All photographs on this website have been taken by us on and around the spectacular Firth of Clyde.
WELCOME TO BRITSAIL
We are a family-owned and operated RYA Training Centre operating out of Kip Marina, Inverkip, Scotland's Premier Marina. We offer a full range of RYA practical, classroom, and online courses, including Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster, Radio Marine (VHF), CEVNI, PPR, ICC, First Aid Cat 2, all the way up to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean. We can also deliver on-premise theory and full-boat practical bookings for individuals, families, companies, schools and clubs.
For those looking for classroom-based courses on the Scottish East Coast as a precursor to a practical course with us on the Scottish West Coast, we recommend our partner and friends at Edinburgh Marine Academy in South Queensferry.
We started Britsail because we enjoy meeting people from all walks of life while introducing them to sailing or supporting their continued sailing aspirations as much as we enjoy sailing ourselves.
We are a friendly bunch and believe we are delivering a very personal touch, so drop us an email or give us a call, and we'll do anything we can to help you get out on the water and have as much fun learning as we do instructing!!
Happy sailing
Deborah Gulliver
Britsail Principal & RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor
For those looking for classroom-based courses on the Scottish East Coast as a precursor to a practical course with us on the Scottish West Coast, we recommend our partner and friends at Edinburgh Marine Academy in South Queensferry.
We started Britsail because we enjoy meeting people from all walks of life while introducing them to sailing or supporting their continued sailing aspirations as much as we enjoy sailing ourselves.
We are a friendly bunch and believe we are delivering a very personal touch, so drop us an email or give us a call, and we'll do anything we can to help you get out on the water and have as much fun learning as we do instructing!!
Happy sailing
Deborah Gulliver
Britsail Principal & RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor
Join our Cruising Club WhatsApp Group to be the first to receive discounted offers, special member sailing weekends and whatever else we can come up with to get you out on the water.
A picture speaks a thousand words, so as we are too busy sailing to write a thousand words, we have started to load our course photos to Instagram so that you can see for yourself what a Britsail course looks like.
We are often asked where we sail during our courses, so rather than telling you, we thought we would show you by sharing our personal Strava feed… but sometimes we use it for other stuff!
We post photos, videos, course advertisements, special offers and much much more on our Facebook page, so give is a Follow and keep in touch with what we haver going on at Kip Marina and out on the water.
Practical Courses
While many of our costs have increased since we set our 2024 prices, we have decided it is too much of a hassle to update our website, so we will not be increasing our prices for the 2025 season. Okay, that's not the real reason; unlike everything else, we just thought we would give you lovely potential crew mates one thing that isn't going to go up in price over the coming twelve months :-)
Course Dates
WEEKDAY Course Description
Booking
OUR 2025 SEASON WILL BE STARTING ON SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH, WITH OUR FIRST 5-DAY RYA COMPETENT CREW AND DAY SKIPPER COURSE RUNNING FROM SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH UNTIL FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH.
Course Dates
WEEKEND Course Description
Booking
OUR 2025 SEASON WILL BE STARTING ON SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH, WITH OUR FIRST WEEKEND RYA START YACHTING, COMPETENT CREW AND DAY SKIPPER COURSE RUNNING FROM FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH UNTIL SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH.
* Note, Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses require three weekends to complete.
Classroom Courses
We continue to add classroom courses throughout the season. If there is a particular course that you are looking for, get in touch, and we will see what we can do to support you.
Calendars
If you don't see the course you are looking for on the date you wish to join us, get in touch and we will do everything we can do to support you.
Why choose BRITSAIL…?
While we could implement an automated booking system, we prefer to engage with everyone who wishes to sail on a one-to-one basis first, whether through email, WhatsApp or verbally, to ensure that we offer the best possible support for your sailing aspirations. This may take a little more time and effort on both sides, but this initial human interaction delivers the best possible outcome for everyone.
Unlike many other training centres, we have no intention of emulating a low-cost airline, so, at Britsail, the listed price of all of our RYA Scheduled Practical courses, Mile Builders and Experience Builders, is always the price you pay.
Unlike many other training centres, we have no intention of emulating a low-cost airline, so, at Britsail, the listed price of all of our RYA Scheduled Practical courses, Mile Builders and Experience Builders, is always the price you pay.
- You don't get a random freelance instructor; you get Deborah or one of our friends who happens to instruct for us. We can confirm the instructor before you book if you like.
- We don't charge for using our coastal sailing waterproofs (saving up to £25 per week).
- We don't expect the students to cover the cost of moorings and marinas during the week (saving £35-£45 per night between students). During a five-day course, we aim to use marinas for three nights and moorings for two nights so that you qualify, having experienced both, with the choice of overnight stops being the student's decision, with some guidance from the instructor and a nudge from the weather!
- While you may choose to eat onshore during the week, we cater for eating on board every night rather than making an assumption and catering accordingly.
