RYA YM Coastal PrepSail · advanced

Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation

The Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation course is designed for sailors who already hold Day Skipper Practical and Theory and are working towards the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence. Over five days you will be put in the skipper's seat repeatedly, planning and executing coastal passages by day and night, handling the yacht in confined spaces, and making real command decisions while your instructor acts as crew. The week mirrors the exam format: you are expected to take charge, brief the crew, navigate, handle emergencies and berth the boat with minimal intervention. This is not a taught syllabus in the traditional sense; it is coached refinement of the skills and confidence the examiner will assess.

Syllabus Highlights

5 sections · 10 topics · 174 outcomes

Full RYA syllabus →

Prerequisite Knowledge

Before you book

What you should know

and a minimum of 15 days at sea including 300 miles and 8 night hours. Recent skippering experience strongly preferred

Required RYA qualifications

RYADay Skipper Practical
RYADay Skipper Theory

Level · advanced

Where we run it

Available locations

Fornells, Menorca
Menorca
RCMB, Barcelona
Barcelona

See scheduled dates →

Enrollment

Enroll on Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation

Enrolling creates your course record so you can follow the syllabus, access course materials, track competencies and book practical sessions when dates suit you.

Delivered by Mt Sail & Power. Questions before you start? sail@mtsail.com

Before you join

Pre-course knowledge check

A five-minute self-assessment of your theory and practical experience. Your instructor uses it to pitch the course at the right level — and you get instant suggestions for anything worth brushing up.

Start the checklist

Course Content

What you'll cover

Passage planning and skipper command

3 lessonsOpen

Build a robust coastal passage plan and brief the crew as skipper.

Notes & self-check quiz

Passage planning and skipper command

Learning objectives

Plan a multi-leg coastal passage from berth to berth, including tidal gates, weather windows and ports of refuge.
Brief the crew clearly on the plan, their roles and decision points.
Take command and adapt the plan as conditions change.

What you will do

You are the skipper. Produce the passage plan, present it to the crew, then execute it. The instructor will challenge assumptions and introduce realistic changes.

Key points

Tidal gates are the immovable constraint; everything else flexes around them.
Write down decision points before you leave: "If we are not abeam the headland by 1400, we divert to..."
Crew briefing happens before slipping, not once underway.
Delegate clearly: who is on nav, lookout, radio, lines.

Common mistakes

Planning on best-case speed.
No abort criteria, so decisions become emotional.
Failing to communicate the plan so the crew cannot help.

Self-check

Present a 24-hour coastal passage plan with gates, refuges, decision points and a fatigue plan.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. What is the first fixed constraint when planning a coastal passage?
2. When should the crew be briefed on the passage plan?
3. Decision points should be?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Tidal strategy and secondary ports

3 lessonsOpen

Apply tidal calculations to real coastal pilotage.

Notes & self-check quiz

Tidal strategy and secondary ports

Learning objectives

Calculate heights of tide at standard and secondary ports.
Work out tidal streams and course to steer.
Use the tide as an asset, not just an obstacle.

What you will do

Complete tidal calculations for every passage during the week, then compare your predictions with reality.

Key points

Secondary port corrections apply to both times and heights; interpolate carefully.
A 2-knot foul tide on a 6-knot boat costs one third of your speed made good.
Course to steer uses the tidal vector triangle: water track, ground track, tidal stream.
Use the tidal curve for anything that matters; twelfths is only a rough check.

Common mistakes

Applying height corrections but forgetting time corrections.
Mixing UT and local time.
Ignoring tidal set until the GPS shows you off track.

Self-check

Calculate the earliest time you can cross a bar charted at 0.8 m with a draught of 1.8 m and 1.0 m safety margin, using a secondary port.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Secondary port differences apply to?
2. A 2-knot foul tide against a 6-knot boat gives what speed over ground?
3. The twelfths rule is best used for?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Coastal navigation and pilotage

3 lessonsOpen

Navigate visually and electronically in coastal waters by day and night.

Notes & self-check quiz

Coastal navigation and pilotage

Learning objectives

Prepare a concise pilotage plan for an unfamiliar harbour by day or night.
Use visual fixes, EPs, transits and electronic aids in combination.
Cross-check GPS with independent observations.

What you will do

Plan and execute every entry and departure during the week. Build plans that fit on one sheet and can be read with a red torch.

Key points

A good pilotage plan is built around transits, leading lines, clearing bearings and depth contours.
Note the tidal height at your ETA; the plan changes if you are late.
GPS is one source among many; confirm it with visual or depth evidence.
Keep the plan where it can be read in the dark and spray.

Common mistakes

Over-reliance on the plotter.
Pilotage notes too detailed to use in a seaway.
Forgetting the effect of tidal height on leading lights and buoys.

