RYA Day Skipper Theory Classroom Course From £299 In Southampton

RYA Day Skipper Navigation Theory Course - From £299 - Solent Boat Training

Our RYA Day Skipper Theory Course is available in a choice of formats. We only run classroom based courses because of the large amount of contact time with our experienced instructor, not just watching on screen presentations like many fully online courses offered by online only companies. We also limit our courses to just 8 students per course, rather than the normal 12 students as recommended by the RYA.
We also offer the full range of supporting courses such as Day Skipper Sail, Day Skipper Motorboat & Powerboat up to Advanced Level, so you can build a relationship with a single training centre.

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
5 Days
From: £299.00 Per Person
£249.17

Classroom Based Day Skipper Theory

The first being run over 5 consecutive days, the second being 2 weekends including a Friday making up the 5 days. Available at our Southampton training centre classrooms within Shamrock Quay marina with onsite parking available.

Our course fee includes all the equipment and tools needed to successfully complete the course. Unlimited tea and coffee is included.  Also included within the course fee is the RYA Digital Pack.  This includes: Day Skipper Shorebased Notes, along with the Exercises & Course Information Booklet. (The RYA Digital Pack is sent to your booking email and is issued by the RYA Directly.  If you do not receive your pack prior to the course, please contact the RYA in the first instance).

During the 5 days of the course you will work from 9am to 5pm each day (we do stop for lunch & coffee breaks!) with sessions of instructor lead tuition, followed by exercises to consolidate the new knowledge. Starting with safety and seamanship, then moving onto navigation and more. A small amount of homework will be given each night as we need to meet the 40 hours of tuition guideline.

 

Classroom vs Online RYA Theory Course

  

We Do Not Offer this course online, as we strongly believe that time in the classroom, interacting with other students and our RYA Yachtmaster instructors, will give you the strongest result. Most students find this contact time invaluable. We feel a highly experienced and qualified instructor will explain many areas of the course more clearly than pictures and words alone, whilst adding context and explanation through real life examples. Why pay an average of £300 for computer graphics when you can have a real instructor for the same or less that will bring the subject matter to life.

 

It is also worth noting unless you attend a RYA Recognised Training Centre for Assessments, that your theory completion certificate from an online course, will be marked "NOT INVIGILATED".


This would mean that you could not commercially endorse a RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification.  Please check if this is suitable for your usage, when completing an online course, if in doubt do call for advice.   


Some online course providers do offer an invigilated exam option, usually at an addition fee.  Solent Boat Training classroom courses are always invigilated. Therefore our courses are accepted by all without restriction.

 

Many online providers don`t offer practical courses unlike SBT who offer the full range of courses. So our Day Skipper theory course not only covers the course syllabus but is designed to prepare you for the practical day skipper course. 

In 2022 we saw a big increase in students failing to reach the correct standard on the Day Skipper Practical course, due to weak theory knowledge.  Please note that an online "not invigilated" certificate can not be used to complete an RYA course action plan.

 

RYA Day Skipper Theory Courses In Southampton

 

The RYA Day Skipper Theory Course is an introduction to navigating in familiar waters by day. You will also have a brief introduction to lights in order that you can use these to navigate by night during your Day Skipper Practical Course for power or sail. The course is also suitable for those taking the RYA Intermediate Powerboat course, although not a pre-requisite. 

 

RYA Shorebased Courses Flow Diagram

 

Why Not Do Your Day Skipper Practical Course With Us As Well ?

 

With a fleet of 4 Bavaria 37ft & 38ft sailing yachts we can offer an excellent range of courses, experience building skills days and mileage builders. We firmly believe our training centre has a wealth of resources and experience.

  

RYA Day Skipper Course Syllabus

Subjects covered include:

The Basics of Seamanship
The Essentials of Coastal Navigation and Pilotage
Chart Work & Electronic Charts
Position Fixing
Plotting a Course to Steer
Weather Forecasting & Meteorology
Tides
Collision Regulations
Emergency & Safety Procedures including Distress Calls, the use of Flares, Safety Harnesses, Lifejackets and Liferafts



RYA Day Skipper Theory Customer Reviews

Day Skipper Theory
Weymouth

I’ve just completed a Monday to Friday Day skipper theory course, with Tim as instructor. I can’t praise the instructor or the facilities highly enough. Tim created a real ‘crew’ mindset within the classroom environment, with a great balance of focus and humour that made me look forward to joining the session every morning. And it’s been a while since I’ve been in a classroom! Tim’s experience on the water and obvious enthusiasm, benefited all of us on the course. I took the opportunity to take my VHF SRC exam during the week and whilst I had previous radio experience, the facilities for those with no prior knowledge were tremendous. I met several other members of the staff during my time there and without exception they were all very friendly and helpful. I shall return for another learning experience in the future. Thanks
01/02/2026


Day Skipper Theory
Solent Boat Training

The split weekend 5 day course really helped to consolidate the learning, as having time between the weekends helped to review and lock-in some key learning points. The delivery of the course was very professional and took into account the cognitive process of learning for the different students. Real practical examples were used to ensure the theory was applied to real situations, which helped deepen the understanding. The instructor was so patient and really cared that we enjoyed the learning experience.
26/01/2026

Day Skipper Theory

"A 'Doff of my cap' to SBT for their well structured and delivered DS theory course. Sean our instructor has a wealth of practical knowledge and added real training value to the theory. There were periods my brain hurt and id forgotten my own name but a raise of a hand was met with help and support needed. A great learning environment and positive learning experience. Thank you SBT."  SBT Reviews 



01/12/2021

RYA VHF Radio Course

RYA VHF SRC Radio

 
RYA Day Skipper Sailing Practical Course Solent Boat Training

RYA Day Skipper Practical - Sailing

 
RYA Day Skipper Practical - Motorboat

RYA Day Skipper Practical - Motorboat

 
RYA Intermediate Powerboat Course - Solent Boat Training - From £249

RYA Powerboat Level 3 - Intermediate

 
RYA First Aid at Sea

RYA First Aid at Sea

 
Marine Diesel Engine Course Solent Boat Training

RYA Marine Diesel Engine Course