Learning & Development '26 » RYA Day Skipper Theory (Part 1of3) Provisional
RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
BMYC Cruising will be running the RYA Day Skipper Theory course in association with our Learning & Development Partners Brighton Boating.
This is an essential shore-based navigation and theory course for aspiring skippers and is a prerequisite for the RYA Day Skipper Practical course.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Aspiring skippers wishing to gain an entry-level qualification
- Sailors or motor yacht crew looking to progress to skippering their own or chartered vessels
- Anyone planning to skipper in countries that require formal certification
- Those preparing for the RYA Day Skipper Practical course
You are strongly advised to complete the classroom course, as it provides the best hands-on learning experience. If your schedule doesn't allow, an online option is also available via Skippers Online.
What Are the Costs?
- £315 for BMYC Members / £390 for non BMYC Members
What Is the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course?
The RYA Day Skipper Theory course provides the core navigation, seamanship, and safety knowledge required to skipper a sailing or motor yacht by day in familiar waters.
It is internationally recognised and forms the theoretical foundation for practical skippering.
How Long Is the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course?
- 5 days total
- Delivered as: Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 (over weekends)
- Includes 2 × 90-minute exams
What Are the Prerequisites?
- RYA Competent Crew practical course or equivalent experience
What Is Covered on the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course?
The classroom course focuses on practical, scenario-based learning and covers:
Navigation & Chartwork
- Chart familiarisation
- Position fixing
- Dead reckoning
- Estimated position
- Course to steer
- Secondary ports
- Tidal heights & tidal streams
- Using GPS
- Chartwork exam
Seamanship & Pilotage
- Seamanship
- Buoyage & pilotage
- Passage planning
Safety & Regulations
- Collision regulations
- Safety at sea
Weather & Theory
- Meteorology
- General exam
Course Objective
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Navigate safely around familiar waters during daylight hours
What's Included in the Course?
- Student pack
- Practice navigation charts
- Training almanac
- Use of plotters and dividers
- Real-world navigation exercises
- Full tutor support throughout
