Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam

Overview

Duration: 5 Days + 2 Exam Days

Cost: €875 + (RYA set Examiners Fee, £200 for Coastal, £231 for Offshore) + Examiners Expenses (roughly €30)

There are two levels of Yachtmaster qualification that you can be assessed for. Our preparatory week is designed to assist you to prepare for each assessment.

  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency, which is one of the most prestigious sailing achievements to gain.

Our preparation course is designed to ensure that those who choose to go forward and take the examination have the best possible chance of passing first time.  The intensive week is used to practise all manoeuvres both power and sail and also to hone all navigational skills by day and night.  There is a residential option if required.

To pass the practical exam, a skipper must display the capability to handle a yacht in all conditions and effectively skipper the boat avoiding all dangers and taking many variables into account.

Programme Dates 2024

  • Prep Week 1: Monday 15th to Friday 19th January, Exam Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st January – Booked Out
  • Prep Week 2: Monday 1st to Friday 5th April, Exam Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April – Booked Out
  • Prep Week 3: Tuesday 29th October to Saturday 2nd November, Exam Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th November

Bookings can only be made over the phone on 01 2844195 as we prefer to chat with each candidate prior to undertaking the programme.

Some of What’s Covered

Please note the preparatory week is designed to fine tune skills, not to teach new ones.

  • Intricate Passage Planning
  • Preparation for Offshore Passages
  • Pilotage plans for entering into harbours and coves by day and night
  • In depth skippering including all responsibilities
  • Advanced Yacht Handling under power
  • Heavy weather sailing and preparation
  • Understanding how to abandon a vessel.

Our cancellation policy for this course can be viewed here.

Candidate Preparation

This programme culminates in a high-level examination of practical boat handling skills, theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to the circumstances you are in. The first things that we advise candidates to consider is whether their theoretical knowledge and skills are to the standard of the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course (syllabus outlined below). The Yachtmaster Examinations do not require a course completion certificate as proof of competency on this, instead you’ll be expected to demonstrate it.

Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course Content

Position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer.

Pre-Requisites

Candidates need to have with them during the examination:

  • A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
  • An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.
  • Photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license

Application Form

You’ll need to complete the following application form before the examination, ideally before commencing the preparatory week. This requires a passport size photo:

Please print and bring this completed form with you on the first day of the course.

Qualification Pre-Requirements

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency

  • A Radio Operator’s Qualification: GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher
  • A valid first aid certificate
  • Sea time – 800 miles logged within 10 years prior to examination, 30 days living on board, two days as skipper and 12 night hours. Half of the qualifying sea time must have been accrued in tidal waters.

For holders of the Coastal Skipper Practical Course Completion Certificate the seatime requirement is 400 miles, 20 days living on board, 12 night hours and two days as skipper. Half of the qualifying sea time must have been accrued in tidal waters.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency

  • A Radio Operator’s Qualification: GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher,
  • A valid first aid certificate
  • Sea time – 50 days, 2,500 miles which includes at least 5 passages over 60 miles – with the candidate acing as skipper for at least two of these passages and two that have involved overnight passages. The candidate must have a minimum of five days as skipper. Half of the qualifying seatime must have been accrued in tidal waters.

Trainee candidates looking to build sea time are advised to undertake a coastal skipper qualification. Please ensure to have records of your qualifying passages ready in advance of the course commencement. Please see the RYA’s notes on Qualifying Passages.

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    Reviews

    star rating  Very friendly staff and great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend for a day out or lessons. Paddle board and kayak rentals are lots of fun.

    Sean
    June 1, 2020

    star rating  Really lovely staff, super friendly. Would highly recommend the kayak and paddle board rentals! Great with a small group or big group.

    Megan C
    June 1, 2020

    star rating  I would recommend anyone looking to improve their skills to attend this course. Excellent facilities, boats and really good instruction. Good craic with the group too. Will definitely do this... read more

    avatar thumb kierann
    December 5, 2022