All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.
Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning, secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.
We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.
Nautical Terms & TerminologyUnderstanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
Why do we have tides?Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
What causes our weather?A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
Buoyage FlashcardsFlashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
The Salty Sea BlogFrom salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.Course catalogue
Courses and exams run by RYA Training Centres, following an RYA syllabus and structure.
48 courses
RYA
Sail CruisingRYA Competent Crew is the essential starting point for your RYA training. The course introduces absolute beginners to the delights of sailing aboard a cruising yacht. Making it ideal for…
Motor CruisingRYAThis two-day course covers basic boat handling, helmsmanship, safety and basic engine maintenance. It aims to teach boat handling & safety within a defined area. It is specific to the…
WingsurfingRYAThe RYA Improve Your Wingsurfing course is aimed at wingsurfers who want to refine their skills and gain more control. Participants learn advanced steering, upwind sailing, and techniques for handling…
WingsurfingRYAThe RYA Learn to Wingsurf course introduces participants to the basics of wingsurfing. Participants learn how to control the wing, balance on the board, and steer effectively in light winds.…
RYA
ShorebasedFor anyone going to sea, the RYA Sea Survival course is a genuine lifesaver. Hopefully you’ll never need to use a life raft, but if you do find yourself in…
RYAShorebasedA test of the rules and regulations of the inland waterways of Europe. You will need this if you require the inland category validated on your International Certificate of Competence.…
RYASail CruisingIf you’ve ever felt the irresistible pull of the sea or simply wanted to master a new skill, Level 1: RYA Start Sailing is the perfect first step. This course…
RYASail CruisingMastering the skills needed to sail can boost your confidence, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and provide a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The RYA Cruising Level 2 course is designed to…
RYAShorebasedThe one-day, RYA Diesel Engine course is perfect for beginners, taking you through ways to prevent and solve diesel engine failure. Most engine problems can be solved by taking simple…
Small Boat SailingRYAAn introduction to sailing dinghies for complete beginners, covering everything you need to know to get afloat under supervision. How to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching…
Small Boat SailingRYABuild your confidence and develop your skills. By the end of this course you'll be a competent sailor in light winds. Rigging; Launching; Building confidence sailing in all directions; Capsize…
Small Boat SailingRYAImprove your sailing consolidating skills and trying new ones in a variety of conditions. Further coaching to consolidate the skills learned during Level 1 - Start Sailing, and Level 2…
Duke of Edinburgh AwardRYAThe RYA DofE Centre course is aimed at individuals and organisations offering Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award activities with a sailing or water-based focus. This course provides guidance on integrating…
An element of preparation and planning is needed for even the shortest of journeys. Whether you’re just starting out on the water or looking to refresh your knowledge, the RYA…
Inland WaterwaysRYAThis is an entry level course and can be run in conjunction with the Inland Waterways Helmsman’s course for mixed ability groups. This course is ideal for introducing friends or…
Inland WaterwaysRYAThis course is designed for those wanting to cruise the UK's and Europe's network of lakes, rivers and canals. It deals specifically with the requirements of the inland boater, whether…
RYA Day Skipper Theory is a theory-based course aimed at prospective yacht skippers and inexperienced crew looking to boost their knowledge and skillset. The course itself offers a comprehensive introduction…
Motor CruisingRYAThis four-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage boat handling seamanship and navigation. This course can also help…
RYASail CruisingOnce you’ve completed the course, you’ll be able to safely take charge of a 30-45ft sail cruising yacht and its crew on day trips in familiar waters. The Day Skipper…
Inland WaterwaysMotor Cruising
Personal Watercraft
PowerboatRYASail CruisingShorebasedSmall Boat SailingAccidents happen when you least expect them. Thankfully serious incidents onboard are rare but getting to grips with basic first aid will ensure that everyone’s in good hands. Administering first…
Motor CruisingRYAThe RYA Advanced Pilotage course focuses on navigating in challenging conditions, such as night cruising or confined waterways. Participants practice advanced navigation techniques, including the use of electronic aids, radar,…
WindsurfingRYAThe RYA Intermediate Windsurfing (Planing) course introduces participants to planing techniques, enabling them to harness the power of stronger winds. Participants learn how to control the board at higher speeds,…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Keelboat Club Racing course prepares sailors to participate confidently in club-level keelboat races. Participants learn race rules, starting techniques, and tactics for maximizing speed. Practical sessions focus on…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Keelboat Day Sailing course teaches participants how to plan and execute safe and enjoyable day trips in keelboats. This course covers navigation, anchoring, and trip preparation, emphasizing safety…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Keelboat Seamanship Skills course focuses on building practical skills for handling keelboats in various conditions. Participants practice advanced maneuvers such as reefing, heaving-to, and mooring in confined spaces.…
