RYA Day Skipper Theory (Express)

Service Description

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course provides the essential shore-based groundwork required to skipper a cruising yacht safely in familiar coastal waters. Designed for aspiring skippers, active crew, and boat owners, this comprehensive module bridges the gap between basic deck awareness and complete navigational independence. Hosted at our Thameside clubhouse in Central London, the Monday evening format offers a convenient way to study after work without taking leave, allowing you to transition seamlessly from the office into a professional classroom environment. Guided by experienced shore-based instructors, you will master practical chartwork, tidal stream vectors, and coastal passage planning. Rather than focusing purely on exam preparation, the course emphasises actionable seamanship techniques that translate directly to the helm. By course completion, you will possess the theoretical rigour to plan coastal passages, decode meteorological synoptic charts, manage unexpected delays, and skipper a vessel safely during daylight hours. Full Syllabus: • Navigation & Chartwork: Position fixing by visual bearings, dead reckoning (DR), estimated positions (EP), chart symbol interpretation, and electronic chart plotter integration. • Tides & Streams: Calculating tidal heights and stream vectors using the Rule of Twelfths, tidal curves, and tidal diamonds. • Rules of the Road & Safety: Deep-dive analysis of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), IALA buoyage systems, distress alerts, and onboard safety protocols. • Passage Planning & Meteorology: Coastal weather forecast evaluation, harbour pilotage execution, passage plan construction, and daylight coastal navigation. Course Inclusions & Equipment: The course price includes an RYA Day Skipper training pack complete with practice charts, exercise handbook, and course plotters—all of which you keep for ongoing passage planning. Non-member registration also includes a complimentary 3-month temporary club membership for the full duration of the course, granting full access to clubhouse bar and dining facilities as well as club sailing events to help you integrate into the Little Ship Club community. Schedule & Location: • Dates: 3 February 2027 – 3 April 2027 (Wednesdays 19:00–21:00 & Saturdays 09:30–16:30). • Location: Little Ship Club Clubhouse, Bell Wharf Lane, London. Pricing & Membership Terms: • Member Price: £325 • Non-Member Price: £425