Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course
Starting from: £425
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The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course examines astro-navigation, the use of the sextant and worldwide meteorology. It assumes a knowledge of all the subjects covered in all the other shore based courses. Courses are run in Southampton or London.
- Lean to calculate your position using celestial bodies
- Complete guidance from expert instructors
- Taken over 5 consecutive days, or 8 evenings and a weekend
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Straight forward teaching
The course was presented by a Yachtmaster Ocean instructor examiner of vast experience including ocean racing, who gave examples of his experiences as they related to the course. I thought that astronavigation was going to be difficult, but the way he taught us overcame my apprehensions. Well done, First Class Sailing.
Fred H
Verified Customer
For centuries sailors have guided their ships across the oceans by celestial navigation or nautical astronomy. On the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course (in London or Southampton) you will learn how to fix your position with a sextant by observing the sun, moon, stars and planets. For the modern sailor it is not only a fascinating art, but an essential alternative to electronic navigation when crossing oceans.
Looking to practice using a sextant? See our Celestial Sailing Weekends where you can get some hands on practice.
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
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Check our our podcasts
In these two podcasts Kate talks to Ceri Hurford-Jones about how she got on with her Ocean Yachtmaster Theory course and how it really helped her along in the next stage of her sailing, and instructor Nigel gives some insights into the course.
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More Info on the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Theory Course
Comprehensive materials provided: An RYA work pack, plus a student website with copies of the course slides available online - very useful if you miss a lesson or would like to see what is coming up in the next lesson or wish to refresh your memory.
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 doing their RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory.
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory certificate: At the end of your course there is a written exam that will include questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology. You will then receive your RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate provided you have passed.
Guarantee: You will be well prepared for the exams by the time you get to them. However, in the unlikely event you do not pass and if you have attended all the classes you are welcome to retake the course and/or exams at no additional cost.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course:
Required Experience
- You navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course.
Course Duration
- 5 days
- 8 evenings and a weekend
Course Content
- Astro navigation including how to use a sextant
- Worldwide meteorology
Skills Gained
- How to calculate your position using celestial bodies.
- Background knowledge to skipper a yacht on ocean passages.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning to be a competent yacht Skipper easy.
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming course dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Take The Course
You’ll learn skills required to earn your shore-based Yachtmaster Ocean Theory accreditation.
Become A First Class Sailor
Sail off into the sunset. You no longer care if your electronics fail or the GPS system gets switched off!
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory -
Complete Breakdown
What to Expect?
- Some difficult principles to grasp! It takes a while to get to grips with the principles of astro navigation so do not be put off if you don't understand everything you will be taught straight away.
- A knowledgeable instructor who will give you plenty of support if you need it.
This course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence who are preparing for their first ocean voyage. It is also suitable for those who enjoy and have a general interest and curiosity in navigation and how one can find a position by using a sextant and the heavenly bodies.
For those wanting the full Yachtmaster Ocean certificate we may be able to point you in the direction of a 600-mile qualifying passage.
What if I have to miss a lesson?
It is not a problem if you have to miss a lesson providing you are prepared to put some effort into catching up. The sessions are recorded to watch later in the week There is a fair bit of homework each session and providing you do this you know you will have caught up sufficiently. Also the instructor is available on phone/email in between sessions.
Start/Finish Times
Courses are run over 40 hours plus time for exams.
Evening classes generally start at 6:30pm and finish around 9:30pm (with the instructor being available from 5:30pm).
Weekend classes start at 9:00am. Week day classes are 9:00am to 5:00pm.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
3 weeks earlier, before the course started I wouldn't have known where to start.
Astro navigation is a very technical subject, yet it was delivered in a clearly structured series of modules. The instructor was first class, making learning interesting and fun by using good visual aids, quality resources and tons of experience in the subject. This is the best theory course I have ever completed. I found the exam well within my capabilities, yet 3 weeks earlier, before the course started I wouldn't have known where to start.
This is my 3rd course with First Class Sailing. All 3 have been amazing.
Simon L, UK
Verified Customer
Patient instructor
I did the shore based Ocean Yachtmaster course with First Class Sailing. Nigel was our instructor who was as patient as he was excellent.
Fergus M
Verified Customer
Mars, Venus star and sun sights
This was a brilliant weekend, with big spring tides, and hence a very small moon. Although inevitably we observed and learnt some of our instructor Nigel's numerous tricks of the trade, he concentrated wholly on explanations, sun sights, star sights, planning, and subsequent calculations. Immediate feedback on sextant readings was most beneficial. [This relates to the on the water celestial weekends we run]
Bennie C
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 Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
Take your astro navigation skills to the next level.
- Learn in a classroom with other students
- Friendly and knowledgeable instructor
- Classes in Southampton, London, your office, or online
Responsive customer service
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, NZ
Verified Customer
Ready to Earn Your Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
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