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rya training in spain lanzarote

RYA training and sailing courses

About the RYA

Founded in 1875, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has evolved into the national authority for all boating and watersports activities in the UK. Internationally, the RYA is renowned for its world-class training programs, emphasizing:

 

  •     A leading commitment to safety

  •     Widely recognized certifications

  •     Highly qualified instructors

  •     Annual inspections of schoolboats and training centers

  •     Well-structured course syllabi, where the theory is functional to the practical​ application.

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The sail cruising courses, beginning with Competent Crew, follow a progressive structure leading up to the prestigious Yachtmaster certification.

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The RYA courses will be available from August 2025 onwards.​​​

COMPETENT CREW
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This entry-level course in the sail cruising scheme is designed to teach you how to be safe and comfortable onboard while mastering the essential skills (and theory) needed to be a competent crew member.

 

 Syllabus highlights are: 

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  • personal safety 

  • onboard safety equipment

  • steering

  • sail trim and sail manouevres

  • knots and handling of lines

  • customs and boat etiquette

DAYSKIPPER
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The Day Skipper course, one of the most popular, equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to skipper a sailing yacht in familiar waters and moderate conditions during daylight hours. To enroll, you must have:

  • sufficient theoretical knowledge (up to Day Skipper theory exam level)

  • proficiency in the Competent Crew syllabus.          

​Throughout the week, I’ll monitor and discuss your progress, providing regular feedback to help you meet the certification standards. With this certification, you can charter boats globally and apply for an ICC Certificate (depending on your country of residence).

COASTAL SKIPPER
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A RYA Coastal Skipper should be able to take out vessel and crew safely in unfamiliar waters, by day and night, in all sorts of weather conditions. The training program will have an emphasis on:

  • planning of a +60nm coastal passage

  • berthing and unberthing in all conditions of wind and tide

  • pilotage, boathandling and mob by night

  • crew management. 

The prerequisites for this course are

  • competent and experienced Dayskipper (300 nm, 8 night hours, 15 days)

  • knowledge of navigation to Yachtmaster Theory exam level​

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