RYA Practical Courses
Learn to have full control of your boat and earn the most recognized qualification for recreational sailors worldwide.
Top Instructors
The absolute best in their field
Revamped System
Focused on developing practical skills
RYA Certificate
The most respected qualification in the world
Course overview
Our RYA courses focus on handling recreational sailing yachts up to 24 meters in length. During the course, you will not only learn what a skilled skipper needs to know but also put it into practice—all under the guidance of a patient and experienced instructor. Our graduates are well-prepared for a career as a recreational skipper, and we also provide many opportunities for further development.
Experienced sailors do not have to start from the beginning of the training scheme—simply choose the level that matches your experience and embark on a high-quality learning journey. We guarantee that you will learn something new that will make your sailing life easier.
For those interested in becoming professional skippers, we also offer the possibility of obtaining a Commercial Endorsement—a certification issued by the UK’s MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), allowing you to operate vessels for commercial purposes.
Our courses place a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency, which are inherently linked to the ability to communicate with all relevant parties at sea. As this is a British certification, at least a basic level of English communication is required.
RYA Competent Crew
Step into the world of sailing the right way. Learn to move safely and efficiently on board right from the start.
None
Ability to steer, handle sails, maintain situational awareness, and assist with all daily onboard activities.
RYA Day Skipper Theory
Comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology, and the fundamentals of good seamanship.
At least some experience with sailing
Fundamentals of coastal navigation and boat management, including chart plotting, position fixing, course setting, weather forecasting, tides and currents, as well as International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS).
RYA Day Skipper Practical
Learn the basics of safe, efficient, and responsible boat handling, as well as how to command your crew.
Theoretical knowledge equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Theory
Practical experience with sailing at sea
Can command a recreational sailing yacht in familiar waters.
RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachmaster Theory
Advanced course for experienced skippers who want to safely navigate coastal and offshore passages.
Theoretical knowledge at the Day Skipper Theory level, practical experience in maritime sailing
In-depth understanding of navigation, meteorology, tides and currents, pilotage, passage planning, and electronic navigation techniques.
RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
A course for those who already have some sailing and navigation knowledge and want to undertake coastal voyages by day and night.
Theoretical knowledge equivalent to RYA Yachtmaster Theory
Practical skills at least at the level of an RYA Day Skipper graduate
15 days at sea, 2 as skipper, 300 nautical miles sailed, 8 hours of night sailing
Recommended: Short Range Certificate (VHF license) and RYA Sea Survival Course
Qualified to command a yacht on coastal voyages, both day and night.
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal + RYA/MCA exam
Holders of this certificate possess all the knowledge required to command a yacht on longer coastal passages.
Theoretical knowledge equivalent to RYA Yachtmaster Theory
30 days at sea, 2 as skipper, 800 nautical miles sailed (at least half in tidal waters), 12 hours of night sailing
Mandatory: VHF license and at least basic English communication skills
Recommended: RYA Sea Survival Course and RYA First Aid Course
Can lead a yacht in coastal waters by day and night. Holds theoretical knowledge equivalent to Yachtmaster Offshore but may lack offshore sailing experience.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore + RYA/MCA exam
A skipper with this qualification is capable of leading a sailing yacht on voyages that do not require knowledge of celestial navigation.
Theoretical knowledge at the RYA Yachtmaster Theory level.
50 days at sea (5 as skipper), 2,500 nautical miles sailed (at least half in tidal waters), 5 passages over 60 nautical miles (including 2 at night and 2 as skipper)
Mandatory: VHF license and proficiency in English for maritime communication
Recommended: RYA Sea Survival, RYA First Aid, and Diesel Engine courses
Skipper schopný velet rekreační plachetnici na jakékoliv plavbě, na které není nutná znalost astronavigace
FAQ
What is the validity of an RYA certification?
Every country has the sovereign right to determine which certifications are valid for sailing in its waters. However, RYA is widely recognized as the best certification for recreational sailors—not only for its well-known emphasis on quality education but also for the authority it carries as a certification from a maritime powerhouse with a long history of yachting achievements. With over 150 years of refining its training methodology, RYA offers one of the most effective and respected educational systems in the world.
What is the difference between RYA and other certifications (C, B, A)?
The RYA training system is designed for those who want to learn and grow, so it places minimal restrictions on you. There are no distance limits from shore—RYA certificates indicate what you are capable of, not what you are forbidden to do. However, they emphasize common sense, encouraging sailors to recognize their limits and strive for continuous improvement.
