RYA Day Skipper theory The second tier in yacht training
“I came away with new skills
and huge confidence”
“I came away with new skills
and huge confidence”
The RYA Day Skipper theory course teaches you how to reach a maritime chart, gives you essential navigational skills such as planning a short passage and teaches you the key rules of the road, maritime etiquette and the various other rules and skills you will need at Day Skipper level. No previous knowledge is required, and you do not need any maths or technical skills. The instructor will be teaching you everything you need to know, from first principles.
Rubicon 3 matches our expedition sailing expertise with advanced teaching methods. Every topic is broken down into ten minutes of really rich teaching input and deep content. Students are then given 2 minutes to digest the content and discuss with a fellow student or write notes individually. Especially for complex topics such as navigation, these short, sharp segments prove to be a transformational approach to learning. Read more about our approach below
No previous theory knowledge required
Classroom based
Essential skills to skipper a yacht
Required skills to pass Day Skipper practical
All teaching is in a classroom, led by an expert Rubicon 3 instructor. Class sizes are limited to 8 students, to ensure that you have proper levels of interaction with the instructor. Students come with all different levels of prior knowledge, but do not worry. The entire syllabus is taught from the beginning, and no knowledge of the syllabus is expected prior to starting
The simple truth is that shore based courses in the sailing industry are often taught by people who have done very little sailing outside of their local area. This hugely limits their skills and experience, beyond repeating the same anecdotes and lines lesson after lesson.
At Rubicon 3, we sail year round to some of the world’s most remote and challenging regions. We are constantly learning, evolving and improving our approach to sailing and navigation. When you learn with us, you will be getting expert instructors teaching the latest approaches to the theory.
If you have been listening for longer than 10 minutes, then it’s time to stop. Any longer than that and whatever is coming out of the instructor’s mouth isn’t going to be having much impact. You will increasingly switch off because it is simply too much new information. It needs to be processed, before more information can be digested.
“To keep students engaged, you must win the battle for their attention every 10 minutes”.
The idea of teaching in 10 minute segments is well recognised as the approach that works. It is variously known as‘Chunk and Chew’, ‘Turn and Talk’, ‘Stop and Jot’ and ‘Listen-Stop-and-Write’.
It works like this:
It is well recognised now that when information is delivered in chunks, we remember more and the 2 minutes given for chewing is vital for absorbing, processing, discussing and comprehending. The research shows that the key to mastery of new concepts is frequent and persistent review of material.
The two minute breathers ensure the brain has a break and can consciously and subconsciously replay the content. Taking a breather also allows students to generate questions.
What time does my course start and finish?
Start: 0900hrs on Monday
Finish: 1600hrs on Friday
How many other students will there be?
We limit the number of students to 8, to ensure you get excellent teacher-student time.
Do I need to book overnight accommodation?
Yes, unless you live nearby. These are not residential courses.
Is everything else I need included?
Yes. Your course comes with all course notes you will need. You do not need to bring any other equipment. It is all provided.
A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship.
5 Days (Monday - Friday)
Some practical experience is desirable.
5 days of expert theory tuition.
Solent, England. Based in Portsmouth.
