Day Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory courses give you the knowledge and confidence to plan and run safe, enjoyable trips on the water. They teach essential skills like navigation, weather forecasting, passage planning, collision regulations, and safety procedures — things every skipper needs, whether sailing or driving a powerboat.
Day Skipper is the ideal starting point for those building a solid foundation, while Yachtmaster Theory develops advanced skills for longer and more demanding passages. Whether you want to skipper your own boat, crew with confidence, or progress toward professional qualifications, these courses provide the theory that underpins safe and capable boating.
The essential theory course for those wishing to progress to the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course!
This six day course is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take the RYA Day Skipper Practical course. Based at the Dover Sea Sports Centre, the course is led by friendly and approachable instructors in a supportive classroom environment.
Who is this course for?
Prospective yacht skippers and inexperienced crew looking to boost their knowledge and skillset, the course provides a thorough grounding in navigation, pilotage, meteorology and the general knowledge essential for students wishing to achieve the Day Skipper practical qualification and/or the ICC to enable them to charter abroad.
Course content:
Take the next step to become a proficient skipper, capable of confidently managing your boat on extended voyages.
This theory course builds the knowledge needed to handle more demanding passages with confidence. It forms the academic foundation for those planning to progress to practical Yachtmaster level qualifications.
Who is this course for?
Course Content:
© 2026 Cinque Ports Sailing Ltd (Co. No. 09031380), incorporating Conningbrook Lakes Sailing, Martello Lakes Sailing and Cinque Ports Sailing Club CIC (Co. No. 16188173).
Registered office: King Arthurs Court, Maidstone Rd, Charing, Ashford, Kent TN27 0JS.