More Than Just Online
We're not just online! Backed by a recognised RYA Practical School. Based at Hamble Point Marina, we're sailors, not a faceless online course.
★★★★★
4.9
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Feefo Platinum
RYA Theory Courses Online
Backed by a recognised practical school
Supported by RYA Yachtmaster™ Examiners from our base at Hamble Point Marina on the Solent. Online sailing courses including Day Skipper, Yachtmaster™ and VHF, with physical materials delivered free worldwide.
🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🇦🇺 🇳🇿 🇨🇦 Join 50,000+ students from 115 countries
Sailing Course Online is part of Urban Truant RYA Training
Our Courses
RYA Day Skipper Theory Online
£0
The essential course for aspiring skippers.
- Physical charts, plotters & dividers included
- Exam and unlimited retakes included
- 12 months to complete, lifetime access once passed
RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster™ Theory Online
£0
Advanced navigation course.
- Physical charts, plotters & dividers included
- Exam and unlimited retakes included
- 12 months to complete, lifetime access once passed
RYA VHF Marine Radio Course (SRC)
£0
A legal requirement to operate a marine radio.
- Immediate access to RYA Interactive
- Official RYA handbook posted to you
- Unlimited email & phone support from our RYA instructors
Fastrack to Yachtmaster™
£0
One discounted bundle including:
- SAVE £150!
- Day Skipper Theory
- Yachtmaster™ Theory
- VHF Marine Radio
- Best value route to Yachtmaster™
Why Sailors Choose Us
Trusted UK RYA sailing courses - online and practical.
Taught by Yachtmaster™ Examiners
1:1 support from RYA Yachtmaster Instructors, including one of only 16 RYA Instructor Trainers worldwide. Fast, knowledgeable answers to any question.
Everything You Need, Delivered
Physical charts, plotters and dividers shipped free worldwide in your Sailing Course Online bag. Next-day UK delivery, express international.
Lifetime Access After Passing
12 months to complete your course, then keep access forever. Revise before every charter - no expiry, no extra fees.
Find out more
Meet Your RYA Instructors
Real instructors. Real conversations. Direct access to elite RYA professionals. No chatbots, no call centres.
Richard Beniston
RYA Instructor Trainer
- One of only 16 RYA Instructor Trainers worldwide
- Yachtmaster™ Examiner - Sail & Powerboat
- RYA Powerboat Instructor, SRC Marine Radio Assessor, Sea Survival Instructor
- 23 years' experience skippering and teaching worldwide
Russell Lake
RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor
- RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor - Sail & Powerboat
- Member of the RYA Training Committee
- Established Egypt's first RYA Training Centre
- Featured in RYA publications
Have a question about your training? Our instructors are here to help.
Learn More About Our Team
See Our Online Platform in ActionTake a 5-minute tour of how the online course works - from first login to exam day.
Just one of the reasons why you should choose Sailing Course Online to help you achieve your RYA Qualifications.
Take a 5-minute tour of how the online course works - from first login to exam day.
Just one of the reasons why you should choose Sailing Course Online to help you achieve your RYA Qualifications.
How Our RYA Theory Courses Work
1
Choose Your Course
Select from Day Skipper Theory, Yachtmaster Theory, VHF Marine Radio or our Fastrack bundle.
2
Receive Your Materials
We'll ship your physical charts, plotters and dividers free. Next-day UK delivery, express worldwide.
3
Study at Your Own Pace
Work through bite-sized modules with videos, new 3D animations for 2025, and quizzes. Our instructors are on hand for unlimited support whenever you need help.
4
Take Your Exam Online
When you're ready, book your exam on demand. Unlimited retakes included if you need them.
5
Receive Your RYA Certificate
Pass and you'll receive your official RYA certificate, recognised worldwide. Plus lifetime access to your course materials.
Charter Ready
Planning to Charter Abroad?
RYA Day Skipper is the minimum qualification to obtain your International Certificate of Competence (ICC), required for bareboat charter in most European waters. Complete your theory with us, then book your practical at our Hamble Point Marina school or any RYA centre worldwide.
