Sail Cruising Pre Course Requirements

The RYA provide pre-requisite guidance or sometimes referred to as Assumed Knowledge, to ensure that all students are best prepared for the next level of training course, within their chosen scheme.

By meeting these requirements, this will ensure that a student or candidate can gain the most out of the training they are undertaking, whilst increasing the chances of successful completion.



Sail Cruising Start Yachting or Competent Crew:                               
This course is an introductory course and requires no Pre Course knowledge or experience.                               

Sail Cruising Day Skipper:
This is the practical course that follows on from the Sail Cruising Competent Crew course.

Candidates should be competent to the standard to that of the RYA Sail Cruising Competent Crew, in addition to the knowledge of Day Skipper Theory.  Although this may be the bare minimum, additional Yacht Sailing practical experience would be beneficial.  It is recommended that Candidates have the following experience: 5 days at Sea, 100 Nautical Miles & 4 Night Hours on a Sail Cruising Yacht.
It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a First Aid and VHF/SRC operator's certificate.


Sail Cruising Coastal Skipper:


This is the practical course that follows on from the Motor Cruising Day Skipper course.

Candidates should be competent to the standard to that of the RYA Sail Cruising Day Skipper in addition to the knowledge of Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Theory.  It is recommended that Candidates have the following experience: 15 days at Sea, 300 Nautical Miles, 8 Night Hours & 2 Days as Skipper of a Sail Cruising Yacht.
It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a First Aid and VHF/SRC operator's certificate.


Sailing Yacht Mileage/Experience Builders, Marina Skills & Sailing Manoeuvres:                                                                   


Although these courses/events are not RYA courses, they are practical on the water events which are designed to enhance an individuals skill levels and provide additional experience, as a follow on to any previous RYA courses addended.  If you are unsure of the suitability, please contact us to discuss.


The minimum required experience to attend these courses/events is to at least that of the RYA Sail Cruising Competent Crew or above. 


RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus & Logbook G158
This Publication will provide students and candidates with the current information for all Sail Cruising and Motor Cruising Courses.

Sail Cruising Pre Course Requirements - Solent Boat Training