The RYA Coastal Skipper course is for sailors who want to go a little further afield. We will teach you advanced skippering techniques, including preparation for sea, pilotage, yacht handling under power and sail, and delegating duties to the crew. The course also includes emergency situations such as recovering a man overboard under power and sail.
There will be plenty of practice in the harbour, learning to maneuver the boat in smaller places and mooring in a variety of conditions. We will practice blind navigation, so that if you are in heavy weather or fog you will make it to the nearest harbour safely.
It is recommended that the coastal skipper theory course is completed prior to the practical course – however, there is the option to self-study. You also have to have logged 300 NM over 15 days at sea (including two as a skipper) and eight night sail hours.
The course runs over five days and nights. You will be living on one of our fully coded yachts with up to four other crew members and your Yachtmaster Instructor. Your food is included in the cost, as is overnight stays in harbours. To add to the experience of gaining your RYA Coastal Skipper, you will get the benefit of continuing your sailing experience on the west coast of Scotland.
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tom lovekin
in the last weekI have been sailing with Go West regularly for two years now and I have done Competent Crew, Day Skipper Theory and Day Skipper Practical with them. I have also done 3 experience builders, their specialist pontoon and close quarters manoeuvres weekend and most recently a 7 day adventure sail from Largs to Oban. Next up is the VHF course. I have now sailed on 6 of their boats and with 6 of their instructors. Go West is a very well run business, with a considerable number of repeat customers. Their boats are all very well maintained and equipped and their instructors are patient, knowledgeable and polite. However, above all they are all passionate committed lifelong sailors who are keen to pass on their enthusiasm to their customers. I will definitely sail with them again.
Arina
a week agoI had an incredible week sailing along Scotland’s west coast from Largs in May 2025. We explored some stunning Scottish islands with our fantastic skipper, Danny, who made the whole trip even better. The yacht was modern, really comfortable, and a joy to sail. It was an unforgettable experience - great training, a real sense of adventure, and so much fun. I’d highly recommend it to anyone!
Will Muir
3 months agoThis was a really excellent week sailing on the west coast out of Largs March 2025. we sailed across to ballycastle, back via campbelltown in some challenging conditions with an excellent skipper Peter. the boats are modern and very capable, comfortable lots of good grub. A highly recommended experience. Great training great experience.
Helen Murrie
in the last weekI have just completed my first weekend of three, aboard Solway Adventurer, learning towards obtaining my day skipper qualification. The instructor was relaxed and knowledgeable. Learning points were clear and he was patient with my questions and allowed me to practice manoeuvres repeatedly when needed, not stepping in but talking me through it. Looking forward to the next two weekends
Michal Hartman
3 weeks agoAnother Exceptional Adventure with Go West Sailing – This Time Aboard Skylark. After many fantastic years of training and chartering with Go West Sailing, I returned once again this season – this time for a one-way sailing, hiking, and photography trip from Oban to Largs aboard Skylark, their beautifully maintained Oceanis 45. Skylark proved to be an outstanding yacht for a demanding passage. We encountered a range of conditions, including winds up to Beaufort 8, and her responsiveness and seaworthiness made all the difference. Even when beating against strong headwinds, she handled beautifully and gave us both safety and performance when we needed it most. At the other end of the spectrum, calmer moments offered their own kind of magic – from sunset dinners in the cockpit to quiet anchorages ideal for photography. The layout and comfort of Skylark allowed us to enjoy every moment, no matter the weather. As always, the Go West shore team provided excellent support – responsive, professional, and genuinely friendly. Whether preparing the yacht or assisting with logistics, their care and expertise were evident at every step. This trip was a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, and I’m once again grateful to the entire Go West team for making it possible. I’ll undoubtedly be back for more!