RYA Coastal Skipper

RYA Coastal Skipper

RYA Coastal Skipper Course

A coastal skipper is a yachts person who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night.
 
During your RYA Coastal Skipper course we aim to put miles on the clock with the longer passages from our base in Brighton. You will plan and execute coastal passages along the South Coast of England, often with the Solent as a destination. Students will have the chance to navigate and skipper by both day and night thus ensuring you are a confident skipper when you leave the boat. Skills and drills will also play an important part of the week, practiced until you feel confident about all manoeuvres.

The course criteria is:

  • Passage planning: Can plan a coastal passage including a consideration of the capabilities of the yacht, navigation, victualling, weather, ports of refuge, tidal heights and tidal streams, publications required and strategy. Know customs procedures for most common circumstances.
  • Preparation for sea: Aware of safety equipment required for offshore passages, and can prepare a yacht for sea including stowage, safety briefing, watch keeping, delegating responsibilities and equipment and engine checks
  • Pilotage: Preparing a pilotage plan, with consideration of soundings, transits, clearing bearings, buoyage, port or harbour regulations and tidal considerations. Able to pilot a yacht by day and night.
  • Organisational and skipper skills: Can take charge of a yacht and direct the crew, organise the navigation, deckwork and domestic duties of a yacht on passage, awareness of the significance of meteorological trends, aware of crew welfare and can use electronic navigational equipment for planning and undertaking a passage, including the use of waypoints and routes.
  • Yacht handling under power: Able to control the yacht effectively in a confined space under power, including all berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide.
  • Yacht handling under sail: Can use the sails to control the yacht in a confined space, and capable of anchoring and mooring in various conditions of wind and tide.
  • Adverse weather conditions: Understanding of preparations for heavy weather and yacht handling in strong winds, and navigation in restricted visibility.
  • Emergency situations: Recovery of man overboard under power or sail, actions to be taken when abandoning to the liferaft and during helicopter and lifeboat rescues.

Course Structure

  • This course is residential with reduced numbers
  • Due to COVID-19 restrictions you need to be doubled vaccinated and complete a lateral flow test prior to boarding
  • Breakfast and lunches provided onboard.
  • You will be involved in the planning of each day as this varies depending on the weather and tidal condition and it is an important skill to learn.
  • Some days you will be out to sea all day and anchor for lunch, or you might come into port to practice some parking.
  • Night entries into harbours are an integral part of the course
  • Part of the course is to plan and execute a trip to another location and we have some excellent locations to practice these important skills.
  • The courses are mainly practical and very hands-on, learning to sail in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.

Course objective:

By the end of this course you will be able to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night.

Number of places :

Weekday courses only : Maximum of 3 people per course or 4 if 2 x Couple sharing cabins

Prerequisite:

RYA Day Skipper & 15 days sea time (2 days as skipper) – 300 miles, 8 night hours.

Duration:

5 days.

Where:

Brighton Marina, BN2 5UP.

Availability:

Courses are run  from Febuary to the end of November. If you cannot find a date please contact us. Private tuition and own boat tuition is also available.
This RYA Coastal Skipper Course is also available in Barcelona

Booking:

Book online from the dates below or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a date please contact us. We also run the RYA Dayskipper from Barcelona
Booking terms and conditions apply and rebooking fees are charged for cancellations made with less than 4 weeks notice.

Book Your Session

5 Consecutive Days

Maximum of 5 people per course

Typical Price: £599

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More Information


Lagoon Watersports @ Brighton Marina

Pontoon 6

Western Concourse

Brighton Marina

BN2 5UP

UK

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We have two centres in Brighton. This activity take place from Lagoon Watersports in Brighton Marina DO NOT go to Lagoon Watersports, Hove Lagoon. If you are taking a taxi please make this clear to the driver.

Finding Lagoon Watersports once you are in Brighton Marina

Head towards the waterfront where you will see all the cafes and restaurants. Walk to the end of the boarded walk way where there will be a large bridge heading down towards the pontoons. We are the first set of pontoons on the right. Pontoon 6.

