The RYA Yachtmaster Prep Week is an intensive five-day program designed specifically for experienced sailors aiming to achieve the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore certification. This course is ideal for candidates who already meet the prerequisites for the exam and want to refine their skills, gain confidence, and address any gaps in their knowledge before undertaking the practical assessment.

Throughout the week, participants receive expert instruction and personalised coaching from an RYA-qualified instructor who will evaluate your current ability and focus on fine-tuning the areas that need improvement. This is not a beginner course or a time to learn the fundamentals—instead, it is a high-level review and sharpening of key sailing competencies.

Core areas covered during the prep week include advanced navigation (both by day and night), coastal and offshore passage planning, pilotage, collision regulations, meteorology, man-overboard recovery, emergency situations, and sail and power handling in close quarters. Skippering techniques are a major focus, with candidates taking turns leading passages, managing crew, and making real-time decisions under pressure.

All training is delivered onboard a fully equipped cruising yacht to simulate exam conditions and give candidates the chance to demonstrate their skills in a realistic environment. The instructor will provide continual feedback, correct any bad habits, and coach you through the decision-making process so you’re well-prepared for the assessment. Each day includes debriefs and planning sessions to ensure you’re progressing efficiently.

This prep week is tailored to the crew’s collective and individual strengths and weaknesses, making it a highly focused and adaptive training experience. While the pace is demanding, it is supportive, and the goal is to build your confidence and competence across all aspects of skippering a yacht.

At the end of the five-day preparation, the RYA Yachtmaster practical exam is typically scheduled. The exam itself is a thorough on-water assessment conducted by an independent RYA examiner and lasts between 8 to 12 hours per candidate. Successful candidates earn one of the most respected sailing qualifications in the world.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your sailing career, the Yachtmaster Prep Week is the ideal way to ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenge ahead.