RYA PRACTICAL COURSES
Practical courses are operated from our home base in Kip Marina, The Yacht Harbour, Inverkip
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Click on the appropriate course above to access information about our practical courses.
What to bring to your RYA Practical Course...
The following list is not exhaustive and is just a guide to what you should consider when packing for your practical course. Obviously, if you only do a one-day course, you will not require everything on the list. Remember, it can get colder out on the sea than on land despite the sun shining. Please remember that the yachts have limited storage and odd-shaped storage areas. It is advised that a flexible bag or bags are used for storing your gear rather than a large solid case/bag. Excess luggage can be stored in our classroom during your course.
If you feel that your waterproof outer layer is inadequate, you can borrow a set of our waterproofs free of charge. At the time of booking, please indicate which sizes you require (S, M, L, XL). Please note that there are limited stocks, and a larger size may be supplied where your size is unavailable.
NB - The instructor's onboard meals are included in the course price, but if you wish to eat ashore anytime during the course, please note that students are required to cover the instructor's meal (we don't want the instructor to be left out or to spend all their wages on meals).
What to bring to your RYA Practical Course...
The following list is not exhaustive and is just a guide to what you should consider when packing for your practical course. Obviously, if you only do a one-day course, you will not require everything on the list. Remember, it can get colder out on the sea than on land despite the sun shining. Please remember that the yachts have limited storage and odd-shaped storage areas. It is advised that a flexible bag or bags are used for storing your gear rather than a large solid case/bag. Excess luggage can be stored in our classroom during your course.
If you feel that your waterproof outer layer is inadequate, you can borrow a set of our waterproofs free of charge. At the time of booking, please indicate which sizes you require (S, M, L, XL). Please note that there are limited stocks, and a larger size may be supplied where your size is unavailable.
- EARPLUGS
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Small pillow
- Toiletries
- Towel (quick drying best)
- Sunscreen (yes, even in Scotland)
- Moisturiser
- Seasickness remedies
- Personal medication
- Sailing boots (wellies boots or hike boots are a good alternative)
- Sailing shoes or training shoes
- Full waterproofs (not lightweight - sets are available to borrow free of charge)
- Socks for boots and shoes
- Nightwear
- Underwear
- Thermal underwear
- Trousers (avoid denim)
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Fleece
- Thin mid-layers
- Windproof outer layer
- Warm hat
- Gloves (full finger and fingerless)
- Head torch / small torch
- Logbook G158 (may be purchased on the course)
- Passport-style photo for YM / CS / DS courses
- Meet up at the Britsail RYA Training Centre office (next to the chandlery in the main marina office complex)
- Daily times 0900 - 1700
- Drinks and snacks included during the course
- Accommodation may be available on the yacht on the evening before the first day of the course until the end of the course. Please let us know if you wish to stay on the yacht overnight.
- Start Friday evening approx. 1930
- End Sunday afternoon approx. 1500
- Accommodation on the yacht from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon is included in the course fee. The first evening meal is not included in the course; please discuss with your instructor should you wish to have your evening meal after the start of the course.
- Start Sunday evening approx. 1930
- End Friday afternoon approx. 1500
- Accommodation on the yacht from Sunday evening through to Friday afternoon is included in the course fee. The first evening meal is not included in the course; please discuss with your instructor should you wish to have your evening meal after the start of the course.
- All meals, drinks and snacks whilst onboard the yacht
- Sailing waterproofs
- Safety equipment, i.e. lifejacket and safety line
- Cooking gas
- Diesel fuel (although hopefully, you will be doing more sailing than motoring)
- Mooring and marina fees
- Secure marina car park
- RYA Certificate
NB - The instructor's onboard meals are included in the course price, but if you wish to eat ashore anytime during the course, please note that students are required to cover the instructor's meal (we don't want the instructor to be left out or to spend all their wages on meals).
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.
* 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. For weekend courses, we are generally limited to 25-35 miles from Kip Marina on Saturday, as we need to get back on 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 requiring 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 because there may be a few longer days than on the standard RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course.
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 requiring 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 because there may be a few longer days than on the standard RYA Competent Crew/ RYA Day Skipper course.
At what time must I be there?
Our weekend courses start at 7:30 pm each Friday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marina and running through until 3-4 pm on Sunday.
Our 5-day weekday courses start at 7:30 pm each Sunday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marine and running through until between 3-4 pm on a Friday.
Note, we can offer some flexibility if a 7:30 pm 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 8 am.
Our 5-day weekday courses start at 7:30 pm each Sunday evening, meeting at our classroom in Kip Marine and running through until between 3-4 pm on a Friday.
Note, we can offer some flexibility if a 7:30 pm 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 8 am.
What is a typical course itinerary?
While every week and weekend is different, a general plan looks something like this…
First Evening
7:30 pm - Meet at our classroom, sort out the food for the weekend/ week, grab your set of waterproofs, and then head down to the yacht.
