The Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School is delighted to be a training partner for the Quarter Deck | Skipper Academy. We've set out the steps below you'll need to take to complete the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Assessment. If you need any advice, or have a question please contact us on +353 1 2844195, email sailing@inss.ie or leave us a message here and we'll get back to you. If our scheduled course dates don't suit your schedule we'll design a bespoke training programme for you.
What's your experience level?
We would recommend taking the following training courses, a weekend long start sailing course – you’ll know if it’s for you after this. To build on this experience, the next step is a 5-day Competent Crew Course where you’ll live aboard the yacht. Following on from you’ll need to get your navigation and sailing theory up to scratch with a RYA Day Skipper Theory Course and then take the leap to skipper level with the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, another 5-day course on board the yachts. In addition, we would recommend some time to build miles, or yachting experience. Contact Us and we’ll talk you through some options. After this training, you’ll be at the level of somebody with Basic Keelboat Experience.
You’ll need to obtain a Yachtmaster Coastal certificate. Prior to taking this course you’ll need to have completed a RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Theory course, or have the knowledge to this standard. You may benefit from a bit of yacht handling practice, which we can organise prior to attending the 5-day RYA Coastal Skipper Course, after which you can sit the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam – a two day assessment that we would typically hold immediately after the course. Finally, you’ll need to know how to operate a VHF radio – and be licenced to do so. Please contact us and we’ll talk to you about your training.
The conversion to yachts isn’t too difficult – obviously, the wind awareness and sail trim ability you will have is transferable. There are some differences. We recommend taking the RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Course to make sure your navigation is up to scratch. Additionally, some time spent sailing a yacht and seeing the differences in handling, loads and techniques under power (especially parking!). Once you’re comfortable, the next step is to attend the 5-day RYA Coastal Skipper Course, after which you can sit the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam – a 2-day assessment that we would typically hold immediately after the course. Finally, you’ll need to know how to operate a VHF radio – and be licenced to do so. Get in touch and we’ll explain what we can do to help.
If you have all the experience you need, and meet the RYA Yachtmaster minimum requirements all you need to do is take the RYA Yachtmaster Exam, a 2-day assessment. However, we strongly recommend you attend the 5 day preparatory course to make sure all your skills and manoeuvres are up to RYA Yachtmaster Level. If you’re a bit unsure of the theory you might consider the RYA Theory Course, as one of the most common reasons for failing the assessment is lack of theoretical knowledge. Finally, you’ll need to know how to operate a VHF radio – and be licenced to do so. Please contact us and we’ll talk you through the options.
Why do it?
"I did my Yachtmaster and Skipper Academy just over three years ago. Since then it has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
I was hesitant to pay as much as I did but looking back it was the best decision of my life. Skippering quickly covered the course cost especially when you work the Caribbean where tips of $1000 on top of your normal pay are common.
But for most skippers it’s not about the money. You become good friends with the people you sail with and have just as much fun as they do. Furthermore, the bond and experiences that exists amongst skippers is something unique and cannot be described. I would recommend anyone who considers skippering, to just commit to a Yachtmaster course at the INSS and signing up to Skipper Academy. If you do this I guarantee you will not regret it."
Conor Bourke
Yacht Week Skipper
Commercial Endorsements
To get your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate commercially endorsed your will need to hold two additional qualifications. The first is a VHF SRC Certificate and the second is an online course, Professional Practises and Responsibilities, which we offer.
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