If you’re ready to take the next step in your sailing journey, but you need something that fits around a busy schedule, the Online RYA Day Skipper Theory course is the best place to start. It’s a flexible and thorough online sailing course which has been designed to build your understanding of navigation, tides, weather, and seamanship. It contains all the background knowledge you’ll need to take to the water with confidence.
And, as with all the RYA courses we run, when you book with First Class Sailing, you’re in experienced hands. Here’s why the best way to take the online Day Skipper Theory course, is with us and our training partner, Skippers Online.
Why Take the Day Skipper Theory Course Online?
The main attraction for taking a Day Skipper Theory course online is down to how it works around you. Geography is no barrier, and it’s at your own pace. You can log in whenever suits, study for 20 minutes or two hours, and then pick it back up the next day. There’s no classroom, no commute – just a well-structured RYA sailing course you can work through in your own time.
It’s perfect for beginners.
You don’t need to be an expert at navigation to start. The online Day Skipper Theory course has been developed for people who are relatively new to chartwork and pilotage. If you’ve done a little sailing before but want to understand why the skipper is choosing a certain route, how to read a chart, or when to expect a tidal gate to open, then this theory course is for you.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll cover a huge amount during the online theory course, but don’t feel overwhelmed. Everything is broken into manageable lessons with videos, animations, and diagrams to make things clear. And what’s more, you will have unlimited support from our dedicated RYA Instructors who can help 365 days a year via email, phone or Skype and Zoom.
Here’s what’s included:
- Basic seamanship and terminology
- Charts, position fixing, and plotting a course to steer
- Tides: how they work and how to use them
- Weather: reading forecasts and spotting patterns
- Collision regulations (aka “the rules of the road” at sea)
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Buoyage, lights, and pilotage
And so much more… it’s designed to help you plan passages, make decisions, and keep your boat and crew safe – skills that will really come into play on the Day Skipper Practical course.
How the Online Day Skipper Theory Course Works
The online course includes around 40 hours of online learning, including mock exams and then the two final assessments. You’ll get:
- 15 narrated lessons with interactive graphics and exercises
- Quizzes after each section to reinforce your understanding
- Self-assessment tasks and mock exams
- Two final online exams with instructor feedback
- Unlimited support via email, phone or Zoom, 365 days a year
You’ll also get a full RYA pack in the post, including two training charts, a practice almanac, and the RYA Navigation Handbook. (Please note: plotters and dividers aren’t included, but you can add those when you book.)
Learn Sailing Theory at Your Own Pace
You get 12 months to complete the course, but many people finish much sooner. You can revisit lessons as many times as you like, and everything is designed to help you build your sailing confidence and knowledge step by step.
Once you’ve passed the final exams, you’ll be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate, which is your ticket to move on to the practical course – and ultimately to start skippering your own yacht in familiar waters during daylight hours.
Online vs Classroom Theory: Which One’s Right for You?
If you prefer learning face-to-face, asking questions in real time, and being around other students, the classroom version of the Day Skipper Theory course could be the better fit. It’s structured, social, and great if you like set dates and deadlines to keep you motivated. We run this course from our Southampton HQ, London locations, or our instructors can even come to an office for a group booking.
But if you need the flexibility, perhaps due to work, kids, or just a busy diary, the online course gives you complete control over when and how you study. You still get all the expert instructor support you’d expect, just without the fixed schedule. And because it’s the same RYA syllabus, you’re not missing out on any content either way.
Both routes get you to the same destination – it’s just a question of what suits your lifestyle best.
The First Class Sailing Instructors
If you need to call on the support of the First Class Sailing instructors, you have the peace of mind in knowing they are all RYA-qualified, and more importantly, they’re brilliant at teaching no matter your level of experience. They explain, demonstrate, and then give you space to do it yourself online. You’ll make mistakes. That’s normal. But that’s the whole point. The key is that you’re supported the whole time as you make your way through Day Skipper Theory Online.
Here’s what some of our students have said about taking courses online with us (TripAdvisor Reviews):
“I have attended several courses at First Class Sailing, online and presential. I have always found really experienced and knowledgeable instructors, making the courses real-life oriented and useful for both beginners and experienced seamen. In all cases the expected content was exceeded and the attendees we had the opportunity to discuss and comment. Administration was good and related material was always handed over to the students, making easier to follow the course. I fully recommend First Class Sailing.”
“I am so pleased I choose First Class Sailing for the Day Skipper Theory course. I felt I was being inducted into the world of sailing, with all its joys. but also the serious responsibilities of skippering a craft and taking charge of a crew. The course was delivered online over 5 days. Materials purchased beforehand arrived in good time before the course started and joining instructions were clear and personalised. The instructor was vastly experienced, not only as a mariner, but as a trainer. Responsive to individual learner’s needs and encouraging of interaction, in spite of the obstacles of online participation. The materials were meticulously prepared and being improved all the time in response to real classroom delivery. Feeling nervous about the exam was inevitable, with a large volume of material to cover, but when it came to the exam, I realised how well-prepared we had been.”
How Much Does Online Day Skipper Theory Cost?
The online Day Skipper Theory course currently costs £265. This price is correct as at June 2025, please check current prices in case of changes.
Why Book with First Class Sailing?
There are plenty of schools offering RYA courses, but here’s why so many choose us and our partner Skippers Online. First Class Sailing is one of the leading sailing schools in the UK:
- Small student numbers we have more time to help you as an individual
- The instructors are friendly, patient, and good at what they do
- We offer support before, during, and after your course
And we get results – this online theory course is a great option if you’re preparing for a sailing holiday, working towards qualifications, or simply want to feel more confident on the water.
You can start straight away. Just click below, and we’ll get all the details sent out to you in quick time.
