Whilst not a recognised training centre, ~ On Water Training.co.uk ~ is committed to the RYA standards and enthusiastically promotes the RYA scheme.  We therefore include the following information to promote the RYA Sail Cruising Scheme - full details at www.rya.org.uk.

Cruising yachts have accommodation and cooking facilities, offering a degree of comfort whilst spending time afloat. How far you venture is up to you.

Whether you are a first-timer wanting to be a useful crew member, or a more experienced skipper wanting to expand your skills, there is an RYA course for you.

RYA Sail Cruising Scheme
The scheme comprises a series of practical courses, complemented by navigation and other specialist short courses. You can use them simply to increase your knowledge and confidence, or as a progression to the RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide (see the feature on the left).

The ideal introduction is the two-day Start Yachting course. Following that, courses generally take place over five days, or a series of weekends.

You can enter the programme at any level, provided that you have the correct level of experience beforehand. Be realistic when assessing your current experience and abilities and, if in doubt, discuss your requirements with your chosen training centre before booking your course.

If you are a RYA Centre and need an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor to deliver the RYA Sail Cruising Scheme, please contact Gordon as soon as possible.

The RYA Start Yachting Course

This course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board. 

Suggested minimum pre-course experience: None.

Assumed knowledge: None.

Course content: Steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and safety onboard.

Ability after course: Basic knowledge of yachting. Reduces the time needed to complete the Competent Crew course.

Minimum duration: Two days.

The RYA Competent Crew Course

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines.

Suggested minimum pre-course experience: None.

Assumed knowledge: None.

Course content: Basic seamanship and helmsmanship.

Ability after course: By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines.

Minimum duration: 5 days, but often run over 3 weekends or 3 days plus a weekend. If you have previously completed the Start Yachting course, the Competent Crew course can be completed in 3 or 4 days.

The RYA Day Skipper Course

This five-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation. The course can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.

Suggested minimum pre-course experience: 5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht.

Assumed knowledge:  Basic navigation and helmsmanship. It is recommended that you attend the Day Skipper shorebased course before taking this practical course.

Course content: Pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation.

Ability after course:  Can skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.

Minimum duration:  5 days - either as 3 weekends or 3 days plus 2 days.

From then on, you can progress through RYA Offshore Coastal Skipper and RYA Offshore Yachtmaster training and examination process, both of which are examined as opposed to the above courses where certificates are awarded by your instructor based upon continuous assessment of your abilities whilst on board. 

It is worth noting that those individuals who have done the associated theory courses such as the RYA two day Basic Navigation and Safety Course and RYA Day Skipper theory courses find themselves at a distinct advantage when on the practical courses, particularly at Day Skipper level. 

Contact the RYA for more information.