- We don't charge extra for fuel used during your time onboard.
- While we expect all students to treat our gear as if it were their own, accidents do happen, so we don't charge students for any accidental damage.
- The cost of running a course doesn't change significantly during the year, so we don't ramp up prices during the summer months just because we could charge more due to the higher demand.
- We don't cut our courses short; some sailing schools are back in base by as early as noon on the final day of sailing.
Sailing Practical and Theory Courses
Practical Course Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the courses and what is included in the price?
We try to keep it simple… all of our scheduled courses* are priced at £120 per day, so £240 for a weekend and £600 for a 5-day course. To keep it simple, unlike some training centres, that price is all-inclusive and includes instructor time, accommodation, all onboard meals, drinks, snacks, mooring/ marina fees, fuel and use of our sailing waterproofs. The only additional cost would be if the crew decided to go ashore for a wee shandy…
* The RYA Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam week is costed slightly differently.
We try to keep it simple… all of our scheduled courses* are priced at £120 per day, so £240 for a weekend and £600 for a 5-day course. To keep it simple, unlike some training centres, that price is all-inclusive and includes instructor time, accommodation, all onboard meals, drinks, snacks, mooring/ marina fees, fuel and use of our sailing waterproofs. The only additional cost would be if the crew decided to go ashore for a wee shandy…
* The RYA Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam week is costed slightly differently.
Where do you sail?
Where we sail during any given week or weekend depends heavily on the weather, but in general, we have the whole of the spectacular Firth of Clyde as a playground. One weekend courses, we are generally limited to a distance of 25-35 miles of Kip Marina on the Saturday as we need to get back on the Sunday.
On an RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course 5-day weekday course, we can reach almost anywhere on the Firth of Clyde given the appropriate weather and wind conditions, spending time around the islands of Bute and Arran and often venturing as far south as Campbelltown on the Kintyre Peninsular.
On the RYA Coastal Skipper course, a 5-day weekday course, with a need to complete longer passages, we aim to escape the Firth of Clyde, heading over to Northern Ireland or up to the islands of Islay and Gigha. RYA Competent Crew students are most welcome to crew on our RYA Coastal Skipper courses on the understanding that there may be a few longer days than on the standard RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course.
Where we sail during any given week or weekend depends heavily on the weather, but in general, we have the whole of the spectacular Firth of Clyde as a playground. One weekend courses, we are generally limited to a distance of 25-35 miles of Kip Marina on the Saturday as we need to get back on the Sunday.
On an RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course 5-day weekday course, we can reach almost anywhere on the Firth of Clyde given the appropriate weather and wind conditions, spending time around the islands of Bute and Arran and often venturing as far south as Campbelltown on the Kintyre Peninsular.
On the RYA Coastal Skipper course, a 5-day weekday course, with a need to complete longer passages, we aim to escape the Firth of Clyde, heading over to Northern Ireland or up to the islands of Islay and Gigha. RYA Competent Crew students are most welcome to crew on our RYA Coastal Skipper courses on the understanding that there may be a few longer days than on the standard RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course.
What time do I need to be there?
Our weekend courses start at 7:30pm each Friday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marina, running through until 3-4pm on Sunday afternoon.
Our 5-day weekday courses start at 7:30pm each Sunday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marine, running through until between 3-4pm on the Friday afternoon.
Note, we can offer some flexibility if a 7:30pm meeting time is a challenge, with the option to arrive later in the evening (within reason) or at the latest to join the rest of the crew for breakfast at 8am.
Our weekend courses start at 7:30pm each Friday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marina, running through until 3-4pm on Sunday afternoon.
Our 5-day weekday courses start at 7:30pm each Sunday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marine, running through until between 3-4pm on the Friday afternoon.
Note, we can offer some flexibility if a 7:30pm meeting time is a challenge, with the option to arrive later in the evening (within reason) or at the latest to join the rest of the crew for breakfast at 8am.
What is a typical course itinerary?
While every week and weekend is different, a general plan looks something like this…
First Evening
7:30pm - Meet at our classroom, sort out the food for the weekend/ week, grab your set of waterproofs, then head down to the yacht.
8:00pm - A basic briefing of the yacht, including use of the heads, where the exits are, where the fire-fighting equipment is, and as importantly, where the kettle and biscuits are stored.
8:30pm onward - Get the kettle on, open the biscuits and get the charges out. With support from the instructor, skipper students will then work together to establish a high-level plan for the weekend/ week based on weather, wind, tide and crew members, with non-skipper students getting involved as much or as little as they wish and a more detailed plan for the first day.
First Day
8:00am - Breakfast while listening to the Coastal Guard weather and safety briefing on the VHF at 8:10am.
8:45am - A full safety briefing and yacht familiarization.
10:00am onward - Leave Kip Marina and go sailing.
