About the course
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course is an advanced shorebased navigation and seamanship qualification designed for experienced skippers looking to develop higher-level skills and knowledge in coastal and offshore navigation. It is a comprehensive course, typically delivered over 40–50 hours of tuition, and is seen as the essential preparation for those progressing to the practical RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore examinations. The course builds upon the foundations laid in RYA Day Skipper Theory, introducing more complex techniques, real-world scenarios, and a deeper understanding of navigation, meteorology, and passage planning.
Course content covers advanced chartwork, including secondary port tidal calculations, estimated position fixes, course shaping, and pilotage. Students learn how to apply tidal curves and streams under different conditions, calculate course to steer in more challenging situations, and use almanacs, pilot books, and electronic navigation systems in combination. A key area of focus is meteorology, where learners develop the skills to interpret synoptic charts, identify weather systems, and make informed decisions based on changing forecasts.
The course also delves into international regulations, safety equipment requirements, watchkeeping principles, and advanced passage planning for longer passages. Emergency management, including search and rescue procedures, helicopter operations, and the use of safety electronics such as EPIRBs and AIS, are also covered. Regular chartwork exercises and revision questions help prepare students for the three written assessment papers at the end of the course.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course is aimed at experienced leisure and professional sailors—both power and sail—who already have a solid grasp of Day Skipper-level knowledge and sea time. It is essential for those planning to take the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore practical exams or pursue a commercial endorsement for work in the marine industry. Ambitious cruisers, flotilla skippers, delivery skippers, and instructors all benefit from the depth and breadth of skills covered, helping them navigate confidently and safely on longer, more complex passages.
