RYA Day Skipper Practical & Theory

[Shayamoya]

Hi All, looking for recommendations on the cheapest location (anywhere worldwide) to complete the RYA Day Skipper Practical & Theory. I'm currently in Australia but able to travel. Keen on doing this sometime during October to December. Appreciate any thoughts!

[Kiwi_Rob]

Have a look at Allabroad Sailing Academy based on Gibraltar.

https://www.sailing.gi/

Their prices are usually pretty competitive and they also run STCW basic training which you'll need if looking to work in the industry.

As a bonus the weather is pretty decent all year around (at least compared to the UK!).

But if you're in Oz then I expect it'll be cheaper to find somewhere local rather than incur the expense of flights halfway around the world...

[patja]

If you are traveling then considering the advantages and attractions of the destination makes sense. You can also pick a destination where there is a lot of competition among different schools offering Day Skipper courses.

I love British naval history and eat up historical fiction along those lines -- O'Brian, Forester, Lambdin, Stockwin, etc. So for me, Portsmouth held a lot of appeal as a destination. Getting to tour the Victory was a highlight. And it feels like there are over a dozen competing Day Skipper schools. And flights into London are competitive vs other destinations offering Day Skipper.


The Solent is also a special place for sailors. We visited the Needles and spent a night in Cowes, among other charming towns on the Solent. Also got to navigate around my first chain ferry and visit the site of the famous Bramble Bank cricket match.

We did get lucky with our weather in May. Great winds from 10 - 20 every day. Never got to wear shorts, but also never had to break out the foulweather boots we packed all the way from Seattle. And never had overpowering winds that kept us pinned at the dock all day, which I have heard can also be an issue there at times.

I did the theory online through NauticEd and the practical with Nomad Sailing out of Gosport.

[ChrisJHC]

Lots of good schools all up and down the east coast of Australia.

I teach at a couple of them (one in Melbourne, one on the Sunshine Coast).

If you are okay with online learning, you can do the theory online then do the practical at one of the schools. This assumes you already are at the sailing standard for day skipper - I’ve seen some complete novices attempt Day Skipper and wonder why they don’t pass.

All the schools will also run the theory courses in a classroom if that is your preference.

[Shayamoya]

Hey all, thanks for your feedback. Yes, the challenges of the UK shores has appeal but weather aside, travel costs will likely weigh heavily on the decision. Though still considering I did spend time in Gibraltar before doing the ARC some years back so recall that side of the pond Sailed over the years but never did quals so now keen to get up to speed for coastal cruising and chartering.

@ChrisJHC I'd be interested if you have any recommendations on a local mob (Aussie East Coast) to do the online theory (@Patja mentioned NauticEd?) and/or to do the practical?

Ideally, I'd like someone to spend time on my own boat - not sure if it needs to be done through a sailing academy to get certification though? Feel free to DM if not on the forum.

[Dogscout]

https://www.costablancasailing.co.uk/

In Alicante Spain. Live aboard, great marina and a great town. I did this in 2017 and recommend it.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Shayamoya

Hey all, thanks for your feedback. Yes, the challenges of the UK shores has appeal but weather aside, travel costs will likely weigh heavily on the decision. Though still considering I did spend time in Gibraltar before doing the ARC some years back so recall that side of the pond Sailed over the years but never did quals so now keen to get up to speed for coastal cruising and chartering.

@ChrisJHC I'd be interested if you have any recommendations on a local mob (Aussie East Coast) to do the online theory (@Patja mentioned NauticEd?) and/or to do the practical?

Ideally, I'd like someone to spend time on my own boat - not sure if it needs to be done through a sailing academy to get certification though? Feel free to DM if not on the forum.

You can hire an examiner for the day to take you through your practical exam and ask questions covering your oral exam in between picking up Moorings under power and sail and other tasks.. that's how I did mine.

[karatesailor]

You could try Red Cap Sailing School in Langkawi, Malaysia. They teach RYA Day Skipper courses amongst other RYA sail cruising courses. It's tidal, sunny in winter months and some trips go between Langkawi and Thailand, so a really interesting sailing area.