Sailing activity during each day on the water will depend on the course(s) being delivered. Each evening during the course will be spent at a marina or on a mooring, based on the plan created by the skipper students. There will be an opportunity to explore ashore when at a marina and with the use of the yacht's tender when on a mooring.
Last Day
Approx. 2-3pm - Arrive back at Kip Marina. Pack personal belongings and clean the yacht.
Approx. 3-4pm - Complete a course debrief, fill in logbooks and issue certificates (as appropriate).
While every week and weekend is different, a general plan looks something like this…
First Evening
7:30pm - Meet at our classroom, sort out the food for the weekend/ week, grab your set of waterproofs, then head down to the yacht.
8:00pm - A basic briefing of the yacht, including use of the heads, where the exits are, where the fire-fighting equipment is, and as importantly, where the kettle and biscuits are stored.
8:30pm onward - Get the kettle on, open the biscuits and get the charges out. With support from the instructor, skipper students will then work together to establish a high-level plan for the weekend/ week based on weather, wind, tide and crew members, with non-skipper students getting involved as much or as little as they wish and a more detailed plan for the first day.
First Day
8:00am - Breakfast while listening to the Coastal Guard weather and safety briefing on the VHF at 8:10am.
8:45am - A full safety briefing and yacht familiarization.
10:00am onward - Leave Kip Marina and go sailing.
Sailing activity during each day on the water will depend on the course(s) being delivered. Each evening during the course will be spent at a marina or on a mooring, based on the plan created by the skipper students. There will be an opportunity to explore ashore when at a marina and with the use of the yacht's tender when on a mooring.
Last Day
Approx. 2-3pm - Arrive back at Kip Marina. Pack personal belongings and clean the yacht.
Approx. 3-4pm - Complete a course debrief, fill in logbooks and issue certificates (as appropriate).
Can I come along if I don't want to complete a course?
Yes, all courses are open to anyone wishing to accompany another student completing an RYA course or just as a personal experience, experience builder and/ or mile-builder.
Yes, all courses are open to anyone wishing to accompany another student completing an RYA course or just as a personal experience, experience builder and/ or mile-builder.
What do I need to bring with me?
What you will need to bring will be based on personal preference, the weather and the time of year that you join us on the water, remembering that it can be a little more chilly out on the water than it is on land, even in the summer.
A list of suggested personal items to bring with you can be found on our main Practical Course page, but you most certainly don't need to bring everything on the list with you.
Note… we do provide sailing waterproof if you need them, but we don't provide bedding, any footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is fine (no need to buy sailing boots especially), and a pair of earplugs is recommended if you aren't accustomed to sleeping on a yacht with all its unfamiliar noises.
What you will need to bring will be based on personal preference, the weather and the time of year that you join us on the water, remembering that it can be a little more chilly out on the water than it is on land, even in the summer.
A list of suggested personal items to bring with you can be found on our main Practical Course page, but you most certainly don't need to bring everything on the list with you.
Note… we do provide sailing waterproof if you need them, but we don't provide bedding, any footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is fine (no need to buy sailing boots especially), and a pair of earplugs is recommended if you aren't accustomed to sleeping on a yacht with all its unfamiliar noises.
What course is the right one for me?
If you aren't sure which course is the right one for you, then give us a call, but in general…
RYA Start Yachting if you have never sailed on a yacht before and just want to give it a try to see if you like it.
RYA Competent Crew if you have never sailed on a yacht before but want to jump in feet first and go for it. On this course, with no course prerequisites, we will teach you to sail a yacht, allowing you to go off and crew independently or move on to the RYA Day Skipper course.
RYA Day Skipper if you already know how to sail a yacht and now want to start taking responsibility for skippering it. This is the minimum qualification you will need as a new skipper to charter a yacht in many places around the world, although some locations will need more experience and/ or the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification. To be able to complete the practical course, you will need theory knowledge, either by completing the RYA Day Skipper theory course or be self-study to the same level. To be clear on that… you don't need the RYA Day Skipper theory certificate to complete the RYA Day Skipper practical, but your theory knowledge must be at that level, which will be put to the test throughout the practical course.
RYA Coastal Skipper if you already have good experience of skipper a yacht and wish to take things to the next level, opening up additional sailing grounds for chartering to build on your experience through the additional areas covered on the practical course, or just for personal satisfaction. As with the RYA Day Skipper course, there is no need to hold the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory certificate to complete this practical course, but your theory knowledge must be at the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory level.
International Certificate of Competence (ICC) if you are already a competent sailor and skipper but have no formal qualifications that are often required to charter a yacht abroad. The ICC is a pass/fail exam; however, we run it over a weekend to give some limited opportunity to receive some instructions alongside the examination of the specific skills on the ICC sheet. The ICC exam includes both theory knowledge and practical skills. The ICC is a lesser qualification than the RYA Day Skipper, so anyone holding the RYA Day Skipper practical certificate can apply to the RYA for an ICC (at an additional cost).