To Brighton Marina by car

Approaching the marina from the A27 take the B2123. Turn right at first set of traffic lights, signposted Brighton Town Centre, Racecourse and Marina Village. Turn left at second set of traffic lights, pass the Racecourse and follow the signs for the Marina Village where there is free parking for 1500 cars in the multi-storey car park. From the car park you can either go across a linking bridge on level 6 or from the ground floor of the car park towards all the waterfront cafes and bars. Walk to the end of the boarded walk way where there will be a large ramp heading down towards the pontoons. We are the first set of pontoons on the right. Pontoon 6.

By Bus

Brighton and Hove bus service operates a number 7 bus approximately every 15 minutes 24 hours a day, from Brighton Town Centre (North Street or Queens Road), to the Marina Village.

By Bike

Brighton Marina has a bike share station which is either pay per minute or a yearly membership, go to https://www.btnbikeshare.com for more information. For your own bike, racks are available on the main concourses of the pontoons. You must use the racks and not leave bikes on the pontoons otherwise Premier Marina will take them away.

On foot

Brighton Marina is a pleasant walk along the seafront from the centre of Brighton, it is 20 minutes walk from the main West Pier. During the summer you will also find the Volks electric railway operates along the front.

By train 

The nearest main line station is Brighton with regular connections to Chichester, Portsmouth and London is under an hour away. nationalrail.co.uk

By Air

Brighton is within easy reach of Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. Follow the A23 from Gatwick to Brighton. Shoreham airport is also available for private light aircraft.

What to Bring

  • Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Shower facilities in each Marina so bring what you need
  • Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
  • There is limited space on board, only bring one large bag
  • Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
  • Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
  • Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
  • We can supply waterproofs for hire, Musto BR1s. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity
  • If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
  • RYA Coastal Skipper requires a photo with the certificate so please bring two passport photographs

 

Course Structure

  • All courses run 0900 till 1700
  • Due to COVID-19 restrictions there is no requirement to stay onboard.
  • To reduce food preparation please bring a pack lunch for each day.
  • You will be involved in the planning of each day as this varies depending on the weather and tidal condition and it is an important skill to learn.
  • Some days you will be out to sea all day and anchor for lunch, or you might come into port to practice some parking.
  • There is a night experience that we normally run on the Sunday of the Part 2 weekend or the Wednesday of the Weekday course but this might change depending on the weather conditions.
  • Part of the course is to plan and execute a trip to another location and we have some excellent locations to practice these important skills.
  • The courses are mainly practical and very hands-on, learning to sail in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.

 

RYA Competent Crew Courses

 The RYA Competent Crew course is for beginner yacht sailors and those who would like to become an active member of the crew rather than just a passenger. This hands on course will teach you how to crew a yacht and on completion you should be able to assist in all the day to day duties onboard. :

This RYA Competent Crew Course will include:

  • Helmsmanship
  • Sail handling
  • Ropework
  • Essential safety procedures
  • Rules of the road
  • Meteorology
  • Man overboard
  • Manners & customs

 

Course Objective: These skills will enable you to become a valuable crew member. You will be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout and be able to assist in all the daily routines. After completing your Competent Crew course you will have enough experince to embark upon your RYA Dayskipper Course.

Prerequisite: None

Course Information: The RYA Competent Crew courses are run either over three weekends or 5 days.

 


RYA Dayskipper Practical Course

RYA Day Skipper Course syllabus will cover:

  • Preparation For Sea
  • Deck Work
  • Navigation
  • Rules Of The Road
  • Maintenance & Repair Work
  • Emergency Situations
  • Engines
  • Yacht Handling Under Power & Sail
  • Passage Making
  • Night Cruising
  • Pilotage
  • Meteorology

 

Changing Bookings

We have different cancellation policies for each of our centres please check our full booking terms and conditions.

Activities at Hove Lagoon

Alterations to Bookings at Hove Lagoon

Customers are able to rearrange course dates up to two times with no charge when Lagoon Watersports is given :

48 hours notice for courses under £75 per person

7 days notice for courses priced between £76 – £300 per person

14 days notice for course over £301 per person

If Lagoon Watersports is given less than the required notice period this considered to be a cancellation.