8:00 pm - A basic briefing of the yacht, including use of the heads, where the exits are, where the fire-fighting equipment is, and, importantly, where the kettle and biscuits are stored.
8:30 pm onward - Get the kettle on, open the biscuits and get the charts 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
8:00 am - Breakfast while listening to the Coastal Guard weather and safety briefing on the VHF at 8:10 am.
8:45 am - A full safety briefing and yacht familiarisation.
10:00 am onward - Leave Kip Marina and go sailing.
The daily sailing activity on the water will depend on the course(s) being delivered. Based on the plan created by the Day Skipper students, with a nudge from the instructor, each evening during the course will be spent at a marina or on a mooring. Students can explore ashore at a marina and use the yacht's tender when on a mooring.
Last Day
Arrive back at Kip Marina between 2 and 3 p.m. Pack personal belongings and clean the yacht.
Approx. 3-4 pm - Complete a course debrief, fill in logbooks and issue certificates (as appropriate).
First Evening
7:30 pm - Meet at our classroom, sort out the food for the weekend/ week, grab your set of waterproofs, and then head down to the yacht.
8:00 pm - A basic briefing of the yacht, including use of the heads, where the exits are, where the fire-fighting equipment is, and, importantly, where the kettle and biscuits are stored.
8:30 pm onward - Get the kettle on, open the biscuits and get the charts 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
8:00 am - Breakfast while listening to the Coastal Guard weather and safety briefing on the VHF at 8:10 am.
8:45 am - A full safety briefing and yacht familiarisation.
10:00 am onward - Leave Kip Marina and go sailing.
The daily sailing activity on the water will depend on the course(s) being delivered. Based on the plan created by the Day Skipper students, with a nudge from the instructor, each evening during the course will be spent at a marina or on a mooring. Students can explore ashore at a marina and use the yacht's tender when on a mooring.
Last Day
Arrive back at Kip Marina between 2 and 3 p.m. Pack personal belongings and clean the yacht.
Approx. 3-4 pm - 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.
What do I need to bring with me?
What you will need to bring will depend on your personal preference, the weather, and the time of year you join us on the water. Remember that it can be a little more chilly out on the water than on land, even in the summer.
Our main Practical Course page suggests a list of personal items to bring, but you don't need to bring everything on the list.
Note: We do provide sailing waterproofs if you need them, but we don't provide bedding. Any footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is fine (there is no need to buy sailing boots, especially). A pair of earplugs is recommended if you aren't accustomed to sleeping on a yacht with all its unfamiliar noises.
Our main Practical Course page suggests a list of personal items to bring, but you don't need to bring everything on the list.
Note: We do provide sailing waterproofs if you need them, but we don't provide bedding. Any footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry is fine (there is no need to buy sailing boots, especially). 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 are unsure which course is right for you, give us a call, but in general…
RYA Start Yachting is for people who have never sailed on a yacht before and want to try it out to see if they like it.
RYA Competent Crew: If you have never sailed on a yacht before but want to jump in feet first, 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. However, some locations require more experience and/ or the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification. You will need theory knowledge to complete the practical course, either by completing the RYA Day Skipper theory course or by self-studying at the same level. To be clear… you don't need the RYA Day Skipper theory certificate to complete the RYA Day Skipper practical. Still, your theory knowledge must be at that level, which will be tested throughout the practical course.
RYA Coastal Skipper, if you already have good experience skipping a yacht and wish to take things to the next level, open up additional sailing grounds for chartering to build on your experience through the extra areas covered in 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 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).
RYA Start Yachting is for people who have never sailed on a yacht before and want to try it out to see if they like it.
RYA Competent Crew: If you have never sailed on a yacht before but want to jump in feet first, 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. However, some locations require more experience and/ or the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification. You will need theory knowledge to complete the practical course, either by completing the RYA Day Skipper theory course or by self-studying at the same level. To be clear… you don't need the RYA Day Skipper theory certificate to complete the RYA Day Skipper practical. Still, your theory knowledge must be at that level, which will be tested throughout the practical course.
RYA Coastal Skipper, if you already have good experience skipping a yacht and wish to take things to the next level, open up additional sailing grounds for chartering to build on your experience through the extra areas covered in 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 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 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 theory elements needed throughout the practical course.
If in doubt, give us a call… or sign up for the theory course!!
If in doubt, give us a call… or 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 contact us. We will see what we can do to support you in any way we can.
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 contact us. We will see what we can do to support you in any way 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 24-hour security guards and CCTV support it. 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, you can always use the car park for free. However, if you would like to stay in the area at either side of your course, you can arrange an electric hook-up. Just ask at the marina reception for details.
If you come in a motorhome, which a surprising number of our students do, you can always use the car park for free. However, if you would like to stay in the area at either side of your course, you can arrange an electric hook-up. Just ask at the marina reception for details.
You will be completing your training on a Beneteau Oceanis 411, one of the most popular and successful 40-footers of all time, designed by Groups Finot as a family cruising yacht with easy handling and great sailing performance.
