OUR RYA COURSES
RYA Shorebased Courses
Develop the essential theory and safety knowledge that underpins confident, capable sailing with our Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Shorebased Courses. These classroom-based courses provide the navigation, planning, and safety skills needed to support your time on the water — whether you’re working towards a qualification or sailing for pleasure.
RYA First Aid Course
The RYA First Aid Course is specifically tailored to the marine environment, giving you the practical skills needed to deal with medical emergencies at sea. You’ll learn how to handle incidents when help may be hours away, covering topics such as hypothermia, drowning, fractures, burns, and emergency procedures onboard.
This course meets RYA and Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements.
Ideal for: All sailors, skippers, instructors, and those working towards RYA qualifications.
RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
The RYA Day Skipper Theory Course teaches the core navigation and passage planning skills required to skipper a yacht safely by day. You’ll learn chartwork, tidal calculations, weather interpretation, pilotage, and collision regulations — building the confidence to plan and execute safe coastal passages.
This course is highly recomended prior to taking the Day Skipper Practical course.
Ideal for: Sailors preparing to skipper or looking to improve their navigation knowledge.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course builds on Day Skipper knowledge and focuses on offshore navigation and passage planning. You’ll cover advanced chartwork, secondary ports, weather systems, international regulations, and ocean-scale decision-making.
This course prepares you for longer passages and offshore sailing beyond sight of land.
Ideal for: Experienced sailors progressing toward Yachtmaster Offshore practical.
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course is for sailors aiming to navigate across oceans and major seas. You’ll learn celestial navigation using the sun, stars, and planets, as well as worldwide passage planning, meteorology, and ocean routing.
This is the final step in theoretical training for long-distance and blue-water sailing.
Ideal for: Sailors planning ocean passages or working toward Yachtmaster Ocean certification.
MORE THAN A COURSE
Why Take RYA Shorebased Courses with Bourne to Sail?
Expert instruction in a supportive learning environment Clear progression from coastal to offshore and ocean theory Industry-recognised RYA qualifications Practical knowledge that directly supports real-world sailing Ideal preparation for practical courses and exams
Whether you’re planning coastal cruising or dreaming of ocean passages, our shore-based courses give you the knowledge and confidence to sail further and safer.