RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory

A Skipper’s Theory Toolkit

The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory Course gives aspiring skippers the theoretical knowledge needed to navigate and command a small yacht safely in familiar coastal waters by day.

You’ll learn chartwork and pilotage, position fixing, passage planning, tides, meteorology, collision regulations, electronic navigation and core seamanship concepts — all geared to making sound decisions on board and preparing you for your practical RYA Day Skipper Sail or RYA Day Skipper Motor Course

Delivery Options

Choose between a classroom or online course

Classroom Theory

This is an in-person course delivered in our classrooms in Athens. One of the key benefits of on-site training is the direct contact with your instructor, allowing for effective learning, open discussion, and plenty of opportunities for questions and answers in an interactive classroom environment shared with fellow students.

The course comprises 40 hours of tuition plus exam time and is usually delivered as an intensive 5-day programme, running Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00, with breaks included. The corresponding exam is included as part of the course.

This schedule is designed to allow you to complete the theory course in time for the start of your RYA Day Skipper Sail or Motor practical course on Saturday morning.

Online Theory

We offer this option through our partner, Navathome.com. This course is a comprehensive distance‑learning programme designed to help you complete the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased theory qualification from anywhere in the world. It’s delivered entirely online with flexible study that fits around your schedule. The course takes approximately 40-50 hours to complete, including the online final assessment.

Support from experienced instructors is available 7 days a week via email.

Key Course Information

Course Name

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory

Course Format

Face-to-face classroom training or self-study, followed by an assessment.

Duration

Face-to-face classroom training: ≈ 40 hours, including written assessment
Online self study: ≈ 50 hours, including online assessment

Location

Face-to-face classroom training: Seven Seas School of Yachting Offices (Athens)

Student-Instructor Ratio

Face-to-face classroom training: 5:1 (maximum)

Language of Instruction

English

What You Learn

Charts and navigation, tides, pilotage, passage planning, meteorology, collision regulations, buoyage, seamanship, safety and emergencies.

Course Outcome

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate

Season

Courses available year-round

Costs

Classroom Theory: €600 per person
Inclusions: Instructor fees, use of training equipment, RYA Day Skipper Theory Pack, snacks and refreshments, RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory Certificate

Online Theory: €370 per person
Inclusions: 6-month access to the platform (renewable), RYA Day Skipper Theory pack (including plotter and divider) and shipping costs to your location, 7/7 support from Navathome.com, RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory Certificate

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

Beginners who want to progress to skipper-level responsibility.
Competent crew or helmers who want formal theory grounding before practical courses.
Anyone planning to take the RYA Day Skipper Sail or RYA Day Skipper Motor Practical Course

Why take this course with Seven Seas?

More than just certification – Our goal is to provide meaningful training, helping you build real skills and lasting confidence on the water, not just a piece of paper.

Experienced and supportive instructors – You’ll be guided by a team of highly skilled RYA instructors with years of experience and a deep understanding of the local waters.

What will I learn?

The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory Course is the essential introduction for anyone aiming to skipper a yacht safely in familiar coastal waters, providing the knowledge and confidence to navigate, plan passages, and handle day-to-day seamanship effectively. Throughout the course, participants will be introduced to and practise the following areas:

Seamanship fundamentals and basic boat handling
Chart work, coastal navigation, and position fixing
Passage planning and route plotting
Tidal heights, streams, and associated calculations
Collision regulations (COLREGs), lights, and shapes
Use of electronic navigation tools, including GPS and chartplotters
Weather awareness and interpretation for safe passage planning
Safety at sea, emergency procedures, and communications
Buoyage systems, markers, and port/marina navigation
Practical exercises using charts, navigation tools, and simulators
Preparation for and completion of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory exam

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Upon successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory course and exam, participants will be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate.

This internationally respected certificate confirms that you have the essential theoretical knowledge to skipper a yacht safely in familiar coastal waters by day.

It is a prerequisite for the RYA Day Skipper practical course, enabling you to apply navigation, passage planning, safety, and seamanship skills on the water. While the certificate does not expire, it does not replace practical training and is often required by charter companies and maritime authorities for those acting as skipper.

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