Yachtmaster

What is a Yachtmaster?

The RYA Yachtmaster is a certificate of competence for skippers of sail or motor yachts who have demonstrated the highest level of knowledge, skill, and experience in yacht handling and navigation.

Benefits of becoming an RYA Yachtmaster

The qualification can open many doors and opportunities, such as:

Recognition: The Yachtmaster certification is recognized worldwide as a professional skipper’s qualification.
Employment: With the RYA Yachtmaster under your belt you can begin a career as a professional skipper, whether that is on a sailing, motor yacht or Superyacht.
Personal achievement: Becoming an RYA Yachtmaster is a significant personal achievement and demonstrates your dedication and commitment to the industry. The Yachtmaster certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to sail confidently and safely, both in coastal waters and on long offshore passages.
Confidence: This can provide peace of mind and a sense of security when sailing with others or on your own.

Power or Sail

Whether you qualify as a Yachtmaster Power or sail depends, of course, if you are a sailor or enjoy the power side of yachting. Your decision to choose Yachtmaster sail or power oftern depends on your career choise. For a Superyacht Deckhand working on a large motor yacht then the obvious route would be Yachtmaster Power however, if your carreer path is on sailing yachts then its Yachtmaster sail – some choose both.

Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean?

There are three different Yachtmaster qualifications to choose from. The path you take depends on your goal.

Yachtmaster Coastal: Allows the holder to skipper a yacht up to 60 miles from shore, day or night. If you own your own boat or are a local sailor, who doesn’t want to go offshore but would like to build confidence in coastal waters then choose this option.

Yachtmaster Offshore: Most popular route. Allows the holder to skipper a yacht up to 150 miles from shore, day or night. If you want to work as a commercial skipper or see yourself progressing in the Superyacht Industry then you will need your Yachtmaster Offshore qualification.

Yachtmaster Ocean: Allows the holder to take a yacht on an ocean passage. Popular with skippers who hold Yachtmaster Offshore who want to progress and skipper yachts across the Atlantic.