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3. Day Skipper

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Are you ready to take the helm and lead your own crew? The RYA Day Skipper Course is your chance to step up and experience the thrill of commanding a yacht. Over five exciting days, you’ll gain hands-on experience navigating, sailing, and managing a yacht under the guidance of expert instructors. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to confidently skipper a yacht on short, daytime passages—putting you well on your way to achieving your ultimate sailing goals.

The RYA Day Skipper course is designed for those with some yachting experience who are eager to take control. You’ll learn everything from sea preparation and yacht handling to passage planning, sail changes, and night sailing. By the end of this practical training, you’ll have the confidence and skills needed to navigate familiar waters during the day, without supervision.

During the course, you’ll take charge of the boat and crew, learning what it’s like to be fully responsible for everything—from safety and navigation to managing your crew. It’s an empowering experience that will prepare you to skipper a yacht for day trips, weekend getaways, or even holidays with family and friends.

If you’ve already got basic sailing experience, including navigation skills and the practical ability to sail, you’re ready for this next level. The RYA Day Skipper certification will qualify you to command a 30-45 foot cruising yacht for short passages, giving you the skills to organize a crew and handle watchkeeping. Whether you’re planning to charter a yacht or take your own boat out, this course gives you the foundation to sail confidently.

Click here to learn why Day Skipper is the most popular RYA Course.

What you’ll learn?

Preparation for sea

Deck Work

Navigation

Pilotage

Meteorology

Rules of the Road

Maintenance and Repair Work

Engines

Victualing

Emergency Situations

Yacht Handling Under Sail and Under Power

Passage Making

Night Cruising

Duration

Five days of fun, hands-on training aboard a modern yacht, along with four nights of onboard living where you’ll also practice cooking and sleeping at sea.

Experience required

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

100 nautical miles of previous sailing experience

At least 5 days of sailing, including 4 night hours aboard a yacht

Participants should also be in good physical shape to handle the demands of sailing.

What’s included

  • Marina fees
  • Insurance while aboard
  • All mooring and fuel costs

The course price does not include accommodation onshore, travel insurance, or any additional trip expenses.

What to bring?

Even in sunny Mallorca, weather conditions can shift unexpectedly on the open sea. Be prepared with a variety of clothing layers, sun protection, and all the recommended essentials listed on our Sailing Essentials Guide. It’s important to come prepared for both warm, sunny days and cooler evenings

Why the RYA Day Skipper Course is So Popular

The RYA Day Skipper Course is the most popular RYA certification for a reason. By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and skillset to safely skipper a small yacht (up to 24 meters) on short, daytime coastal cruises. With the fantastic weather and perfect sailing conditions in Mallorca, there’s no better place to take this transformative course!

You’ll spend five action-packed days sailing with a fun crew, and after each day’s learning, you’ll relax and unwind onboard as you soak up the beauty of Mallorca. The course gives you a real taste of the sailing lifestyle—cooking in the galley, sleeping onboard, and living life at sea.

Why Choose Day Skipper?

Upon completion of the Day Skipper course, you’ll have the practical experience and certification needed to:

• Confidently skipper a yacht up to 24 meters in familiar waters

• Take charge of short passages with friends and family during the day

• Charter a yacht for holidays or day trips

• Sail in flotillas with other yachts, gaining independence on the water

The Day Skipper course also opens doors to more advanced RYA qualifications like the Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Coastal, and Yachtmaster Offshore. It’s the perfect stepping stone for those looking to further their sailing skills and take on more challenging adventures at sea.

Take the helm and embark on an unforgettable adventure with the RYA Day Skipper Course. Master the art of sailing, gain invaluable skills, and join the ranks of sailors who can confidently command their own crew. Ready to take control of your next sailing journey? Contact us now to check availability and book your spot!

Explore other courses

Are you ready to dip your toes into the world of sailing? Whether your dream is to take friends and family out for a day on the water, captain your own charter, or sail across vast oceans, Mallorca Sailing Academy is here to help you make it happen. With our fun and exciting RYA courses, your sailing journey begins here!

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Get ready to fully immerse yourself in the world of sailing! The RYA Competent Crew Course offers you the chance to experience what it truly means to be part of a yacht’s crew. Dive into the technical side of sailing, learn how to steer and handle the sails, and most importantly, discover the joy of working as a team. Whether you’re just starting out or have a bit of experience, this course is the perfect step toward becoming a confident crew member—and one day, a skipper!

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The RYA Coastal Skipper Course is ideal for those who already have solid seamanship skills but want to take on more challenging coastal passages. This course will build your confidence in skippering through rougher seas, night navigation, and adverse weather conditions. It’s also a great way to prepare for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal exam, as it fulfills part of the sea-time requirements.

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