RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore in Brighton

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:

• By Car: Approaching the marina from the A27 take the B2123. Turn right at first set of traffic lights, signposted Brighton Town Centre, Racecourse and Marina Village. Turn left at second set of traffic lights, pass the Racecourse and follow the signs for the Marina Village where there is free parking for 1500 cars in the multi-storey car park. From the car park you can either go across a linking bridge on level 6 or from the ground floor of the car park towards all the waterfront cafes and bars. Walk to the end of the boarded walk way where there will be a large ramp heading down towards the pontoons. We are the first set of pontoons on the right. Pontoon 6.
• By Bike: Brighton Marina has a bike share station which is either pay per minute or a yearly membership. For your own bike, racks are available on the main concourses of the pontoons. You must use the racks and not leave bikes on the pontoons otherwise Premier Marina will take them away.
• By Bus: Brighton and Hove bus service operates a number 7 bus approximately every 15 minutes 24 hours a day, from Brighton Town Centre (North Street or Queens Road), to the Marina Village.
• On Foot: Brighton Marina is a pleasant walk along the seafront from the centre of Brighton, it is 20 minutes walk from the main West Pier. During the summer you will also find the Volks electric railway operates along the front.
• By Train: The nearest main line station is Brighton with regular connections to Chichester, Portsmouth and London is under an hour away.
• By Air: Brighton is within easy reach of Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. Follow the A23 from Gatwick to Brighton. Shoreham airport is also available for private light aircraft.

Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
 

Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
 

• There is limited space on board, only bring one large bag
• Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
• Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
• Deck boots or deck shoes
• Bring waterproofs, we can hire you Musto BR1s. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival.
• Sleeping bag, pillow and towel
• The marina fees are included
• Over 5 days for the preparation and the 1 or 2 days for the exam we will provide breakfasts, lunches and dinners onboard
• Two passport photographs
• Ensure you bring your first aid and VHF certificate
• Evidence with a logbook of your sea miles and skippering passages
• If you want the commercial endorsement for you Yachtmaster certificate you will need the RYA PPR online course, sea survival and a medical (either the ML5 or ENG1)

The Yachtmaster Coastal qualification is for those who have experience skippering in coastal waters, typically up to 60 miles from shore. The Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is for more experienced skippers who are capable of skippering on extended offshore passages, day and night, in more demanding conditions.

The preparation course runs for 5 days, during which you will refine your skills, practice key manoeuvres, and brush up on navigation and passage planning. The exam lasts 8-12 hours for one candidate or 10-18 hours for two candidates. The exam can be completed over one or two days, depending on the number of participants.

During the preparation week, you’ll cover the key skills required for the Yachtmaster exam, including:

• Passage planning
• Advanced navigation and pilotage
• Close quarters yacht handling under sail and power
• Man overboard recovery
• Night navigation
• Seamanship and safety procedures

Your instructor will assess your strengths and weaknesses early in the week and help you improve any areas that need development before the exam.

The course is based at Brighton Marina. Brighton Marina provides an ideal environment for the Yachtmaster preparation, offering varied and challenging sailing conditions. You’ll practice coastal navigation, pilotage, and boat handling in both sheltered and open waters, with potential trips to destinations like the Solent or even across the Channel to France.

Before joining the preparation course, ensure you meet the prerequisite sea time and logged miles. We highly recommend completing the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course before attending, as this will help solidify your understanding of navigation, passage planning, and weather systems. Brush up on International Collision Regulations (IRPCS) and safety protocols as these are key parts of the exam.

The exam assesses your practical sailing skills, seamanship, and theoretical knowledge. You will be asked to skipper several short passages and demonstrate your ability to manage the yacht and crew.

You’ll be tested on:

• Navigation and pilotage (both day and night)
• Boat handling under sail and power
• Man overboard recovery
• Safety procedures and knowledge of IRPCS
• Passage planning and decision-making

The examiner will evaluate your leadership and problem-solving skills, particularly in challenging conditions.

Yes, we offer own boat tuition for the Yachtmaster preparation and exam. If you feel more comfortable using your own yacht, this can be arranged. Just let us know when booking, and we’ll discuss the necessary requirements and safety standards for your vessel.

The Yachtmaster qualification opens up a world of opportunities. You’ll be able to skipper yachts for leisure or professional purposes, charter yachts internationally, and explore more challenging sailing environments. It’s also a stepping stone towards more advanced qualifications like the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean or commercial endorsements for professional skippers.