Self-check

Prepare a night pilotage plan into an unfamiliar harbour using three leading features and a clearing bearing.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. A good pilotage plan should fit on?
2. GPS position should be?
3. Tidal height affects?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Boat handling under power and sail

3 lessonsOpen

Handle the yacht confidently in confined waters and close quarters.

Notes & self-check quiz

Boat handling under power and sail

Learning objectives

Berth and leave in a variety of wind and tide combinations.
Turn the yacht in her own length using prop walk and prop wash.
Handle sails efficiently when manoeuvring in restricted water.

What you will do

Repeated arrivals and departures in different conditions, with the instructor deliberately reducing help so you must brief and execute.

Key points

Slow is pro: only go as fast as you are prepared to hit something.
Decide whether wind or tide is dominant and approach into it where possible.
A short burst ahead with helm hard over gives steerage with almost no headway.
Prop walk is predictable: know which way your stern kicks in astern and use it.

Common mistakes

Long bursts of throttle instead of short kicks.
Fighting prop walk instead of turning the other way.
Approaching a berth downwind/down-tide with no escape route.

Self-check

Berth the yacht in a finger berth with wind off the pontoon and a flooding tide.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. The right speed for close-quarters handling is?
2. Prop walk is most noticeable when?
3. Which line is usually secured first alongside?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Anchoring and mooring techniques

3 lessonsOpen

Choose and execute anchoring and mooring strategies in coastal anchorages.

Notes & self-check quiz

Anchoring and mooring techniques

Learning objectives

Select a safe anchorage with appropriate holding and swinging room.
Anchor under power and under sail, with and without a kedge.
Pick up and secure to mooring buoys in tide and wind.

What you will do

Plan and execute anchoring and buoy work in a range of coastal situations, including crowded anchorages.

Key points

Scope is depth at high water plus height of tide plus freeboard; multiply by the recommended ratio.
Lay the anchor with the boat stopped or moving slowly astern; do not drop it on the run.
Set the anchor by reversing hard and checking transits ashore.
For buoy work, approach slowly into wind/tide and have a boat hook and line ready.

Common mistakes

Insufficient scope for the conditions.
Dropping the anchor while still moving ahead.
Not checking the anchor has set before leaving it.

Self-check

Anchor in 5 m at low water with 2.5 m tidal range, choosing scope for moderate conditions.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Scope calculation should use depth at?
2. An anchor should be dropped when the boat is?
3. After anchoring you should?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Meteorology and weather strategy

3 lessonsOpen

Interpret forecasts and make weather-based decisions.

Notes & self-check quiz

Meteorology and weather strategy

Learning objectives

Read synoptic charts and GRIB forecasts.
Identify approaching fronts and their impact on wind and sea state.
Build weather strategy into the passage plan.

What you will do

Obtain forecasts each morning, relate them to the synoptic situation and decide whether the plan stands or changes.

Key points

Wind direction changes across a front; plan to be in the right place before it arrives.
Sea state depends on fetch, duration and wind strength; local acceleration can make conditions worse than forecast.
Always have a bail-out option if the forecast deteriorates.
Record forecast source and issue time so you know when it goes stale.

Common mistakes

Using a single forecast source.
Ignoring the timing of frontal passage.
Committing to a long leg with no refuge.

Self-check

Given a forecast for a Force 6 wind shift at 1800, revise a coastal passage to be in harbour before the shift.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Wind direction changes most noticeably?
2. Sea state depends on?
3. A passage plan should include?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Safety, emergencies and SAR

3 lessonsOpen

Lead the crew through realistic emergency scenarios.

Notes & self-check quiz

Safety, emergencies and SAR

Learning objectives

Take charge in a man overboard, fire, flooding or medical emergency.
Coordinate crew actions and communications.
Know when and how to call for assistance.

What you will do

Run emergency drills with you as skipper, directing the crew without doing the jobs yourself.

Key points

The skipper's job in an emergency is to think, decide and communicate; do not grab the wheel and stop directing.
MOB: shout, mark, throw, turn, recover. Assign specific roles.
Distress call: Mayday on Ch 16 with position, nature of distress, assistance required, number of people.
Practice recovering an MOB under sail and power in different conditions.

Common mistakes

The skipper trying to do every job.
Unclear roles so crew get in each other's way.
Delaying a Mayday because of pride.

Self-check

Run an MOB drill under sail, assigning helm, spotter, thrower and recovery crew.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. In an emergency the skipper should primarily?
2. The Mayday call should include?
3. MOB recovery under sail should be practised?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Night cruising and watchkeeping

3 lessonsOpen

Navigate and keep watch at night with reduced visibility.

Notes & self-check quiz

Night cruising and watchkeeping

Learning objectives

Plan and execute a night passage in coastal waters.
Maintain a proper lookout and manage watch systems.
Identify lights and use them for navigation.

