Want to take your sailing to the next level and achieve the RYA Yachtmaster (Coastal) Certificate of Competence? Our Prep Week + Exam gives you a focused, expert-led training week followed by the official exam – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Greek islands. This is your chance to test your skills, refine your seamanship, and gain a qualification respected worldwide.
RYA Certificates of Competence are internationally recognised. Unlike other RYA qualifications, they aren’t awarded after a course but by passing a practical exam that proves your ability, knowledge, and experience.
So whether you’re a passionate sailor wanting to prove yourself, or you need a professional qualification and commercial endorsement to work at sea, this course gives you the preparation and the confidence to succeed!
The preparatory course begins with an arrival briefing outlining the 5-day practical program. This is followed by 5 days of hands-on practical training, where you’ll also apply your theoretical knowledge in real-life sailing scenarios. The course concludes with a 2-day practical examination, typically lasting 10–12 hours per candidate, depending on the number of participants.
During the exam, you will be assessed not only on your practical skills, but also on seamanship, advanced navigation, meteorology, signals, and theory, aligned with the RYA Yachtmaster / Coastal Skipper Shorebased syllabus.
Prep: November 9th – November 13th
Exam: November 14th & 15th of
Prep: February 16th – 20th
Exam: February 21st & 22nd
Optional follow-up: Cruising Instructor course from February 23rd – 27th
Prep: May 3rd – 7th
Exam: May 8th & 9th
Prep: November 9th – 13th
Exam: November 14th & 15th
Optional follow-up: Cruising Instructor course from November 16th – 20st
The Yachtmaster preparatory course costs €1575 per person for a single cabin. This includes all yacht expenses such as fuel, electricity, water, and mooring fees, as well as bedding, towels, RYA tuition, and breakfast and lunch.
The exam fee of £240 is payable directly to the RYA.
If you need to study theory, we offer 5-day classroom courses for €850 per person, which include the course book and certificate. Alternatively, you can complete the theory online through Urban Truant (Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory) or Navathome (Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Shorebased).
To take the practical exam for RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, candidates must hold:
Radio Operator’s Qualification – GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC)
Valid First Aid Certificate
Key terms used to define exam requirements:
The RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal is designed for sailors with the knowledge to skipper coastal passages, but who may not yet have the experience for longer offshore trips.
To be eligible, you must be 17 or older and meet the following requirements on a vessel under 24 metres (78 feet):
800 miles sea time, with at least half in tidal waters (reduced to 400 miles if you hold an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate).
30 days at sea living on board (reduced to 20 days with a Coastal Skipper Practical certificate).
2 days as skipper.
12 night hours.
The RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore qualifies you to skipper a cruising yacht on passages up to 150 miles from harbour. During the exam, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your practical ability and answer questions on any part of the RYA syllabus (except Yachtmaster Ocean).
To be eligible, you must be 18 or older and have logged the following on a vessel under 24 metres (78 feet):
2,500 miles sea time, with at least half in tidal waters
50 days at sea living on board
5 passages over 60 miles, acting as skipper for at least 2 of them, including 2 overnight passages
Read what some of our sailing students have to say, explore our course catalogue, and contact us for more information about each course and our availabilities to come and sail in Greece!