What is a Practical Sailing course?
Practical Sailing is the term Elite Sailing use for all RYA sailing courses that are instructor led and can provide RYA qualifications. Practical Sailing courses are suitable for all levels and abilities and are designed to help you achieve RYA qualifications.
How do I begin my sailing journey?
RYA Competent Crew is the first sailing qualification and can be undertaken by anyone over the age of 12. You can sign-up for a Practical Sailing weekend as a sailing taster, and decide if this is something you wish to pursue. The Competent crew qualification takes fives days, and can be done over a 3-day and 2-day weekend or during a 5-day Practical Sailing course.
Under 12 years old, RYA offers a Start Yachting certificate, which takes two-days.
View the RYA Sail Training journey for more information
What will I need to bring?
Here is your essential packing list. Packing list essentials.
What are the age restrictions for sailing?
We welcome all ages. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
To undertake an RYA qualification, ages 8 to 11 years can complete Start Yachting, and anyone over the age of 12 can complete RYA Competent Crew. The RYA Day Skipper qualification is for anyone over the age of 16.
How do I book an RYA Competent Crew course?
Our booking system shows dates and prices of Practical Sailing weekends and Practical Sailing Weeks (5 days Mon to Fri). They are mixed experience level so you can choose from any of these courses for your competent crew. A Competent Crew course requires five days of sailing. You may choose to do this over multiple weekends or during five consecutive days.
Competent Crew courses over a number of weekends are very popular and effective but they are comparatively a bit more expensive. A five-day course allows you to complete the course within one week so you get the benefit of continuity and the chance to visit the widest range of harbours and anchorages.
How do I book an RYA Day Skipper course?
Our booking system shows dates and prices of Practical Sailing weekends and Practical Sailing Weeks (5 days Mon to Fri). They are mixed experience level so you can choose from any of these for your RYA Day Skipper. You will need to evidence you have sufficient sailing experience before commencing this course, a Competent Crew certificate or equivalent. The Day Skipper practical courses requires five days sailing, where you will be assessed by the instructor, and the successful completion of Day Skipper theory.
We also offer 9 day Combined RYA Theory and Practical Day Skipper Courses
The 9 day course is run over 9 consecutive days, price includes all essential study materials for the first four days (accommodation not included) , accommodation aboard from the 4th night (Tuesday) to 8th night (Saturday) and meals aboard throughout the Practical course.
Alternatively, you can complete the theory element via Distance Learning and then book the Day Skipper Practical in the format that suits you (weekends / week courses).
How do I book an RYA Coastal Skipper Course?
To successfully complete this course you need to sign up to a five-day Practical Sailing course. Effective training at Coastal Skipper level requires longer passages beyond the range possible with weekend sailing so courses are best conducted during a five day course. You will be expected to have achieved the following before commencing your Coastal course.
- RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Shorebased course or full knowledge of the subject. At least Day Skipper level practical sailing competence.
- Minimum 15 days at sea, 300 miles and 8-night hours logged.
- VHF Licence and First Aid Certificate (beneficial for practical assessment).
- To really benefit from this course, you should have some prior experience as a skipper in charge of a yacht.
What is Yachtmaster Fast Track?
The Elite Fast Track Professional Yachtmaster (Sail) course is a complete, full-time training package designed to take you from sailing and seamanship basics right up to commercially endorsed RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore. It provides a rapid and thorough route to this definitive skipper’s qualification for yachting industry professionals or amateur sailors wanting to achieve the highest competence quickly. Our instructors are highly experienced yachtmaster instructors, specially chosen for their sailing and teaching skills.
We have three scheduled courses every year. But other start dates are available – including both early and late season starts – and we can adjust the content and price to reflect any prior experience you may have.
How do I contact Elite Sailing?
The Elite Sailing office is open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and we are always happy to chat to you over the phone and answer any questions you may have.
Call 01634 890 512