RYA instructors undergo extensive training, and earning this qualification is not only a testament to their high-level sailing skills but also to their ability to teach effectively with a human approach. They must renew their certification every 5 years, ensuring that the knowledge they pass on is always up-to-date and technically correct.
RYA je též známá svým důrazem na kvalitu vzdělání a jakožto certifikace britské námořní velmoci je i celosvětově akceptováná a uznávaná.
What can I expect from RYA courses?
- Truly individual approach – our practical courses have a maximum of 5 students per group.
- Strong emphasis on hands-on experience – students perform all maneuvers themselves, with the instructor taking the helm only in essential or demonstrative moments.
- Focus on safety – not just personal safety, but also the safety of the entire crew.
- Thorough training in both basic and emergency maneuvers.
- Logical, easy-to-follow, and memorable procedures for all operations.
- All activities and procedures are conducted in line with best maritime practices.
What is the difference between a "Captain" and a "Skipper"?
Asi jako při studiu medicíny – „kapitánem“ se stanete po mnohaletém studiu s atestací, „skipperem“ po úspěšném absolvování kurzu první pomoci. Z úcty ke vzdělání a vědomostem kapitánů referujeme na našich stránkách k jednotlivým licencím jako „skipperským“ – i protože náš jazyk nepozná jiný, přesnější výraz. Ale mluvíme zde také o kvalifikacích oprávňujících Vás k charteru rekreační námořní plachetnice, podobně jako ty které notoricky znáte jako „kapitánské“.
Do I have to start with RYA Competent Crew, even if I am an experienced sailor?
Each course description includes recommended prior experience. If your skills meet the required level, you can confidently enroll in your chosen course straight away.
What does the exam consist of?
Na kurzech RYA Day Skipper a RYA Coastal Skipper není žádna formální zkouška, jde o tzv. „assesment“. Instruktor tedy s Vámi postupně probírá všechno potřebné, spolu hodnotíte a konzultujete Vaše dovednosti a na základě zlepšování a dosahování předepsaných standardů se na závěr týdne rozhodne o udělení certifikace. Jelikož naši instruktoři jsou opravdu špičkou ve svém oboru, počet neúspěšných kandidátů je veskrze minimální.
Při certifikaci RYA Yachtmaster nastoupí na palubu v závěrečné 2 dny kurzu externí zkoušející, který zadáva komplexní úlohy ze všech oblastí, které musí takový adept ovládat a na základě jejich splnění udělí daný certifikát. Všechny tyto znalosti a dovednosti umíte v rámci našich kurzů (teoretických a praktických) získat.
Do I need to complete the theoretical course before the practical one?
Pro udělení praktického certifikátu je nutná znalost teorie v potřebném rozsahu. Jestli ji ovládáte z předešlé praxe, nebo absolvujete teoretický kurz u nás je Vašim rozhodnutím. Výhoda teoretického vzdělání u nás je že jde absolvovat i online z pohodlí domova a doporučujeme ji hlavně pro její přehlednost a efektivitu, jelikož její součástí jsou i názorné animace, simulace a nahrávky – funguje to mnohem lépe než samostudium nad knihami. Apelujeme ale hlavně na to, abyste na kurz přišli již s potřebnými teoretickými znalostmi, jakkoliv je získáte. Když už budete mít k dispozici plachetnici k praktickému tréninku, je opravdu škoda trávit čas v podpalubí nad teorií
Why choose RYA education?
The path you take is entirely up to you, but if you choose RYA, you are guaranteed high-quality, structured education focused on practical skill development from the very start. This approach prevents the need to unlearn bad habits later in your sailing career. Why take a gamble when you can choose a proven system that ensures success?
What if I’m already a certified skipper but want to improve my skills or don’t yet feel confident skippering my own boat?
Our school goes beyond just skipper courses, offering a truly comprehensive sailing education. In addition to RYA-certified courses, our portfolio includes:
Training voyages in unique sailing destinations and challenging conditions
Specialized emergency skills courses, including sea survival and first aid in remote areas
– Sail trimming and competitive sailing courses to refine your technique
– Opportunities for regular sailing practice through courses or independent training on a dedicated training yacht
– Corporate regattas, team-building events, and recreational sailing experiences at the Marina Liptov resort
Tell us your sailing aspirations, and we will turn them into reality.