Small Boat SailingRYAHaving learnt to sail you may wish to start racing and join a club. This course takes you through the fundamentals of getting off the start line and round the…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Multihull Club Racing course prepares sailors to participate in local club races with confidence. The course covers race rules, starting techniques, and strategies for optimizing boat speed. Participants…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Multihull Day Sailing course prepares sailors to undertake safe and enjoyable day trips on multihulls. Participants learn about trip planning, navigation, and handling multihulls in various conditions. Practical…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Multihull Start Racing course introduces sailors to the fundamentals of racing multihulls. Participants practice starting techniques, boat positioning, and mark rounding. The course emphasizes teamwork and tactical decision-making…
Small Boat SailingRYAImprove you racing technique and knowledge for racing at club level, building on boat handling and speed, as well as starting to build the knowledge required to develop a strategy…
Small Boat SailingRYAPassage planning and decision making for taking a day sail in a dinghy. Preparing and planning for a day sail, including pilotage and decision making.
Small Boat SailingRYAA first taster and introduction to foiling. This is the first course in the RYA SAILfoil scheme, providing you with a basic introduction to foiling. Helping you to make your…
Small Boat SailingRYAThis course is designed to increase your foil handling and control. After completing this course you will start to feel more confident about the practical techniques and theory required to…
Small Boat SailingRYAImprove your boat handling and confidence in performance dinghies. Coaching to improve your sailing and confidence on all points of sail, primarily in two person boats. Learn how to hike…
Small Boat SailingRYAEverything you need to know to sail a boat confidently with conventional or asymmetric spinnakers. Learn how to rig the boat, hoist, gybe and drop/recover one type of spinnaker, either…
Small Boat SailingRYAImprove your boat handling and manoeuvring ability in a range of different circumstances and develop the seamanship skills needed to solve problems afloat. Launching and recovering the boat in different…
Small Boat SailingRYAHaving learnt to sail you may wish to start racing and join a club. This course takes you through the fundamentals of getting off the start line and round the…
WindsurfingRYAHaving grasped the basics skills of windsurfing, progress your skills and learn new techniques. Your instructor will build your confidence on the water, coach you through more fluid transitions and…
The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced shore-based program for experienced sailors. Topics include complex navigation, advanced meteorology, and passage planning in tidal waters. Participants also learn…
Motor CruisingRYAThis course aims to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a motor cruiser of at least 7m LOA safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night.…
RYASail CruisingWith an emphasis on coastal and offshore passages by day and night, the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course delves into the complexities of skippering a yacht. Designed to push your…
WindsurfingRYAThe RYA Advanced Plus Windsurfing course is aimed at experienced windsurfers seeking to push their skills to the limit. The course covers advanced freestyle moves, high-speed sailing, and wave techniques.…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Keelboat Regional Racing course is designed for sailors competing at a regional level. The program focuses on advanced racing tactics, boat handling, and teamwork. Participants practice race starts,…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe RYA Multihull Regional Racing course is tailored for sailors competing at a regional level in multihull events. This advanced program focuses on race tactics, starting sequences, and mark rounding…
WindsurfingRYABoost your confidence, master dynamic transitions and advance your planing technique. You'll also get an introduction to waterstarting and the legendary carve gybe. Master dynamic transitions and advanced planing techniques.…
Small Boat SailingRYAThe last of the foiling courses, looking at advanced skills and techniques. This course will increase your confidence of foiling at different angles, in and out of manoeuvres, providing you…
Small Boat SailingRYADeveloping skills and providing the knowledge required to enable adaptability in changing and challenging conditions and different venues. A practical course working on the key techniques and knowledge to enable…
Duke of Edinburgh AwardRYAThe RYA DofE Approved Activity Provider course is designed for centers offering sailing or water-based activities as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The program ensures providers meet the…
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