What is a Day Skipper?

The RYA Day Skipper certification is an entry-level qualification in the sailing world. It is designed for individuals with limited previous sailing experience who wish to become competent in handling a small sailing vessel during daylight hours in familiar waters. To achieve the RYA Day Skipper certification, candidates must complete a practical training course that covers theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It is strongly advised to complete the RYA Day Skipper Theory course first, which is typically a five-day classroom based programme. The course typically includes topics such as navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and understanding weather conditions. Candidates will also gain experience in planning and executing short passages and basic seamanship.

What is a Coastal Skipper?

The RYA Coastal Skipper certification is a more advanced qualification that builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the RYA Day Skipper course. It is designed for sailors who have already obtained the RYA Day Skipper certification or have equivalent experience and wish to enhance their sailing competence to operate larger vessels in more challenging conditions. The Coastal Skipper course focuses on developing advanced navigational skills, including passage planning, offshore navigation, and night sailing. Candidates also gain experience in boat handling techniques, including manoeuvring under power, close-quarters handling, and sailing in various wind and sea conditions.

What is the Difference between RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper?

Skill Level: The RYA Day Skipper certification is an entry-level qualification suitable for members of competent crew or those with limited experience. It focuses on developing basic sailing skills, knowledge, and confidence to handle a small vessel in familiar waters. The RYA Coastal Skipper certification is more advanced and requires a higher level of competence, including proficiency in navigation, boat handling, and decision-making in various conditions. Scope of Operation: Day Skippers are qualified to operate small sailing vessels during daylight hours, within sight of land, in favourable weather conditions. Coastal Skippers have a broader scope of operation, allowing them to skipper larger vessels on coastal passages, including night sailing and navigation in more challenging weather and sea conditions. Navigational Skills: While the RYA Day Skipper course provides a solid foundation in navigation, the RYA Coastal Skipper course takes it to a higher level. Coastal Skippers gain advanced knowledge in passage planning, offshore navigation techniques, and the ability to navigate in more complex environments. Experience and Responsibility: Day Skippers are typically responsible for smaller vessels and may operate within familiar waters. Coastal Skippers handle larger vessels and have the skills and experience to navigate coastal passages, potentially in less familiar or more challenging areas.

UKSA announces launch of new Superyacht Stewardess and Steward training course

Published 26/09/2023

UKSA has announced it is launching an enhanced Superyacht Stewardess and Steward Course in response to the industry’s demand for entry level interior crew which boast a much higher level of expertise and qualifications.

The new five-week premium programme, designed by a team of maritime experts will see students being equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work as a steward or stewardess in the superyacht sector. This includes being trained by UKSA’s highly experienced team to ensure exceptional levels of services and attention to detail expected onboard 7-star luxury vessels.

Will Satterly, Head of Careers at UKSA said: “For anyone wishing to work in the interior team on a superyacht, this course is perfect to equip you with all the expertise to deliver the ultimate standard of service. Superyacht owners and guests expect first-class, and this course will fully prepare anyone wishing to embark on a career in the superyacht industry and understand the high standards required. This is an all-inclusive course meaning all food and accommodation, tuition and mentoring is included and we’re also very proud to offer one-to-one sessions and careers advice together with CV writing and recruitment support to ensure our students are given the edge.”

The course is being delivered by UKSA’s superyacht instructor team Ben and Holly Cooke of The Little Gloster, alongside the British Butler Institute which is recognised as the leader in butler and hospitality training worldwide, and has been developed to align with the reputable IAMI GUEST Programme. Students will experience UKSA’s unique superyacht training centre which includes a fully equipped cabin and dining room, superyacht galley and laundry room to ensure each student receives a comprehensive superyacht simulation experience.

The course includes students learning the ‘5 Golden Pillars’ of service excellence, personal presentation and etiquette skills, housekeeping and attention to detail, table management and flower arranging, professional laundry duties and an introduction to food and beverage service onboard a yacht.

Ben and Holly Cooke from The Little Gloster have over 35 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and will introduce students to the world of high-end hospitality. The British Butler Institute build on this training to ensure students are ready to work in this highly professional industry and meet the high expectations demanded of this role. The institute is a world-leader in luxury front-of-house training with clients that span the globe including royal superyachts and royal palaces.

UKSA is also proud to offer funding opportunities to many of its students to ensure training and qualifications are accessible to anyone with the desire to embark on a career within yachting or watersports. The charity recently announced 80 per cent of the September intake for its Superyacht Cadetship course are receiving funding in a move to ensure the maritime industry is accessible to as many young people as possible with UKSA providing over half of the funding towards course fees – an average of £12,000.

See other training options for professional Yachtmasters and superyacht deckhands.

For a full list of available courses and start dates please contact the careers team us on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email [email protected]