Training Centre
What is RYA training?
The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) is the internationally recognised training body for sailing and watersports. Its courses build on one another, taking you step by step from first hands-on experience on board to independently skippering a yacht on coastal passages.
Our courses are suitable for:
- Beginners with little or no sailing experience who want to discover life on board as crew
- Hobby sailors who want to sail confidently and competently as crew
- Aspiring skippers who want to charter or take charge of their own yacht
- Experienced sailors who want to formalise their skills and gain internationally recognised certificates (a requirement for many charter companies and the ICC)
Competent Crew
Who it's for:
Beginners with no prior experience
Duration:
5 days (practical course, living and sleeping on board)
Prerequisites:
None – the course is specifically designed for people with little or no sailing experience
Course content:
- Seamanship and the safe handling of lines, knots, and equipment
- Basic sail handling (hoisting, dousing, reefing)
- Manoeuvring under engine and sail
- Man-overboard procedures and safety equipment
- Basic weather knowledge and an introduction to navigation
- Life and shared duties on board (watches, galley, onboard etiquette)
Day Skipper
Who it's for:
Sailors with some prior experience who want to learn to skipper a yacht independently in familiar waters by day
Duration:
5 days (practical course)
Prerequisites:
- At least 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles logged, and 4 hours of night sailing, ideally gained on a Competent Crew course or equivalent
- Theory knowledge to Day Skipper level (strongly recommended to take the RYA Day Skipper Theory course first, as the practical course doesn't allow time to cover this material)
- Minimum age 16
Course content:
- Passage planning and pilotage
- Tidal height and stream calculations
- Navigation using charts, compass, and electronic aids
- Berthing, unberthing, and harbour manoeuvres
- Crew leadership and skipper responsibilities
- Emergency procedures and onboard safety management
Coastal Skipper
Who it's for:
Experienced skippers ready to take on longer, more demanding coastal passages by day and night
Duration:
5 days (practical course)
Prerequisites:
- RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate (or equivalent skippering experience)
- At least 15 days at sea, including 2 days as skipper, 300 nautical miles logged, and 8 hours of night sailing
- Theory knowledge to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore level is recommended
Course content:
- Advanced multi-day passage planning, including overnight passages
- Watch-keeping systems and crew management on longer legs
- Navigation in demanding waters (busy shipping lanes, tidal gates)
- Daily safety, rig, engine, and gas system checks on board
- Decision-making under changing weather and sea conditions
- Preparation for the Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore exam
Successful completion of the Coastal Skipper practical course is considered a stepping stone towards the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam and reduces the minimum sea-time experience required for it.
We are an RYA Registered Training Centre (RTC)
This means that our courses and facilities meet strict quality standards set by the Royal Yachting Association. You will learn in the best conditions and receive training that is recognized and valued worldwide. Trust in certified quality and
Experience and Expertise
Our Chief Instructor, Georg Engleitner, brings many years of international experience. He is not only a passionate sailor but also an experienced educator who conveys his knowledge and enthusiasm in a motivating way. With us, you learn from the best and benefit from practical, first-hand tips that will truly help you at sea. This unique combination of expertise and a global perspective makes all the difference.
Advanced RYA courses
Once you've mastered the basics, even more exciting challenges await you. We also offer advanced RYA courses such as Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Offshore, and Yachtmaster Ocean. These are designed for experienced sailors preparing for demanding offshore voyages or pursuing a professional sailing career. Contact us to learn more about these advanced opportunities.