If you aren't sure which course is the right one for you, then give us a call, but in general…
RYA Start Yachting if you have never sailed on a yacht before and just want to give it a try to see if you like it.
RYA Competent Crew if you have never sailed on a yacht before but want to jump in feet first and go for it. On this course, with no course prerequisites, we will teach you to sail a yacht, allowing you to go off and crew independently or move on to the RYA Day Skipper course.
RYA Day Skipper if you already know how to sail a yacht and now want to start taking responsibility for skippering it. This is the minimum qualification you will need as a new skipper to charter a yacht in many places around the world, although some locations will need more experience and/ or the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification. To be able to complete the practical course, you will need theory knowledge, either by completing the RYA Day Skipper theory course or be self-study to the same level. To be clear on that… you don't need the RYA Day Skipper theory certificate to complete the RYA Day Skipper practical, but your theory knowledge must be at that level, which will be put to the test throughout the practical course.
RYA Coastal Skipper if you already have good experience of skipper a yacht and wish to take things to the next level, opening up additional sailing grounds for chartering to build on your experience through the additional areas covered on the practical course, or just for personal satisfaction. As with the RYA Day Skipper course, there is no need to hold the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory certificate to complete this practical course, but your theory knowledge must be at the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory level.
International Certificate of Competence (ICC) if you are already a competent sailor and skipper but have no formal qualifications that are often required to charter a yacht abroad. The ICC is a pass/fail exam; however, we run it over a weekend to give some limited opportunity to receive some instructions alongside the examination of the specific skills on the ICC sheet. The ICC exam includes both theory knowledge and practical skills. The ICC is a lesser qualification than the RYA Day Skipper, so anyone holding the RYA Day Skipper practical certificate can apply to the RYA for an ICC (at an additional cost).
Do I need to complete the associated theory course before attending the practical course?
No, you don't need to complete a formal RYA theory course before participating in an RYA practical course, HOWEVER, you do need theory knowledge at least to the level of the theory course associated with the practical course, i.e. if you are attending the an RYA Day Skipper practical course you need an understanding of sailing theory to at least the level of the RYA Day Skipper theory course. While the theory will not be directly tested on the practical course, you will be required to utilise all elements of the theory needed throughout the practical course.
If in doubt give us a call… or just sign up for the theory course!!
No, you don't need to complete a formal RYA theory course before participating in an RYA practical course, HOWEVER, you do need theory knowledge at least to the level of the theory course associated with the practical course, i.e. if you are attending the an RYA Day Skipper practical course you need an understanding of sailing theory to at least the level of the RYA Day Skipper theory course. While the theory will not be directly tested on the practical course, you will be required to utilise all elements of the theory needed throughout the practical course.
If in doubt give us a call… or just sign up for the theory course!!
Where do I sleep during a practical sailing course?
All practical sailing courses include onboard accommodation unless stated otherwise.
Our yachts have three double cabins, together with a large saloon that also doubles up as a double cabin for sleeping purposes. Couples will always be assigned a private cabin, and we will always try to arrange students across all yachts so that everyone has their own private sleeping space; however, due to the limits of a sailing yacht, there may be a need to share a double cabin with an unrelated student of the same sex. That said, with the use of full-sized partitions, we are able to separate the double cabins so that everyone can enjoy some privacy.
If you have any concerns about sleeping arrangements, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and we will see what we can do to support you in any way that we can.
All practical sailing courses include onboard accommodation unless stated otherwise.
Our yachts have three double cabins, together with a large saloon that also doubles up as a double cabin for sleeping purposes. Couples will always be assigned a private cabin, and we will always try to arrange students across all yachts so that everyone has their own private sleeping space; however, due to the limits of a sailing yacht, there may be a need to share a double cabin with an unrelated student of the same sex. That said, with the use of full-sized partitions, we are able to separate the double cabins so that everyone can enjoy some privacy.
If you have any concerns about sleeping arrangements, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and we will see what we can do to support you in any way that we can.
Is there anywhere to park my vehicle while I am on a course?
Kip Marina offers plenty of free and secure parking. We don't have any security issues at the marina, but it is supported by 24-hour security guards and CCTV. Just park your car outside our classroom when you arrive, and your instructor will direct you to the best place to park your car for the week/ weekend.
If you come in a motorhome, which a surprising number of our students do, while you can always use the car park for free, there is an option to arrange an electric hook-up if you would like to stay in the area at either side of your course. Just ask at the marina reception for details.
Kip Marina offers plenty of free and secure parking. We don't have any security issues at the marina, but it is supported by 24-hour security guards and CCTV. Just park your car outside our classroom when you arrive, and your instructor will direct you to the best place to park your car for the week/ weekend.
