plus exam time.