RYA Sail Cruising
2025 SEASON AVAILABILITY (Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper)
3 x places on Saturday 08/03 x 2 days
4 x places on Monday 10/03 x 5 days
4 x places on Friday 21/03 x 3 days
4 x places on Monday 24/03 x 5 days (Coastal Skipper & Competent Crew only)
4 x places on Friday 04/04 x 3 days
4 x places on Monday 24/03 x 5 days (Coastal Skipper & Competent Crew only)
4 x places on Monday 14/04 x 5 days
Cardiff Yachting Company is a recognised training centre for the RYA Sail Cruising Programme from Start Yachting to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore. The practical courses will take place aboard X Beat II.
The course is residential – be prepared to be away from Penarth for 1/2 x nights. Aboard X Beat II there are two single berths in the saloon. There are two double cabins – to reserve these to share or single use is an extra £30.00 per night. The use of waterproofs, and safety equipment togther with free marina car parking is included in the price.
For further details about each course including the costs see information below.
The schedule for RYA courses can be seen on the X Beat II calendar based at Penarth Marina Please use the booking enquiry form.
We aim to answer all queries within 24 hours. – if there are are 3/4 persons interested in doing a course together it is likely that the schedule can be changed to accommodate you.
Having confirmed the booking with us, you will be sent joining instructions and a link via Revolut Bank to pay using Bank Transfer or card payment.
RYA Start Yachting & Competent Crew
RYA Start Yachting -2 days (£295.00 each)
Pre-course experience – none, assumed knowledge – none, minimum duration – 2 days, minimum age – none.
Course content – The yacht, ropework, underway, rules of the road, man overboard recovery, clothing and equipment, emergency equipment and precautions, meteorology. Ability after the course – Basic knowledge of yachting
RYA Competent Crew – 5 days (£695.00 each) or 3 days after Start Yachting Course (£425.00 each)
Pre-course experience – None, Assumed knowledge – None, Minimum duration – 5 days. Often run over 3 day weekend plus a weekend. If you have done the Start Yachting course, this course can be completed in 3 or 4 days. Minimum age – None.
Course content – Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails, sail handling, ropework, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, helmsmanship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road, dinghies
Ability after the course – Able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines
RYA Day Skipper Course – 5 Days (£695.00 each) can also be taken over two weekends.
Pre-course experience – 5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht, Assumed knowledge – Theory to the level of Day Skipper. It is recommended you attend the Day Skipper shorebased course beforehand. Minimum duration – 5 days, 3 weekends or 3 days plus 2 days, Minimum age – 16.
Course content – Preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising.
RYA Coastal Skipper Course – 5 Days (£695.00 each)
Pre-course experience – 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours. Assumed knowledge – Boat handling to the standard of Day Skipper and navigation to shorebased Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore. Minimum duration – 5 days. Minimum age – 17.
Course content – Passage planning, Preparation for sea, Pilotage, Passage making and ability as skipper, Yacht handling under power, Yacht handling under sail, Adverse weather conditions, Emergency situations
Ability after the course – Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night
RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Exam Preparation – 6 Days (£795.00)
It will likely be no more than 3 students on board, with a maximum of 4. We have experience of the Bristol Channel and the course will use comprehensive bespoke templates and rounding up techniques which will enhance your knowledge competence and confidence
Minimum age = 18 years, Pre-course experience – RYA First Aid Certificate, RYA SRC VHF Operator’s Licence. Seatime – 2500 miles logged in last 10 years, includes 5 x 60 mile passages (2 as skipper and 2 overnight passages), 50 days living aboard, 5 days as skipper, 50% of the qualifying time must be in tidal waters
This course will prepare you for the exam, but your success at the exam is your ability to apply your knowledge and practical skills over 2 days. During the course you will be given individual feedback and our view on whether to go ahead with the exam or gracefully withdraw. An action plan if appropriate can be produced to help you take the exam on a future occasion, and you will be able to come back with us for the exam at a much reduced fee whilst on board our yacht.
The RYA exam fee at the time of writing is £220.00 – this is not included in the course fee but using the boat for the exam is.