In circumstances when a customer requests more than two changes of a date, a rebooking fee of 50% of the course fee will be charged.

In circumstances where the customer is unable to choose new dates or Lagoon Watersports is unable to offer suitable alternative dates a credit will be applied to the customers account that is valid for 24 months.

Cancellation charges

Customers may cancel a course with written notification from the lead name in your group.

The following cancellation fees apply when Lagoon Watersports is given :

  • More than 4 weeks notice before course/event starts – 25% of the course price will be taken as a cancellation fee.
  • Less than 4 weeks notice before course/event starts – 100% of the course price will be taken as cancellation fee.

Course Cancellation by Lagoon Watersports

In circumstance where Lagoon Watersports cancels a course (Excluding Force Majeure) the customer may choose a new date or a full refund.

Postponement due to COVID-19

If you are required to self isolate via government guidelines you can reschedule you booking to a later date within our schedule availability. No refunds are available due to COVID-19.

Force Majeure

In circumstances out of our control we will endeavour to rebook and hold credit for any activity in the future valid for 24 months. This includes cancellation by us due to COVID-19. No refunds will be given in these circumstances.


Activities at Brighton Marina

Rescheduling your dates

RYA Courses

Due limited availability you can only reschedule up to 14 days prior to the course start date to give us time to fill your place, within 14 days and up to 48 hours it will cost £99 to reschedule. Within 48 hours you will need to rebook at full cost of the session/Course

Zero to Dayskipper and Learn to Sail packages are allowed a maximum of 2 changes to dates without penalties, this must be at least 7 days prior to the course date otherwise a penalty fee of £75 will be incurred

Boating experiences trips, Powerboat ride, Jet Ski Safaris 

Individuals booked onto boating experiences may reschedule up to 48 hours prior to the activity, within 48 hours you will loose your booking and given a 25% discount on rebooking

Cancellation charges

You may cancel with written notification from the lead name in your group.

The following cancellation fees apply :

  • More than 4 weeks before course/event – loss of deposit or 25% of course/event fee
  • Less than 4 weeks before course/event – 100% of price of course/event

Group changes in numbers

Rescheduling your dates

RYA Courses

Due limited availability you can only reschedule up to 14 days prior to the course start date to give us time to fill your place, within 14 days and up to 48 hours it will cost £99 to reschedule. Within 48 hours you will need to rebook at full cost of the session/Course

Zero to Dayskipper and Learn to Sail packages are allowed a maximum of 2 changes to dates without penalties, this must be at least 7 days prior to the course date otherwise a penalty fee of £75 will be incurred

Boating experiences trips, Powerboat ride, Jet Ski Safaris 

Individuals booked onto boating experiences may reschedule up to 48 hours prior to the activity, within 48 hours you will loose your booking and given a 25% discount on rebooking

Cancellation charges

You may cancel with written notification from the lead name in your group.

The following cancellation fees apply :

  • More than 4 weeks before course/event – loss of deposit or 25% of course/event fee
  • Less than 4 weeks before course/event – 100% of price of course/event

Group changes in numbers

Group bookings confirm numbers 4 weeks prior to the event with the final balance. Any changes in numbers we will endeavour to accommodate, the following applies

Numbers increases up to 24 hours prior to the event will be accommodated as much as possible, priced per head

Number decreases up to 7 days prior to the event will be accommodated, but where this reduce your group size below 6 persons you will need to pay for 6 persons. Session durations might vary depending on changes to group sizes

Cancellation by Lagoon Watersports

RYA Courses

If we need to cancel due to Instructor availability, damaged equipment or engine failure or weather conditions/Sea State we will give you as much notice as possible and offer new dates to complete the course.

Boating experiences trips, Powerboat ride, Jet Ski Safaris 

If we need to cancel due to Instructor availability, damaged equipment, engine failure or weather conditions/Sea State we will do all we can to arrange another suitable date, if we cannot provide suitable availability then you will be offered a full refund

Force Majeure  – In circumstances out of our control we will endeavour to rebook and hold credit for any activity in the future with a two year expiry

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