Our RYA Zero to Day Skipper package is the ideal way for beginners to become confident and certified skippers. Whether you have no previous sailing experience or are looking to build on basic knowledge, this package takes you from complete novice to RYA Day Skipper, allowing you to skipper a yacht on coastal day trips. With a mix of practical, hands-on training and theory, this programme ensures you gain all the skills necessary to sail confidently. Plus, you have the unique opportunity to split your practical training between our centres in Brighton and Barcelona, offering a blend of English Channel and Mediterranean sailing.
The first step on your journey, this 5-day course (or 2 weekends) teaches you the basics of sailing and crewing on a yacht. You’ll learn essential skills such as helmsmanship, sail handling, ropework, and man overboard procedures. By the end, you’ll be a valuable crew member capable of assisting in all aspects of day-to-day yacht duties.
A comprehensive 5-day course (or 2 weekends) designed to introduce navigation and seamanship to inexperienced skippers. You’ll cover topics such as chart familiarisation, tidal heights and streams, position fixing, passage planning, and meteorology. The theory is essential preparation for the Day Skipper Practical course.
This final 5-day course (or 2 weekends) builds on your Competent Crew and theory knowledge. You’ll learn to handle a yacht under power and sail, prepare for sea, navigate, execute night cruising, and safely dock. The course culminates in planning and executing a passage to a new location, honing your skills as a skipper.
In addition to the practical and theory courses, you’ll complete an online VHF Radio course, which is essential for yacht communication and safety.
Our practical courses are based in Brighton Marina, giving you the opportunity to sail in the English Channel. You can also choose to complete some of your practical training in Barcelona, providing a fantastic chance to sail in the Mediterranean. Both locations offer a range of conditions to ensure a well-rounded sailing experience.
No prior experience is required for this package, making it suitable for complete beginners. However, it’s also a great option for those looking to build on basic sailing knowledge.
Please choose a rough preferred starting date from the calendar below. We will contact you to plan in the different course components and get you set on your journey to go from zero to dayskipper!
Our Zero to Day Skipper package offers unmatched flexibility, with the option to spread your training across up to 24 months. With small class sizes (maximum of 5 people) and the ability to choose between weekend or weekday courses, you’ll receive plenty of individual attention and hands-on practice. We provide a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment, combining English Channel and Mediterranean sailing for a varied experience. Plus, you’ll enjoy the convenience of staying onboard during practical sessions, with breakfast and lunch provided.
Take the first step towards becoming a licensed skipper and book your RYA Zero to Day Skipper package today!
We are located at Brighton Marina. You will be sent the full address and postcode upon booking, but here is a guide to finding us:
If you are taking weekend yacht courses the first weekend will be Part 1, Saturday & Sunday, the second weekend will be Part 2, Saturday - Monday. If you are taking the five day continuous course it will normally be Monday-Friday. Below is a useful list of what to bring for these courses.
2 Days Part 1, mainly Saturday & Sunday and some weekdays:
3 day - Part 2, mainly Friday to Monday except Bank holidays when Saturday to Monday and also some weekdays
5 day continuous course, Monday - Friday:
This package is perfect for anyone, whether you're a complete beginner with no sailing experience or someone looking to build on basic skills. The programme takes you from zero knowledge to the RYA Day Skipper qualification, enabling you to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises.
The package is designed to be completed over 15 days, which can be spread out over weekends or weekdays. The total training time includes 5 days of Competent Crew, 5 days of Day Skipper Theory, and 5 days of Day Skipper Practical. You have up to 24 months to complete all components.
The RYA Competent Crew course is for beginners and focuses on the basics of sailing and crewing a yacht. You’ll learn essential skills like sail handling, helming, and safety. The Day Skipper course, both practical and theory, is aimed at preparing you to take charge of a yacht. By the end of the Day Skipper course, you’ll be able to skipper short coastal passages in daylight.
Yes, you can choose to split your practical training between Brighton and Barcelona. Brighton offers English Channel sailing, while Barcelona gives you the chance to sail in the Mediterranean. This combination provides varied sailing conditions and experiences, which will enhance your learning.
Yes, accommodation is provided onboard the yacht during the practical courses. This immersive experience allows you to stay close to the action, and you'll be involved in day-to-day yacht life. Breakfast and lunch are also provided, but you’ll need to make your own arrangements for dinner when docked.
The package includes:
All necessary safety equipment, including lifejackets, is also provided during practical sessions.
While most of the essentials are included, there are a few additional costs:
Ensure you budget for these when planning your training.
No previous experience is required. This package is designed to take you from complete beginner to confident Day Skipper. The Competent Crew course will teach you the basics, and from there, you’ll progress to more advanced theory and practical skills.
Yes, you have up to 24 months to complete all components of the Zero to Day Skipper package. This flexibility allows you to spread your training out, accommodating your schedule and learning pace.
Upon successful completion, you’ll earn the RYA Day Skipper certification, allowing you to skipper yachts on coastal passages during daylight. You’ll also complete the Competent Crew course and the VHF Radio course, essential for safe yacht communication.
To ensure high-quality instruction and plenty of hands-on practice, our practical courses are limited to a maximum of 5 participants per session. This ensures individual attention from the instructor and plenty of time on the helm.
Safety is our top priority. If conditions are unsafe, such as high winds or storms, we may reschedule the course or adjust the day's plan. In more moderate weather, like light rain or lower winds, the course will continue, so be sure to bring appropriate waterproof clothing.
You can book the RYA Zero to Day Skipper package directly on our website. After booking, you'll receive a link to choose your preferred course dates, whether you want to complete it on weekdays or weekends. If you need help with scheduling or can’t find suitable dates, feel free to contact us for assistance.
About the centre
Brighton
Very informative but explained in an easy to understand way
I had great time
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