First of all, who and what is this RYA we keep hearing about?
The Royal Yachting Association, or RYA for short, was founded in 1875 as the Yacht Racing Association and was formed to regulate racing on and around the Thames at that time.
It wasn't until 1952 that it became what we now know as the Royal Yachting Association, the RYA for short, which is an international association governing all aspects of sailboats, dingys, powerboats, all forms of sailboat racing, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), windsurfing and any personal watercraft that has the property of moving on water.
What is a sailing permit RYA Day Skipper ?
RYA Day Skipper is part of the Intermediate/Advanced segment, alongside the RYA Coastal.
In the first segment, for beginners, there are: the first week of sailing, RYA Competent Crew, CAPETAN CREW and the courses for young people under 16.
To become eligible for the RYA Day Skipper Sailing Permit it is mandatory to either prove that you have participated in one of the events that are part of the first segment, or to prove that you have sailed at least 100 miles, have at least 5 days spent on the water on a sailboat and/or powerboat and at least 4 hours spent on a sailboat in a night passage.
The course is divided into two: theoretical training and practical training.
In terms of theoretical training, there are 17 sections in the programme, from understanding nautical terminology to calculating waves and tidal flows. Broadly speaking, the content covers:
-Information: locating and using information such as weather forecasts, tidal data and navigational information in the planning and execution of a passage
-Regulations and guidance: knowledge of collision avoidance rules, marine pollution responsibilities and details of safety equipment for small yachts
-Techniques: planning and application of piloting and navigation techniques, passage planning strategy and how to deal with emergencies
Related practical trainingUnder the careful guidance of an instructor, you gain self-confidence and get a full picture of what it means to sail a sailboat.
The course lasts five days with a maximum of 5 students + 1 instructor. The practical part involves practising all the practical modules discussed in theory. Specifically, the first part of the day involves theoretical training, followed by practical training in the second half of the day.
How do I get RYA Day Skipper sailing licence
Following this combination of theory and practice during the 5 days of practice, the instructor is able to declare you either passed or failed at the end, following objective feedback. The grade "failed" denotes that it is advisable to retake the module and that you should, for your own good and for the good of those around you, better prepare for the next examination.
The qualification "admitted" implies the immediate release of RYA Day Skipper booklet attesting:
-a qualification that allows you to safely handle a 30-45 foot cruising yacht with sails and crew in familiar waters
-assure charter companies that you have sufficient knowledge and practical experience to charter their sailboats safely.
Diagram of your sailing journey:
