>
- Start date:Jun 29, 2026 at 10:32 am
- End date:Jul 5, 2026 at 5:32 pm
- Crew Capacity5
- Skill Level RequiredAdvanced
- Course LevelRYA Yachtmaster prep
- LanguageEnglish
- ClimateTemperate
- Vessel TypeSail
- VesselGrand Soleil 43
To obtain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, candidates must pass a practical examination of their sailing and skippering ability. You must demonstrate that you can captain a yacht on extended offshore voyages, day or night, safely and competently, dealing with any problems that arise.
At the beginning of the week, you will be assessed on your strengths and weaknesses, and then for the rest of the week we will work with you to improve your practical skills and update your theoretical knowledge… In particular, we are likely to focus on: passage planning, overboard casualty recovery, close quarters boat handling, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations.
Before joining the course, you must have theoretical knowledge to the level of the Yachtmaster shore-based theory course, plus RYA Coastal Skipper or equivalent practical levels of skill and experience.
During the exam at the end of the week, the examiner will ask each candidate to skipper the yacht on several short passages and complete several demonstrations of their skippering and sailing skills over the weekend, including all aspects of the yachtmaster theory course.
Previous experience required
Time at sea 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles logged within the previous 10 years, 5 voyages of more than 60 miles, including 2 with overnight stay and 2 as skipper (half of the time at sea to qualify must have been in tidal waters). Current VHF radio operator’s certificate and first aid certificate.
Categories
Features
Regions
Video
Location
Similar Listings
Add Review
Read More ReviewsOnly guests who have booked can leave a review.
Please sign in to see contact details.
Tommaso Gallarotti
a month agoVery good approach, excellent skippers, and clear instructions throughout the cruise. The boat, “La peregrina”, is a bit dated, but that’s part of the charm — its vintage look makes the experience truly special. Highly recommended!
Tomasz Mucha
a month agoExcellent organisation and very professional service. The course was conducted at a high level, and the instructor, Tom, was calm, competent and great at explaining everything clearly. The base is located in a very well-organised marina in Baiona, with really good facilities. I highly recommend Julio Verne Náutica.
Boris Harizman
7 months agoI've had the best experience with Julio Verne! Communication with Jessica was very clear and fast, Daniel was amazing during check in and check out and available for questions during the charter. The condition of the boat was wonderful, clean inside and out and well maintained. Thank you, and I'll be back for more!
Rodrigo Vazquez
2 months agoVery satisfied with the instruction received this week. High quality RYA standards in a friendly environment and fantastic marine landscape.
Michael D. Beil
5 months agoI took the five-day Day Skipper Practical course with Julio Verne Nautica and am 100% satisfied! Jessica was very helpful and responsive right from the start and answered all of my questions. The instructor, Francisco, is an excellent teacher as well as an entertaining shipmate and good cook. We had both Day Skipper and Competent Crew students aboard Nemo (a Grand Soleil 43) and he had us working together as a team from the start. Each day started with a little theory on topics ranging from VHF and AIS to use of safety equipment and handling emergencies to everything that goes into planning long passages (and lots more). Once we were on the water (6-8 hours a day), there was real, "hands on" experience at the helm in plenty of challenging situations, including docking in tight spaces, anchoring, picking up moorings, man overboard scenarios, and more. As Day Skipper candidates, we were expected to create a passage plan for a long sail, utilizing both paper charts, electronic and other navigation tools to safely navigate the boat to our destination and back to the harbor at night. All in all, a great week, helped even more by the beauty of the Monte Real Yacht Club and the surrounding area, including the Cies Islands.