Sign In

  • Start date:
    Oct 24, 2025 at 6:30 pm
  • End date:
    Oct 26, 2025 at 3:00 pm
  • Crew Capacity
    5
  • Skill Level Required
    Intermediate
  • Course Level
    RYA Day Skipper
  • Language
    English
  • Climate
    Temperate
  • Vessel Type
    Sail, Monohull

The RYA Day Skipper course is designed to teach you how to take charge of your yacht and your crew.

The skipper of any boat is not only responsible for the crew but for pilotage, navigation, sail selection, anchoring, reefing, maintenance and repairs, meteorology – amongst other things.

Our experienced RYA Instructor will guide you through the training. You will complete an inshore or coastal passage where you will use the skills that you have practiced during the week. Night sailing is also undertaken to give you a taste of pilotage in the dark.

By the end of this course the successful RYA Day Skipper will be able to undertake short coastal passages by day, in both tidal and non-tidal waters. The course will give you the skills and confidence needed to skipper on your maiden voyage. In addition it will allow you to obtain your International Certificate of Competence so that you can charter in warmer climates!

Prior requirement for the RYA Day Skipper course is five days on board, 100 NM, and basic knowledge of navigation and seamanship – this can be obtained from the RYA Day Skipper Theory course, or self study using specialised publications. Please be aware the theory has to be all covered before you join for the practical course and that theory will be gently tested during your 5 days onboard.

The course can be completed by either five days and nights continuously or by three weekends (modules). You will be living on one of our fully coded yachts with up to four other students and your instructor. Your food is included in the cost, as are the costs of overnight stays in the harbours/ports you will visit during the course.  Due to the vagaries of the weather, we cannot publish a route itinerary, except to say that the yacht will be cruising in the Firth of Clyde, north of a line from Troon to Campbelltown.

It is also the perfect opportunity to visit harbours and anchorages on the west coast of Scotland.

What’s included in the price?

  • 2 nights/days on board;
  • All on board meals and snacks;
  • All harbour and marina fees;
  • Fuel & gas;
  • Secure parking for your car.

Categories

Features

Regions

Video

Location

Google Reviews

4.9
71 reviews
  • tom lovekin
    tom lovekin
    2 weeks ago

    I 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
    Arina
    3 weeks ago

    I 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
    Will Muir
    4 months ago

    This 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
    Helen Murrie
    2 weeks ago

    I 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
    Michal Hartman
    a month ago

    Another 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!

Only guests who have booked can leave a review.

Book the Sail

Spots onboard 1
Spots onboard
Extra Services 0
Login to Book
Event date 10/24/2025 18:30
Total Cost £ 275

Please in to see contact details.