Assumed knowledge None
Course content Basic navigation theory
Duration 5 days - Monday to Friday
2-day weekend + 3-day weekend (Friday to Sunday)


Run over 5 consecutive days (or a 2-day weekend and a 3-day weekend) in our purpose built classroom within Southampton Water Activities Centre by the river Itchen, this RYA Day Skipper Theory course aims to give you the theoretical knowledge to navigate safely and start making decisions as a skipper. Although no pre-course knowledge is required, the course is ideally suited to those with some sailing experience who are about to embark upon their Day Skipper practical.


Focussing on seamanship and basic navigation the syllabus includes buoyage, position fixing, tidal streams, rules of the road, estimating tidal heights and chart work. With low numbers on each course we offer a relaxed and friendly setting in which you instructor can give individual attention as necessary.

All course materials including certification are provided along with tea, coffee and biscuits.
Please note, this course is non-residential.

Assumed knowledge Navigation theory to Day Skipper standard
Course content Advanced coastal and offshore navigation theory
Duration 5 days - Monday to Friday

This intensive RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Navigation Theory course aims to provide sailors and motor boaters with advanced offshore navigation techniques. It is also highly recommended for those about to take their RYA/MCA practical exam.

During this course you will practice plotting positions and courses, interpret synoptic weather charts and be shown how to calculate secondary port tidal heights as simply as possible. Other topics include navigation in restricted visibility, passage planning, collision avoidanceregulations and electronic navigation aids. Low numbers on each course is conducive to calm, pressure-free learning and allows for individual attention from your instructor.

All course materials including certification are provided along with tea, coffee and biscuits.
Please note, this course is non-residential.

Assumed knowledge Navigation to Yachtmaster Offshore standard
Course content Celestial navigation and global metrology
Duration 5 days - Monday to Friday

This RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is aimed at anyone intending to undertake an ocean crossing and delivers the knowledge needed to plan and navigate extended deep-sea passages. The focus is on celestial navigation and you’ll be shown how to fix a position with sights taken with a sextant.

Some people can find astro navigation quite a demanding subject, but with low numbers on each course, your instructor is able to give individual help where it is needed.

Candidates who pass this course are exempt from the MCA written paper which is necessary to gain the Yachtmaster Ocean certificate of competence and then need only to attend an oral assessment after completing a qualifying ocean passage.

All course materials including certification are provided along with tea, coffee and biscuits.
Please note - this course is non-residential.