What you will do

Take charge of a night passage, including pilotage, watchkeeping and collision avoidance.

Key points

Night pilotage needs simple plans that can be followed with a red torch.
Watch length depends on conditions and crew; in bad weather, shorten watches.
Lights: identify navigation marks, vessels and aircraft; understand aspect.
Preserve night vision: red light, avoid looking at bright screens.

Common mistakes

Over-complicated night pilotage notes.
Long watches in bad weather leading to fatigue.
Looking at bright lights and losing night vision.

Self-check

Plan and execute a four-hour night watch, including a pilotage plan and handover.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Night pilotage plans should be?
2. Watch length in bad weather should?
3. Red light is used at night to?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Skipper responsibilities and leadership

3 lessonsOpen

Understand the legal, practical and human responsibilities of command.

Notes & self-check quiz

Skipper responsibilities and leadership

Learning objectives

Understand the skipper's legal and safety responsibilities.
Manage crew welfare, fatigue and conflict.
Make decisions under pressure and debrief effectively.

What you will do

Lead the crew throughout the week, conduct briefings and debriefs, and handle the interpersonal side of command.

Key points

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the vessel and everyone on board.
Good briefings are short, clear and cover what, why, how and contingencies.
Fatigue, seasickness and stress degrade performance; manage the human element.
Debrief after every passage: what went well, what could be better, what you will do differently.

Common mistakes

Making decisions alone without telling the crew.
Ignoring signs of crew fatigue or seasickness.
Failing to debrief so mistakes repeat.

Self-check

Lead a crew briefing, a passage, and a debrief covering safety, roles and decisions.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. The skipper is legally responsible for?
2. A good briefing should be?
3. Debriefs are important because?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Exam preparation and mock exercises

3 lessonsOpen

Consolidate skills through realistic mock exam scenarios.

Notes & self-check quiz

Exam preparation and mock exercises

Learning objectives

Experience the format and pressure of the Yachtmaster Coastal exam.
Receive feedback on remaining gaps.
Develop a personal action plan for the exam.

What you will do

Complete mock exam exercises with the instructor acting as examiner, followed by detailed feedback.

Key points

The examiner expects you to take charge from the start; do not wait to be told.
Verbalise your plan and your reasoning; the examiner cannot read your mind.
Safety always beats speed; a cautious skipper passes, a reckless one does not.
Know your own limits and when to ask for help.

Common mistakes

Trying to impress rather than demonstrate safe command.
Hiding mistakes instead of explaining the correction.
Not knowing the boat's equipment and limitations.

Self-check

Complete a mock skippered passage including briefing, navigation, pilotage and berthing.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. In the exam you should?
2. If uncertain during the exam you should?
3. Before the exam know the boat's?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

RYA Syllabus

Learning outcomes

Passage planning and preparation

4 outcomes

Passage planning2

CCS.PP.1Plans a coastal passage allowing for tidal gates, weather and ports of refuge.
CCS.PP.2Prepares the vessel, stores and documentation for the passage.

Skipper briefing2

CCS.SB.1Briefs the crew on the plan, roles and decision points before departure.
CCS.SB.2Adapts the plan and communicates changes as conditions evolve.

Navigation and pilotage

4 outcomes

Pilotage2

CCS.PI.1Prepares a concise pilotage plan for an unfamiliar harbour by day or night.
CCS.PI.2Executes pilotage using transits, leading lines and clearing bearings.

Navigation techniques2

CCS.NT.1Plots fixes, EPs and course-to-steer allowing for tidal stream.
CCS.NT.2Cross-checks electronic navigation with independent observations.

Boat handling

4 outcomes

Power handling2

CCS.PH.1Berths and leaves in a variety of wind and tide combinations.
CCS.PH.2Turns the yacht in her own length using prop walk and prop wash.

Sail handling2

CCS.SH.1Sets, reefs and trims sails for coastal conditions.
CCS.SH.2Handles sails during manoeuvres in confined waters.

Safety and emergencies

4 outcomes

Man overboard2

CCS.MO.1Directs MOB recovery under power with clear crew roles.
CCS.MO.2Directs MOB recovery under sail.

Distress procedures2

CCS.DP.1Composes and transmits a Mayday or Pan-Pan with required details.
CCS.DP.2Coordinates with rescue services and directs the crew appropriately.

Skipper command

4 outcomes

Command decisions2

CCS.CD.1Makes timely command decisions with safety as the priority.
CCS.CD.2Delegates clearly and maintains situational awareness.

Exam readiness2

CCS.ER.1Demonstrates examiner-level skippering across passages, pilotage and boat handling.
CCS.ER.2Receives feedback and identifies remaining development areas.

Upcoming Sessions

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