At HPSS we deliver high quality, personalised training courses that allow you to learn to sail using the world renowned RYA training scheme.

We have put together the following to help you work out which course is best for you.

The RYA training scheme is designed in such a way that in order to learn to sail safely and successfully, further experience is recommended before advancing to the next level.

This can be achieved in many of ways. For those that have achieved Day Skipper Practical qualification or higher why not charter a yacht from us and really put those skills into practice. Alternatively joining us for a distance cruise or cross channel weekend will help increase your confidence and build your mileage in new and exciting cruising grounds.

Don’t forget that you are very welcome along at any time just for a refresher or even just to get away from it all and go sailing, you don’t have to be booked on a specific course. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn to sail you are assured of a warm welcome from all of us!

Level

Type

Course

Pre Course Knowledge

Ability After Course

Beginner

Practical

RYA Start Yachting Taster Weekend (Practical)

None

Your initial taster to start learning to sail and becoming a knowledgeable and useful crew member

Beginner

Practical

RYA Competent Crew

None

Knowledgeable and useful crew member

Beginner

Online

RYA Online Essential Navigation and Seamanship

None

Basic introduction to navigation and safety which is aimed at users of small day boats and RIBs

Beginner

Shorebased or online

RYA Day Skipper Theory

Some practical experience desirable

Theoretical knowledge of basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology

Beginner

Practical

RYA Day Skipper

Basic knowledge of navigation to the level of the Day Skipper Theory Course and basic sailing ability. 5 Days sailing, 100 miles, 4 night hours.

Learn to sail and skipper small yachts in familiar waters by day

Intermediate

Shorebased or online

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory

Practical experience desirable. Navigation to Day Skipper theory standard.

Theoretical knowledge of offshore and coastal navigation, pilotage and meteorology

Intermediate

Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper

15 Days (2 days as skipper), 300 miles, 8 night hours, navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster theory standard; sailing to Day Skipper standard

Can begin to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night

Intermediate

Practical

*RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep + MCA/RYA Exam

30 Days (2 days as skipper) , 800 miles, 12 night hours, Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster theory standard, VHF/SRC licence, First Aid certificate

Has the knowledge and ability to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but not necessarily the experience needed to undertake longer passages. Has the same theoretical knowledge as a Yachtmaster but not as much practical experience to enable him or her to perform as smoothly or consistently

Advanced

Practical

*RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep + MCA/RYA Exam

50 Days (5 days as skipper); 2500 miles; 5 passages over 60 miles (including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper); Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster theory standard; VHF/SRC licence; first aid certificate

A Yachtmaster Offshore candidate is competent to skipper a yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from a harbour

Advanced

Shorebased or online

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory

Coastal and offshore sailing; Navigation to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory standard

Has the theoretical knowledge of astro navigation, ocean meteorology and passage planning to undertake an ocean passage

* It is strongly recommended that you take a preparation course prior to taking the practical examinations.

Student Comments

Friendly welcome. All staff helpful. Relaxed atmosphere. Instructors gave clear explanations of safety equipment and how to perform tasks expected of crew. Very tolerant of mistakes made. Encouraged us to Continue Reading

Rod 23rd July 2019

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