If you come in a motorhome, which a surprising number of our students do, while you can always use the car park for free, there is an option to arrange an electric hook-up if you would like to stay in the area at either side of your course. Just ask at the marina reception for details.
We are a family owned and operated RYA Training Centre operating out of Kip Marina, Inverkip, Scotland's Premier Marina. We offer a full range of RYA practical, classroom, and online courses, including Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster, Radio Marine (VHF), CEVNI, PPR, ICC, First Aid Cat 2, all the way up to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean. We can also deliver on-premise theory and full-boat practical bookings for individuals, families, companies, schools and clubs.
For those looking for classroom-based courses on the Scottish East Coast as a precursor to a practical course with us on the Scottish West Coast, we recommend our partner and friends at Edinburgh Marine Academy in South Queensferry.
We started Britsail because we enjoy meeting people from all walks of life while introducing them to sailing or supporting their continued sailing aspirations as much as we enjoy sailing ourselves.
We are a friendly bunch and believe we are delivering a very personal touch, so drop us an email or give us a call, and we'll do anything we can to help you get out on the water and have as much fun learning as we do instructing!!
Happy sailing
Deborah Gulliver
Britsail Principal & RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor
For those looking for classroom-based courses on the Scottish East Coast as a precursor to a practical course with us on the Scottish West Coast, we recommend our partner and friends at Edinburgh Marine Academy in South Queensferry.
We started Britsail because we enjoy meeting people from all walks of life while introducing them to sailing or supporting their continued sailing aspirations as much as we enjoy sailing ourselves.
We are a friendly bunch and believe we are delivering a very personal touch, so drop us an email or give us a call, and we'll do anything we can to help you get out on the water and have as much fun learning as we do instructing!!
Happy sailing
Deborah Gulliver
Britsail Principal & RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor
Join our Cruising Club WhatsApp Group to be the first to receive discounted offers, special member sailing weekends and whatever else we can come up with to get you out on the water…
We are often asked where we sail during our courses, so rather than telling you, we thought we would show you by sharing our personal Strava feed… but sometimes we use it for other stuff!
A picture speaks a thousand words, so as we are too busy sailing to write a thousand words, we have started to load our course photos to Instagram so that you can see for yourself what a Britsail course looks like.
We post photos, videos, course advertisements, special offers and much much more on our Facebook page, so give is a Follow and keep in touch with what we haver going on at Kip Marina and out on the water.
Practical Courses
We must be doing something right… with the exception of a few cancellations we have been 100% fully booked through our 2024 season and now only have a small handful of spaces left.
Course Dates
WEEKDAY Course Description
Booking
WOW… THAT'S ALL OF OUR 2024 5-DAY COURSES SOLD OUT. IT FEELS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY WE WERE STARTING THE SEASON.
Course Dates
WEEKEND Course Description
Booking
WOW… THAT'S ALL OF OUR 2024 WEEKEND COURSES SOLD OUT. IT FEELS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY WE WERE STARTING THE SEASON.
* Note, Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses require three weekends to complete.
Classroom Courses
We continue to add classroom courses throughout the season. If there is a particular course that you are looking for, get in touch, and we will see what we can do to support you.
Calendars
If you don't see the course you are looking for on the date you wish to join us, get in touch and we will do everything we can do to support you.
Why choose BRITSAIL…?
While we could implement an automated booking system, we prefer to engage with everyone who wishes to sail on a one-to-one basis first, whether through email or verbally, to ensure that we offer the best possible support for your sailing aspirations. This may take a little more time and effort on both sides, but this initial human interaction delivers the best possible outcome for everyone.
Unlike many other training centres, we have no intention of emulating a low-cost airline, so, at Britsail, the listed price of all of our RYA Scheduled Practical courses, Mile Builders and Experience Builders, is always the price you pay.
Unlike many other training centres, we have no intention of emulating a low-cost airline, so, at Britsail, the listed price of all of our RYA Scheduled Practical courses, Mile Builders and Experience Builders, is always the price you pay.
- You don't get a random freelance instructor; you get Deborah or one of our friends who happens to instruct for us. We can confirm the instructor before you book if you like.
- We don't charge for using our coastal sailing waterproofs (saving up to £25 per week).
- We don't expect the students to cover the cost of moorings and marinas during the week (saving £35-£45 per night between students). During a five-day course, we aim to use marinas for three nights and moorings for two nights so that you qualify, having experienced both, with the choice of overnight stops being the student's decision, with some guidance from the instructor and a nudge from the weather!
- While you may choose to eat onshore during the week, we cater for eating on board every night rather than making an assumption and catering accordingly.
- We don't charge extra for fuel used during your time onboard.
- While we expect all students to treat our gear as if it were their own, accidents do happen, so we don't charge students for any accidental damage.
