10 Essentials for RYA Day Skipper Practical
Check List
If you are heading towards becoming the Skipper, ensuring you have the right kit for your time aboard is important. The RYA Day Skipper Practical Course is designed to give you the additional knowledge, experience and management skills required by a Skipper.
Whether you are sailing from Southampton, Portsmouth, Gosport, Hamble or the Isle of Wight, having a full understanding of your responsibilities as the Skipper is imperative.
Being fully prepared and having the correct mindset, will ensure you have an enjoyable experience during your time on the water, as well as maximising your chances of success.
Top 10 Essentials
1. Pre-Course Preparation:
Revise Day Skipper Theory: Collision Regulations, Weather, Tides (heights an streams), Pilotage (Buoyage), Basic Seamanship, Knots and Points of Sail.
2. Soft Sided Duffel Bag or Holdall - No Hard Suitcases (Sailing Practical Courses Only)
Space on a yacht is very limited. A collapsible, soft-sided bag (50-70 litre capacity) can be folded and stowed away in a locker or cupboard. Hard suitcases with wheels are 'not suitable' forms of luggage and can cause damage to a boats interior. 3. Footwear
You will need shoes or boots with white or light-coloured rubber soles. "Non-marking" is the keyword; black marks or streaks on surfaces or decks, can be damaging to boat materials and have long term effects. Ordinary Wellington Boots are not suitable, due to the lack of grip. Non-marking Trainer type shoes are generally suitable.
Please ensure you also refer to your "Course Joining Instructions" for full details of equipment required.
- Pro Tip: Bring a separate pair of footwear, for walking ashore or when not at sea.
4. Layered Clothing (The 3-Layer Rule)
Even in the middle of Summer, the Solent can create a noticeable wind chill effect.- Base-Layer: Moisture-wicking Long sleeve or T-Shirt (avoid Cotton)
- Mid-Layer: A warm insulating layer or number of layers (fleece or down)
- Outer-Layer: Waterproof and Windproof, known as "Oilskins or Foul Weather Gear" (these are provided by SBT)
5. Sleeping Bag and Pillow (Sailing Practical Courses Only)
Our Sailing Courses are Residential (once you leave our home base, we will not be returning daily), meaning you will sleep on the boat. Bring a mid-season sleeping bag (3-Season if you like to be snug) and a pillow with pillow case. If you prefer a quilt rather than a sleeping bag, a single sheet will also be required to cover the mattress.
6. Navigation & Notes
Notebook, Pencils, Plotter, Dividers, Theory Notes, RYA Yahtmaster Scheme Logbook.
7. Documents
Passport sized photograph, ID (driving licence/passport), RYA Certificates (relevant to Pre-Course requirements), Medical Information, Emergency Contact Details.
8. Personal Toiletries Quick-Dry Towels (Sailing Practical Courses Only)
Marina showers are always welcoming after a long day at sea, but traditional cotton towels never dry on a boat. Bring a microfibre quick-dry towel and travel-sized toiletries to save space. Most Marina Facilities have hairdryers for those that require them. Don't forget any Medication you might require for the duration.
9. Power Bank & USB Cables
Yachts run on 12V battery power while sailing. While all of our boats do have charging facilities onboard, they are limited and comparatively slow, (compared to what you might be used to). Battery banks provide a useful means of charging whilst at sea and can then be recharged whilst ashore in the evenings.
10. Sea Sickness Remedies
The Solent is generally sheltered, but the well know "Solent Chop" can catch beginners out. Even if you don't usually suffer from travel sickness, we would recommend that you bring non-drowsy travel sickness tablets (such as Stugeron) and take them before you leave the dock, if you are prone to motion sickness.
Quick Check Packing List
• Warm Layers & Quick Drying Clothing
• Deck Shoes or Sailing Boots
• Sailing Gloves, Hat & Sunglasses
• RYA Certificates and Passport Photo (Physical Not Digital)
• Notebook, Pencils, Navigation Tools.
• Toiletries and Quick Dry Towel
• Power Bank & Charger
• Personal Medication & Seasickness Remedies
• Sun Protection SPF 50+
• Packed Lunch for Day 1
