Skippering a yacht for the first time can be an unforgettable experience.

The Day Skipper Practical Course is designed to teach you how to safely and confidently take charge of the yacht.

A skipper's duties are not limited to navigation. They are responsible for the complete safety and wellbeing of the yacht and its crew. Weather forecasting, victualling, engine maintenance, sail selection and handling, passage planning, watch keeping, navigation and pilotage are all part of these responsibilities.

You will also be expected to direct meals and delegate housekeeping duties on board. These skills will be taught and put into practice while you act as skipper on short passages.

For the duration of the course, you will live aboard the yacht and visit many of the beautiful harbours and anchorages to practice pilotage techniques and the essential skills of boat handling.

You will complete at least four night hours of sailing to experience night pilotage and identify lights.

At the end of the Day Skipper Course, you will be confident to skipper a cruising yacht on short passages by day.