- The cost of running a course doesn't change significantly during the year, so we don't ramp up prices during the summer months just because we could charge more due to the higher demand.
- We don't cut our courses short; some sailing schools are back in base by as early as noon on the final day of sailing.
Practical Course Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the courses and what is included in the price?
We try to keep it simple… all of our scheduled courses* are priced at £120 per day, so £240 for a weekend and £600 for a 5-day course. To keep it simple, unlike some training centres, that price is all-inclusive and includes instructor time, accommodation, all onboard meals, drinks, snacks, mooring/ marina fees, fuel and use of our sailing waterproofs. The only additional cost would be if the crew decided to go ashore for a wee shandy…
* The RYA Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam week is costed slightly differently.
We try to keep it simple… all of our scheduled courses* are priced at £120 per day, so £240 for a weekend and £600 for a 5-day course. To keep it simple, unlike some training centres, that price is all-inclusive and includes instructor time, accommodation, all onboard meals, drinks, snacks, mooring/ marina fees, fuel and use of our sailing waterproofs. The only additional cost would be if the crew decided to go ashore for a wee shandy…
* The RYA Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam week is costed slightly differently.
Where do you sail?
Where we sail during any given week or weekend depends heavily on the weather, but in general, we have the whole of the spectacular Firth of Clyde as a playground. One weekend courses, we are generally limited to a distance of 25-35 miles of Kip Marina on the Saturday as we need to get back on the Sunday.
On an RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course 5-day weekday course, we can reach almost anywhere on the Firth of Clyde given the appropriate weather and wind conditions, spending time around the islands of Bute and Arran and often venturing as far south as Campbelltown on the Kintyre Peninsular.
On the RYA Coastal Skipper course, a 5-day weekday course, with a need to complete longer passages, we aim to escape the Firth of Clyde, heading over to Northern Ireland or up to the islands of Islay and Gigha. RYA Competent Crew students are most welcome to crew on our RYA Coastal Skipper courses on the understanding that there may be a few longer days than on the standard RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course.
Where we sail during any given week or weekend depends heavily on the weather, but in general, we have the whole of the spectacular Firth of Clyde as a playground. One weekend courses, we are generally limited to a distance of 25-35 miles of Kip Marina on the Saturday as we need to get back on the Sunday.
On an RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course 5-day weekday course, we can reach almost anywhere on the Firth of Clyde given the appropriate weather and wind conditions, spending time around the islands of Bute and Arran and often venturing as far south as Campbelltown on the Kintyre Peninsular.
On the RYA Coastal Skipper course, a 5-day weekday course, with a need to complete longer passages, we aim to escape the Firth of Clyde, heading over to Northern Ireland or up to the islands of Islay and Gigha. RYA Competent Crew students are most welcome to crew on our RYA Coastal Skipper courses on the understanding that there may be a few longer days than on the standard RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course.
What time do I need to be there?
Our weekend courses start at 7:30pm each Friday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marina, running through until 3-4pm on Sunday afternoon.
Our 5-day weekday courses start at 7:30pm each Sunday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marine, running through until between 3-4pm on the Friday afternoon.
Note, we can offer some flexibility if a 7:30pm meeting time is a challenge, with the option to arrive later in the evening (within reason) or at the latest to join the rest of the crew for breakfast at 8am.
Our weekend courses start at 7:30pm each Friday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marina, running through until 3-4pm on Sunday afternoon.
Our 5-day weekday courses start at 7:30pm each Sunday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marine, running through until between 3-4pm on the Friday afternoon.
Note, we can offer some flexibility if a 7:30pm meeting time is a challenge, with the option to arrive later in the evening (within reason) or at the latest to join the rest of the crew for breakfast at 8am.
What is a typical course itinerary?
While every week and weekend is different, a general plan looks something like this…
First Evening
7:30pm - Meet at our classroom, sort out the food for the weekend/ week, grab your set of waterproofs, then head down to the yacht.
8:00pm - A basic briefing of the yacht, including use of the heads, where the exits are, where the fire-fighting equipment is, and as importantly, where the kettle and biscuits are stored.
8:30pm onward - Get the kettle on, open the biscuits and get the charges out. With support from the instructor, skipper students will then work together to establish a high-level plan for the weekend/ week based on weather, wind, tide and crew members, with non-skipper students getting involved as much or as little as they wish and a more detailed plan for the first day.
First Day
8:00am - Breakfast while listening to the Coastal Guard weather and safety briefing on the VHF at 8:10am.
8:45am - A full safety briefing and yacht familiarization.
10:00am onward - Leave Kip Marina and go sailing.
Sailing activity during each day on the water will depend on the course(s) being delivered. Each evening during the course will be spent at a marina or on a mooring, based on the plan created by the skipper students. There will be an opportunity to explore ashore when at a marina and with the use of the yacht's tender when on a mooring.
