Online Yachtmaster Theory Course
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The Online Yachtmaster Shorebased Course is an advanced navigation course and ideal if you have already completed the Day Skipper theory course, or alternatively done a fair amount of navigating already. With the Yachtmaster online course you can learn at your own pace: whenever and wherever you want.
- Online RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course in the convenience of you own space and time
- Instructor support available if needed
- Advanced navigation course
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Flexible
The flexibility of the online course was perfect for me. I was travelling with work quite a bit so ended up doing the course over a period of about 7 weeks in 8 different countries! Great materials and help was on hand from an instructor the phone on the two occasions that I needed it.
Simone P
Verified Customer
The RYA Online Yachtmaster Theory Course is the next step for those looking to progress from Day Skipper qualification. It explores many of the same topics, but in more depth, with a greater emphasis on tackling more challenging coastal & offshore passages.
The course is split up into modules, allowing you to learn independently at your own pace. As well as PC and Mac compatibility, you can also follow the course on your iPad.
You will be provided with a comprehensive set of materials to complement the course content, and you there will always be an instructor a phone call/skype call/email away to offer help whenever you need some extra guidance.
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
More Info on the RYA Yachtmaster Theory online course
Convenient For You: Take the RYA Yachtmaster Theory online course at your own time and in your own space wherever that may be (with internet connection!)
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for students of all skill levels.
Comprehensive materials provided: Standard RYA pack with practice charts and questions, RYA Navigation Handbook, a student website with lots of useful links and copies of the course slides available online.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Online Yachtmaster Theory Course:
Required Experience
- Day Skipper Theory or navigation knowledge to the same level.
Course Duration
- Approximately 40 hours and exam time.
Course Content
- Offshore and Coastal navigation
- Pilotage
- Coastal and offshore passages
Skills Gained
- Background knowledge to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning to be a competent yacht Skipper easy.
Purchase the Course
Once signed up we send you a username and password so you can get started right away if you wish. Some course materials will arrive with you a day or 2 later.
Take The Course
Work through the course at your own pace.
Become A First Class Sailor
Take the exams at home. With your new found navigational skills you will be ready to move on to the practical.
RYA Yachtmaster Theory Online -
Complete Breakdown
Learn From the Comfort of Your Own Home
After you've completed the Yachtmaster Theory course, you'll have all the background knowledge you'll need to undertake coastal and offshore passages, by day and night. You'll also be well prepared to take the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course.
If you have a lot of sailing miles under your belt, you can skip the Coastal Skipper practical and go straight to one of the more advanced Yachtmaster practical courses; the coveted Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is awarded to those who complete one of these offshore Yachtmaster courses.
First Class Sailing's recognised training provider of choice for online navigation classes is Skippers Online, whom we have had a long association with. They more than meet our stringent quality standards. Student feedback is 100% positive on these courses and in our view they offer excellent theory preparation for our students before taking our practical courses. We find students who are well prepared with their theory then get much more benefit from their practical course experience.
You’ll need a course plotter and chart-dividers to complete the chartwork exercises - if you don’t already have these you can purchase a set for £28 when you place your order.
Please note you have access to the course for 6 months from purchase with the option to extend, at additional cost, if you need more time to complete.
What will you learn?
- How to identifying your boat's position using a variety of techniques
- Lots about collision regulations
- How to work out complex estimated positions and courses to steer
- How to work out secondary port tidal calculations
- Buoyage
- Lights, shapes and sound signals used by all kinds of vessels you may well encounter at sea
- Pilotage methods including transits, back bearings and clearing bearings
- Passage planning strategies - what to take into account
- Using GPS and chart plotters
- Measuring speed & distance and keeping logs
- Dealing with weather & meteorological conditions
- Best practices for eco-friendly sailing
- Use of safety equipment
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 572 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 337 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Based in France
Excellent course, excellent materials. I am based in France so made sense to do this online course rather than the classroom version.
I then came and did Yachtmaster Coastal with First Class and happily passed!
John P
Verified Customer
Superb
I have used First Class Sailing for my Day Skipper and Yachtmaster theory courses, together with the VHF and First Aid shore based tuition days. The instruction techniques are nothing less than superb and above all a very enjoyable experience.
Thank god they managed to get their domain name first as they truly deserve it! I plan to continue using their school for further tuition and would not hesitate recommending them to others.
Simon L
Verified Customer
Enthusiasm and energy of instructor
Just passed my Yachtmaster Theory examinations and like all the previous training I’ve completed with First Class Sailing, everything was very well organised and the instructor was brilliant. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, which made the classes both highly informative and good fun. I can recommend First Class Sailing without hesitation and am already looking forward to doing my Coastal Skipper practical with them.
Hani S
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
See how internationally recognised RYA courses progress alongside your sailing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? Look no further.
Ready to Earn your RYA Yachtmaster Theory
Get to grips with advanced navigation on this informative online course.
- Learn in your own time and space
- All materials included
- Yachtmaster Theory online for your convenience
Support available
Good instructor with lots of experience. Customer service also really responsive, goes out of the way to support you throughout the course. I would recommend if you are thinking of doing a sailing course.
Alice G
Verified Customer
Ready to Earn your RYA Yachtmaster Theory
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