Start with Day Skipper Theory
Croatia · Greece · Turkey · Spain · Italy
Your RYA Qualification Pathway
2
Day Skipper Practical
5 days hands-on training at an RYA school and gain practical certification
At RYA School3
ICC Certificate
Available to UK residents and eligible nationals after completing theory + practical*
Certificate4
Bareboat Charter
Charter yachts worldwide*
Your Goal2
Build Sea Time
50+ days sea time, 2,500nm for Yachtmaster Offshore exam
Mile Building3
Yachtmaster Exam
Coastal or Offshore practical examination
RYA Exam4
Professional Skipper
Add commercial endorsement for paid work
Your GoalMost students start with Day Skipper Theory. Study at your own pace with final exams included and full RYA theory certification on completion.
After passing your theory, complete a 5-day practical course at any RYA school worldwide. The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is available to UK residents and eligible nationals*, allowing you to charter yachts worldwide.
Ready to go further? Yachtmaster Theory covers coastal and offshore navigation, chartwork and electronic methods, IRPCS, meteorology & passage planning. Note: Yachtmaster Theory is not required for ICC.
*ICC eligibility varies by nationality. Contact us for details.
Award Winning Service
Why thousands of sailors trust us with their RYA training
A Platform Designed With You in Mind
- Content divided into bite-sized topics
- Auto-marked quizzes to check your understanding
- Suitable whether you're just starting or building on your skills
- Full, unlimited support from our RYA Yachtmaster Instructors
- Independently-managed, 100% genuine 4.9★ Feefo Reviews
- Feefo Platinum Award 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Feefo Platinum Award Winner
100% genuine, independently-verified reviews
Independent
5* Reviews
5* Reviews
Don't take our word for it - we're the only RYA online provider using Feefo's independently verified review system, winning the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award 4 years running. Every review is genuine, from real students.
Try Your Course Free for 24 Hours
We're the only online RYA provider offering full, unrestricted access before you commit. No credit card, no obligation. Just start learning.
No credit card
Full course access
Cancel anytime
Coastal Navigation
RYA Day Skipper
Essential theory for sailing in familiar waters by day. Chart work, tides, weather, and pilotage.
Get Started with Day SkipperOffshore Navigation
RYA Yachtmaster™
Advanced theory for extended passages and offshore sailing. Astro nav, passage planning, and more.
Get Started with Yachtmaster™Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our RYA courses, certification, and what's included.
Yes. Sailing Course Online is an RYA Recognised Training Centre. Our Day Skipper Theory and Yachtmaster™ Theory courses are officially accredited, and you'll receive a genuine RYA certificate upon passing. It's the same qualification you'd get from any classroom course.
Yes. Your course fee covers all learning materials, physical charts, plotters and dividers (shipped free worldwide), your exam, unlimited retakes, and full instructor support. There are no hidden costs.
You have 12 months to complete your exam. Once you pass, you keep lifetime access to the course materials, perfect for refreshing your knowledge before your next charter.
In-built messaging, email, and telephone support from our RYA Yachtmaster Instructors, including one of only 16 RYA Instructor Trainers worldwide. All student questions will be answered within 24 hours. However, in reality this is normally instant!
We're a UK-based centre, backed by a recognised RYA practical sailing school, based at Hamble Point Marina. You get lifetime access after passing, physical materials shipped free, and direct support from RYA Yachtmaster™ Examiners.
Complete your RYA Day Skipper Theory with us, then take a practical course at any RYA training centre (including ours). Once you hold the Day Skipper practical certificate, you can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) through the RYA.
Yes. Upon passing, you'll receive an official RYA certificate, recognised worldwide and valid for ICC applications, charter company requirements, and marine insurance purposes.
We let our reviews speak for themselves, with independent Feefo Platinum Service Award ratings four years running. Our students praise the quality of the 3D animations, the depth of instructor support, and the value of lifetime access after passing. See our reviews and decide for yourself.
Not Sure Yet?
Start your RYA free trial today. Full course access for 24 hours, no card required, no obligation. We're confident you'll want to stay.
Still not sure you have the right course? Call us on +44 (0)1489 250040 and speak to a member of the instructor support team.