This is the course for sailors who would like to pass on their sailing skills and experience on the water. The title RYA Cruising Instructor will allow the successful candidate to teach up to Day Skipper level. The course is for experienced Yachtmaster Offshore candidates, with commercial endorsement, who on successful completion of the exam be able to instruct practical courses.
The course is taken over 5 days with a moderator joining at the end of the week. It is a combination of assessing the candidate’s knowledge, providing a structured framework to instruct, coach, observe and deliver constructive feedback, and ensure the structure and standards required of RYA courses are understood.
Prior to the course the candidate is required to have their RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence commercially endorsed.
The course is for the experienced skipper with theoretical and practical knowledge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. Candidates are required to pass an online Pre-Course Knowledge Check prior to attending the Cruising Instructor course. Access to the online check will be issued with the course Joining Instructions, which will be sent out 6 weeks before the course starts.
As with all our courses, onboard food, fuel and marina fees are included in the cost.
The course starts on a Monday morning (0900 hrs) and departs from Largs Yacht Haven, Scotland. Candidates are invited to arrive on Sunday evening and familiarise themselves with the yacht
Only guests who have booked can leave a review.
tom lovekin
a week agoI 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
2 weeks 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
a week agoI 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
a month 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!