This is our most popular skipper-training programme. It offers a reliable route to the RYA/MCA or RYA/YA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore & Master of Yachts 200gt certificate.
This is the benchmark for commercial skippers entering the professional yachting industry.
The training is eligible for UK Armed Forces resettlement funding for service leavers. Approved for Enhanced Learning Credits.
This course is suitable for experienced sailors and newcomers alike. Candidates with previous experience will find they are fully stretched, while the flexible, modular programme allows beginners to progress at their own rate. The course is delivered in three parts.
Part 1 (Pro Crew Training) is a UK-based, six week foundation course. Periods of training ashore in Cowes alternate with time spent living and learning on board a Beneteau 40.7 sailing yacht.
The shorebased syllabus in Part 1 includes: Vessel familiarisation / Navigation and pilotage/ Rules and regulations / Safety and seamanship / Food safety and hygiene on board / Basic yacht maintenance / Diesel engine maintenance / Marine radio techniques / Weather forecasting
You will complete five days of STCW95 Basic Safety Training which includes: Simulated emergencies / First aid at sea / Sea survival techiques / Safety and duty of care / Fire prevention and fire fighting
On this date Part 1 leads straight into Part 2 (Coastal Skipper Training): a further six weeks based at Cowes in the UK. Famed as the birthplace of yacht racing, Cowes offers sheltered sailing in the Solent and a tidal pattern to challenge the navigator.
For powerboating and dinghy sailing we fly you to our training base at Vassiliki, Greece, to enjoy a week training in the Mediterranean sun.
Practical training in Part 2 includes: Sail trimming / Boat handling under sail and power / Passage planning / Navigation, port entry and pilotage / Passage making and skippered passages / Crew management offshore / Watch keeping / Safety and emergency drills / Dinghy sailing / RIB (small powerboat) driving
The Part 2 theory syllabus covers: Passage planning / Yacht and crew preparation / Advanced navigation and chartwork / GPS and electronic aids / Meteorology / Tidal heights and streams/ Aspects of oceanography / Vessel stability / Safety equipment and procedures / Collision Regulations (IRPCS)
The final section of Part 2 is a series of offshore passages from Cowes to France, the Channel Islands and Southern Ireland. At this time of year the English Channel and Irish Sea provide wonderfully varied conditions. You can hope to enjoy sunbathing on the foredeck as well as the challenge of sailing in heavy weather.
By the end of Part 2 you will have enjoyed travel, training, teamwork and adventure. You will understand the basics of racing and have experienced the excitement of competition. You can now expect to be fully confident taking charge of a sailing yacht and its crew in coastal waters.
At your debrief you will plan the date and location of your Part 3 Yachtmaster assessment. Part 3 takes place over two weeks in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent in southern England, including a one-day practical exam for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. Dates are also available in Sydney if you prefer a warmer climate.
For more information on the training locations, our fleet and the accommodation, use the Destinations link above left.
Briefing in Cowes at 17:00 on the start date, Sunday - Part 1 finishes by 18:00 on Sat 11 Jun - Fly London/Preveza Sun 12 Jun - Part 2 starts in Greece on Mon 13 Jun - Fly Preveza/London Sun 19 Jun - Part 2 continues in Cowes on Mon 20 Jun - Part 2 finishes on Fri 22 Jul - Depart on the end date, Saturday - (Dates shown here do not include Part 3 which may be taken up to a year later)
Availability
Available
Not for you?
What you get
Resettlement funding for UK Forces 2,500 sea miles logged RYA Competent Crew RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory RYA Day Skipper Practical Yacht maintenance course RYA Diesel Engine RYA Short Range Radio (GMDSS/DSC) CIEH Food Safety Level 2 STCW 95 Elementary First Aid STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques STCW 95 Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities STCW 95 Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting RYA Powerboat Level 2 MCA Yacht Rating Spinnaker handling course RYA Dinghy Level 1 Start Sailing RYA Yachtmaster Theory RYA Coastal Skipper course RYA qualifying passage(s) RYA/MCA or RYA/YA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore & Master of Yachts 200gt (150nm)
Before you start
If you start the course as a beginner you can expect to log all the miles and passages needed for the exam. We may recommend that you take a break between Part 2 and Part 3 to build your confidence and experience
If you join us having logged some miles and time on yachts you can expect to leave as a confident, qualified Yachtmaster Offshore & Master of Yachts 200gt
If you are already a confident Day Skipper, see our Yachtmaster/Master of Yachts Fast-track course
What next
After Part 3 be prepared to go for a straightforward medical to support commercial endorsement of your Yachtmaster certificate. This is mandatory if you intend to work professionally and if you want your certificate to be STCW-compliant as Master of Yachts 200gt
To achieve the MCA Yacht Rating Certificate you need evidence of two months service on a vessel over 15m, to be presented to the MCA with your Competent Crew, Day Skipper and STCW 95 qualifications
As a commercially endorsed RYA/MCA or RYA/YA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore & Master of Yachts 200gt you will be approved to take charge of a sailing vessel up to 200 gross tonnes, on offshore passages up to 150 miles from a safe haven
In Australia you are entitled to a NSW Coxswain's certificate, on presentation of your Yachtmaster and STCW 95 qualifications to NSW Maritime
Your immediate job prospects include flotilla skipper in the Mediterranean, charter skipper in Australia, Europe or the US, superyacht deckhand or delivery crew anywhere in the world
Consider following this course with our Master of Yachts Part 4 leading to a Yachtmaster Ocean & Master of Yachts 200gt Unrestricted certificate. This opens up skipper positions on large yachts, working for private owners and on ocean deliveries. Part 4 may be taken before or after Part 3
Alternatively, join our Cruising Instructor course to teach yachting
Included in the price
A shared room in self-catering accommodation ashore, round trip flight UK/Greece, meals on yachts, equipment, publications, tuition and exam fees in the UK
Ground transport costs between Cowes and London Gatwick are not included
Single occupancy on request
The course price includes Yachtmaster Part 3 (Yachtmaster Offshore). A separate date should be booked for this two week live aboard course, with additional travel insurance if required. If you join Part 3 in Australia a fee of approximately AUD 465 is payable to the RYA examiner