Last Day
Approx. 2-3pm - Arrive back at Kip Marina. Pack personal belongings and clean the yacht.
Approx. 3-4pm - Complete a course debrief, fill in logbooks and issue certificates (as appropriate).
While every week and weekend is different, a general plan looks something like this…
First Evening
7:30pm - Meet at our classroom, sort out the food for the weekend/ week, grab your set of waterproofs, then head down to the yacht.
8:00pm - A basic briefing of the yacht, including use of the heads, where the exits are, where the fire-fighting equipment is, and as importantly, where the kettle and biscuits are stored.
8:30pm onward - Get the kettle on, open the biscuits and get the charges out. With support from the instructor, skipper students will then work together to establish a high-level plan for the weekend/ week based on weather, wind, tide and crew members, with non-skipper students getting involved as much or as little as they wish and a more detailed plan for the first day.
First Day
8:00am - Breakfast while listening to the Coastal Guard weather and safety briefing on the VHF at 8:10am.
8:45am - A full safety briefing and yacht familiarization.
10:00am onward - Leave Kip Marina and go sailing.
Sailing activity during each day on the water will depend on the course(s) being delivered. Each evening during the course will be spent at a marina or on a mooring, based on the plan created by the skipper students. There will be an opportunity to explore ashore when at a marina and with the use of the yacht's tender when on a mooring.
Last Day
Approx. 2-3pm - Arrive back at Kip Marina. Pack personal belongings and clean the yacht.
Approx. 3-4pm - Complete a course debrief, fill in logbooks and issue certificates (as appropriate).
Can I come along if I don't want to complete a course?
Yes, all courses are open to anyone wishing to accompany another student completing an RYA course or just as a personal experience, experience builder and/ or mile-builder.
Yes, all courses are open to anyone wishing to accompany another student completing an RYA course or just as a personal experience, experience builder and/ or mile-builder.
What do I need to bring with me?
What you will need to bring will be based on personal preference, the weather and the time of year that you join us on the water, remembering that it can be a little more chilly out on the water than it is on land, even in the summer.
A list of suggested personal items to bring with you can be found on our main Practical Course page, but you most certainly don't need to bring everything on the list with you.
Note… we do provide sailing waterproof if you need them, but we don't provide bedding, any footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is fine (no need to buy sailing boots especially), and a pair of earplugs is recommended if you aren't accustomed to sleeping on a yacht with all its unfamiliar noises.
What you will need to bring will be based on personal preference, the weather and the time of year that you join us on the water, remembering that it can be a little more chilly out on the water than it is on land, even in the summer.
A list of suggested personal items to bring with you can be found on our main Practical Course page, but you most certainly don't need to bring everything on the list with you.
Note… we do provide sailing waterproof if you need them, but we don't provide bedding, any footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is fine (no need to buy sailing boots especially), and a pair of earplugs is recommended if you aren't accustomed to sleeping on a yacht with all its unfamiliar noises.
What course is the right one for me?
If you aren't sure which course is the right one for you, then give us a call, but in general…
RYA Start Yachting if you have never sailed on a yacht before and just want to give it a try to see if you like it.
RYA Competent Crew if you have never sailed on a yacht before but want to jump in feet first and go for it. On this course, with no course prerequisites, we will teach you to sail a yacht, allowing you to go off and crew independently or move on to the RYA Day Skipper course.
RYA Day Skipper if you already know how to sail a yacht and now want to start taking responsibility for skippering it. This is the minimum qualification you will need as a new skipper to charter a yacht in many places around the world, although some locations will need more experience and/ or the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification. To be able to complete the practical course, you will need theory knowledge, either by completing the RYA Day Skipper theory course or be self-study to the same level. To be clear on that… you don't need the RYA Day Skipper theory certificate to complete the RYA Day Skipper practical, but your theory knowledge must be at that level, which will be put to the test throughout the practical course.
RYA Coastal Skipper if you already have good experience of skipper a yacht and wish to take things to the next level, opening up additional sailing grounds for chartering to build on your experience through the additional areas covered on the practical course, or just for personal satisfaction. As with the RYA Day Skipper course, there is no need to hold the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory certificate to complete this practical course, but your theory knowledge must be at the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory level.
International Certificate of Competence (ICC) if you are already a competent sailor and skipper but have no formal qualifications that are often required to charter a yacht abroad. The ICC is a pass/fail exam; however, we run it over a weekend to give some limited opportunity to receive some instructions alongside the examination of the specific skills on the ICC sheet. The ICC exam includes both theory knowledge and practical skills. The ICC is a lesser qualification than the RYA Day Skipper, so anyone holding the RYA Day Skipper practical certificate can apply to the RYA for an ICC (at an additional cost).
