RYA Sail Cruising courses 2024
RYA Sail cruising courses available from April until mid October 2024.
2024 course candidate feedback
Coastal Skipper April 2024 - 'Debbie is one of the best instructors I've ever had the priviledge of spending time with. Empathetic but really on the ball when the going got tough. I basically think you nailed it - Debbie is at the top of her game. Lovely boat, very spacious and handled well even in the extreme conditions. Excellent meals with no preparation required meaning all time was spent learning'.
'Debbie was patient, knowledgable and took the time to go through a learning point'.
Day Skipper June 2024
'Debbie is extremly experienced, willing to discuss and debate etc. Really great week. Much more adventure then expected, which really made the difference'.
'Excellent course methodical and just the right depth of imformation at correct intervals'.
'Debbie is very informative and trusting. Provided lots of good tips and tricks. I did not feel judged or worried if I made mistakes, I felt very empowered by her teaching style. Thank you for an amazing course and experience. Thank you for trusting me with your boat. I really enjoyed our week long tour of Scotland and have learnt tonnes and tonnes. Hopefully see you for Coastal Skipper :)'
2023 course candidate feedback
'Excellent instructional techniques and very good facilitated debriefings, highly recomended' 'Excellent food throughout' 'Debbie's instruction and personality made it the most enjoyable experience, would 100% recommend this instructor and course' 'Patient instruction inspiring confidence' 'Very clear instructions, everything explained beforehand' 'Great week with good food and very clear instructions that helped me to learn very quickly' 'All very clear with good feedback' 'Fantastic' 'Constant feedback, postive, supportive' 'Instruction and hints to improve were good, I felt I can do it after being instructed' 'Excellent boat' 'A well laid-out boat, well equiped'
RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Competent Crew candidates April and June 2023
Glencoe Outdoor Centre is an RYA Recognised Training Centre
We offer comprehensive RYA training and qualifications. Whether you have never set foot on a yacht or dream of skippering your own yacht, we can help you take the next step
Why book your RYA sail cruising course with Glencoe Outdoor Centre?
The spectacular sailing environment of the West coast of Scotland is unrivalled; Meals are fabulous; Well maintained yacht; Highly-qualified and experienced instructors.
Introductory sailing skills or skills development leading to RYA certification which can set you up to charter your own sailing boat.
Debbie Williams Principal and Chief Instructor of our school is an RYA Yacht Master Instructor with commercial endorsement.
Our vessel is 'Alcuin', a Westerly Oceanranger 38 based at Dunstaffnage marina, just north of Oban.
RYA Practical cruising courses: RYA Competent Crew; RYA Day Skipper; RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yacht Master Coastal/Off-Shore preparation course.
RYA Shore based courses: RYA Day Skipper/Watch Leader theory; RYA Coastal Skipper/ RYA Yacht Master Off-Shore theory.
RYA Competent Crew
A 5 day certificated residential on yacht course introducing the complete beginner to cruising. The skills you learn will equip you to be a useful member of the crew of a cruising yacht. Minimum age 12 years (minimum unaccompanied 16 years).
RYA Day Skipper
A 5 day certificated residential on yacht course during which you will learn the skills required to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in waters which you are familiar. Minimum age is 16 years.
RYA Coastal Skipper
A 5 day certificated residential on yacht course during which you will learn the skills required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night. Minimum age is 17 years.
Candidates for Competent Crew courses may complete their training alongside either Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper courses.
2024 Dates: Availability: Prices:
7 - 12 April course completed £795 Coastal Skipper & Comp crew
16 - 21 June course completed £795 Day Skipper & Comp crew
30 June - 5 July course completed £795 Day Skipper & Comp Crew
18 - 23 August fully booked £795 Day Skipper & Comp Crew
15 - 20 September 1 place £745 Day Skipper & Comp Crew
6 - 11 October 5 places £695
RYA Day Skipper/Watch Leader Theory
A 6 day certificated shore based course. The syllabus for this course covers the following: seamanship, coastal navigation and pilotage, chart work, electronic charts, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting and meteorology, tides, collision regulations.
The RYA describe the anticipated ability of the student following the course as follows: "possess the background knowledge to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day".
Day Skipper/Watch Leader Theory: (6 days)
Contact us for dates of our next course £375
Residential option available
RYA Coastal Skipper/Yacht Master off-shore theory
A 6 day certificated shore-based course. Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.
Please enquire for availability
Prefer to study via an on-line RYA theory course? Contact Ardent Training based in Tobermory. Ed and Charly Hewitt run their RYA courses from their boat Mipha in Tobermory harbour.
Prices based up on a maximum of 5 students sharing a 38' Westerly Ocean Ranger
What's included?
5 days & nights aboard the yacht
Tuition from an RYA instructor
Fully catered by the excellent Jennie Larney who prepares delicious meals for us.
All fuel and marina fees
You will be allocated a berth upon our school yacht and should be aware that you will be sharing the yacht with other students. The maximum ratio of participants to instructor will be 5:1.
You will be asked to complete an application form prior to confirming your booking to ensure that you meet the course pre-requisites / recommended pre-course experience.
Learn with family and friends
If you and your family or friends wish to book the whole boat and a private instructor, this can be arranged. Call us for details.
What we can organise for you that is not included in the course price:
Towels & bed linen
RYA log book and handbook
Waterproof hire
RYA theory courses
A £200 deposit is required for our RYA 5 day courses. The balance of fees is payable 2 months prior to course start date or immediately if booking at less than 2 months notice.
RYA Yachtmaster off-shore exam preparation course
Pre exam preparation and coaching for those looking to take an RYA Yachtmaster exam at Coastal or Offshore level. Please contact us to arrange a bespoke course.
To enquire about any of our RYA Sail Cruising courses please email office@glencoeoutdoorcentre.org.uk
or call us on 01855 811350
