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RYA Start Yachting FAQ's

How much will the Start Yachting course cost including exam fees?

This will cost between £199 to £299 depending on the time of year you do it. In high summer sailing schools charge more than the off season.

What will you get out of this course?

This is designed to show you whether you’re going to enjoy sailing. It is designed to show you what sailing is about from steering the boat to the various duties including setting sails, as well as demystifying the language around sailing. If you enjoy it you can progress through the rest of the RYA courses.

You could find yourself bent over the side spewing as soon as you board the boat in the marina and find you have no sea legs… This is a cheap and easy way to find out if you’re the sailing type!

What are my limits on passing the RYA Start Yachting course?

You won’t be able to skipper a boat of any type. You will just have a basic idea what to do, for example, when someone tells you to “haul the sheet” – you won’t be going to the cabin to get the bedding out…

Is it onshore theory, offshore practical or both?

This is purely practical in the form of two day out sailing.

Where can you take the course?

Most yacht sailing schools that run RYA courses will offer this. Use our course search feature to find a participating sailing school near you.

Can you do it in another country?

Yes. Start Yachting courses are run globally, just make sure you are taught by a qualified RYA instructor.

What level of experience do you need before you begin?

No experience at all – the training syllabus is designed to take the complete novice and show them how fun sailing can be.

How long does the course take to complete?

Two full days.

What does the course involve?

You will be taken out to sea and will do various manoeuvres to show you what sailing is about. You will get lunch out of it.

Amongst other basic skills you will learn;

  • Ropework
  • How to manoeuvre
  • Rules of the road
  • Man overboard recovery
  • What clothing and equipment is required 
  • Emergency procedures
  • Meteorology

How do I progress after completing it?

The RYA runs a series of courses that can ultimately teach you as much as you could possibly need to know about sailing. You might stop at Day Skipper but could end up with the world renowned Yachtmaster Ocean.

Does this course give you international accreditation?

No.

Where can I learn more?

Search our website to find qualified instructors, ot take a look at the following resources;

On the RYA website
View the course Syllabus

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