RYA Sailing Courses

& Bespoke Rubicon 3 Courses

Every Rubicon 3 sailing trip has training embedded into it and there is nothing like learning in real world situations. It’s a very hands-on, exciting approach to learning sailing. But we haven’t forgotten how crucial formal sailing qualifications are, especially if you’re looking to take your sailing to a professional level or simply want to solidify your skills with a recognized certification. That’s where our RYA courses come in. By choosing Rubicon 3 for your RYA qualifications, you’re not just ticking a box. You’re enrolling in a program that’s committed to excellence. Our instructors are seasoned sailors with real-world experience, passionate about sharing their knowledge in a way that’s engaging, informative, and directly applicable to your sailing adventures.

RYA Practical Sailing Courses

RYA competent crew
RYA Competent Crew

The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect starting point for beginners to the world of sailing. Designed to instil confidence and foundation level skills, this hands-on course covers everything from basic seamanship and safety procedures to living aboard a cruising yacht. It offers a comprehensive introduction to yacht cruising, making it ideal for those aspiring to become active and useful crew members. No prior experience is needed, making this course the first step in your sailing adventure.

RYA Day Skipper
RYA Day Skipper

The RYA Day Skipper practical course marks the next step for aspiring sailors, bridging the gap between those with no previous experience and being a confident skipper. Aimed at those with some sailing experience, it deepens understanding of navigation, safety, and crew management, both through theory and practical training. This course enables students to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day, laying a solid foundation for future sailing endeavors and adventures. It’s an essential qualification for those looking to charter yachts and can be used to obtain the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) certificate.

RYA Coastal Skipper
RYA Coastal Skipper

The RYA Coastal Skipper course is designed for experienced sailors ready to take command and navigate more challenging waters. It focuses on advanced skippering techniques, including detailed passage planning, night sailing, and handling a yacht in various conditions. This intensive course enhances your decision-making, leadership, and navigational skills, preparing you for longer coastal passages and night sailing. Ideal for those looking to broaden their horizons and take on the responsibilities of coastal cruising, it’s a significant milestone towards mastering the art of sailing.

RYA YAchtmaster
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification is the pinnacle of training for the more experienced sailor, symbolizing a high level of competence for those who aim to skipper yachts on longer offshore passages. It demands a deep understanding of navigation, meteorology, and yacht management, both at sea and in port. This rigorous course tests practical skills and theoretical knowledge to the limit, preparing sailors to confidently handle a yacht in various conditions, day or night, anywhere in the world. It’s a mark of professionalism and expertise, opening doors to advanced sailing opportunities and careers at sea.

RYA Theory Sailing Courses

RYA Day SKipper Theory Online
RYA Day Skipper Theory (Online)

The RYA Day Skipper Theory online course offers a flexible and comprehensive introduction to the essential navigational and safety skills needed for safe coastal cruising. Ideal for aspiring skippers with busy schedules, this course covers chartwork, tidal systems, seamanship, meteorology, and collision regulations from the comfort of your home. It lays the theoretical groundwork for practical skippering, ensuring students are well-prepared to take the helm. With interactive lessons and expert guidance, it’s the perfect way to embark on your skippering journey at your own pace.

RYA Yachtmaster theory online course
RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster Theory (online course)

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory online course is designed to equip sailors with the knowledge required for safe passage making on coastal and offshore voyages. This comprehensive course delves into complex navigation, weather forecasting, safety and emergency procedures, and collision regulations. Through interactive modules and expert instruction, participants can advance their skills at their own pace, preparing them for the challenges of extended cruising and professional sailing careers.

RYA Sailing Courses
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The Rubicon 3 Training Ethos

At Rubicon 3, our training ethos is built on real-world experience and global expeditions. We emphasize practical skills, critical thinking, and adaptability, ensuring our students are prepared for any challenge. Our approach blends rigorous training with an adventurous spirit, fostering confident, skilled sailors ready to navigate the world’s waters.

sailing instructor

Great Instructors

A great instructor stands out through a deep understanding of sailing, a genuine passion for teaching, and exceptional communication skills that make complex concepts accessible.

They are empathetic and patient, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore and express themselves. Beyond imparting sailing knowledge, they inspire critical thinking, problem-solving, and a love for learning, equipping students for success after the course has finished.

solent sailing area

Amazing Locations

If you’re going to learn to sail, you need to learn in a place that has all the challenges you will need to learn about. The Solent on the south coast of England and the west coast of Scotland are superb training areas.

They have beautiful and iconic coastlines, strong tides, endless harbours, ports and anchorages and plenty of commercial traffic to get familiar with. You can’t train in better places than these. Train in the Mediterranean and yes it’s lovely and warm, but you won’t learn about tides, busy traffic areas and so much more. You can always tell someone who has trained in the Med. Sorry!

yacht by iceberg

Real World Pedigree

Our global sailing expeditions have endowed us with unparalleled experience and a deep knowledge base, honed through countless real-life scenarios. Each journey across the world’s oceans or up into the Arctic has not only tested our skills and resilience

but also deepened our understanding of sailing. This hard won experience ensures that our training programs are not just about theoretical knowledge, but deeply rooted in practical, real-world applications. We bring this vast experience directly to our students, promising an educational experience that is both comprehensive and profoundly impactful.

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