If you aren't sure which course is the right one for you, then give us a call, but in general…
RYA Start Yachting if you have never sailed on a yacht before and just want to give it a try to see if you like it.
RYA Competent Crew if you have never sailed on a yacht before but want to jump in feet first and go for it. On this course, with no course prerequisites, we will teach you to sail a yacht, allowing you to go off and crew independently or move on to the RYA Day Skipper course.
RYA Day Skipper if you already know how to sail a yacht and now want to start taking responsibility for skippering it. This is the minimum qualification you will need as a new skipper to charter a yacht in many places around the world, although some locations will need more experience and/ or the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification. To be able to complete the practical course, you will need theory knowledge, either by completing the RYA Day Skipper theory course or be self-study to the same level. To be clear on that… you don't need the RYA Day Skipper theory certificate to complete the RYA Day Skipper practical, but your theory knowledge must be at that level, which will be put to the test throughout the practical course.
RYA Coastal Skipper if you already have good experience of skipper a yacht and wish to take things to the next level, opening up additional sailing grounds for chartering to build on your experience through the additional areas covered on the practical course, or just for personal satisfaction. As with the RYA Day Skipper course, there is no need to hold the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory certificate to complete this practical course, but your theory knowledge must be at the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster theory level.
International Certificate of Competence (ICC) if you are already a competent sailor and skipper but have no formal qualifications that are often required to charter a yacht abroad. The ICC is a pass/fail exam; however, we run it over a weekend to give some limited opportunity to receive some instructions alongside the examination of the specific skills on the ICC sheet. The ICC exam includes both theory knowledge and practical skills. The ICC is a lesser qualification than the RYA Day Skipper, so anyone holding the RYA Day Skipper practical certificate can apply to the RYA for an ICC (at an additional cost).
Do I need to complete the associated theory course before attending the practical course?
No, you don't need to complete a formal RYA theory course before participating in an RYA practical course, HOWEVER, you do need theory knowledge at least to the level of the theory course associated with the practical course, i.e. if you are attending the an RYA Day Skipper practical course you need an understanding of sailing theory to at least the level of the RYA Day Skipper theory course. While the theory will not be directly tested on the practical course, you will be required to utilise all elements of the theory needed throughout the practical course.
If in doubt give us a call… or just sign up for the theory course!!
No, you don't need to complete a formal RYA theory course before participating in an RYA practical course, HOWEVER, you do need theory knowledge at least to the level of the theory course associated with the practical course, i.e. if you are attending the an RYA Day Skipper practical course you need an understanding of sailing theory to at least the level of the RYA Day Skipper theory course. While the theory will not be directly tested on the practical course, you will be required to utilise all elements of the theory needed throughout the practical course.
If in doubt give us a call… or just sign up for the theory course!!
Where do I sleep during a practical sailing course?
All practical sailing courses include onboard accommodation unless stated otherwise.
Our yachts have three double cabins, together with a large saloon that also doubles up as a double cabin for sleeping purposes. Couples will always be assigned a private cabin, and we will always try to arrange students across all yachts so that everyone has their own private sleeping space; however, due to the limits of a sailing yacht, there may be a need to share a double cabin with an unrelated student of the same sex. That said, with the use of full-sized partitions, we are able to separate the double cabins so that everyone can enjoy some privacy.
If you have any concerns about sleeping arrangements, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and we will see what we can do to support you in any way that we can.
All practical sailing courses include onboard accommodation unless stated otherwise.
Our yachts have three double cabins, together with a large saloon that also doubles up as a double cabin for sleeping purposes. Couples will always be assigned a private cabin, and we will always try to arrange students across all yachts so that everyone has their own private sleeping space; however, due to the limits of a sailing yacht, there may be a need to share a double cabin with an unrelated student of the same sex. That said, with the use of full-sized partitions, we are able to separate the double cabins so that everyone can enjoy some privacy.
If you have any concerns about sleeping arrangements, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and we will see what we can do to support you in any way that we can.
Is there anywhere to park my vehicle while I am on a course?
Kip Marina offers plenty of free and secure parking. We don't have any security issues at the marina, but it is supported by 24-hour security guards and CCTV. Just park your car outside our classroom when you arrive, and your instructor will direct you to the best place to park your car for the week/ weekend.
If you come in a motorhome, which a surprising number of our students do, while you can always use the car park for free, there is an option to arrange an electric hook-up if you would like to stay in the area at either side of your course. Just ask at the marina reception for details.
Kip Marina offers plenty of free and secure parking. We don't have any security issues at the marina, but it is supported by 24-hour security guards and CCTV. Just park your car outside our classroom when you arrive, and your instructor will direct you to the best place to park your car for the week/ weekend.
If you come in a motorhome, which a surprising number of our students do, while you can always use the car park for free, there is an option to arrange an electric hook-up if you would like to stay in the area at either side of your course. Just ask at the marina reception for details.