Which RYA Course Is Right for You? Competent Crew vs. Day Skipper vs. Coastal Skipper Explained

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to sail under the Mediterranean sun, the RYA sailing courses in Mallorca offer the perfect blend of adventure, skill-building, and relaxation.

But where should you begin? Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have sea miles under your belt, this guide will help you decide which RYA course suits your experience and goals.

RYA Competent Crew – Your First Step Afloat

Perfect for: Beginners and those with little sailing experience.

The RYA Competent Crew course is your introduction to the world of sailing. Over five days living aboard a yacht, you’ll learn the essentials — sail handling, helming, knots, safety, and teamwork.

Do I need experience?

No sailing background is required, although time in small boats or dinghies is always helpful. Dinghy sailing gives you a feel for wind and balance, which makes learning on a yacht even more rewarding — but it’s certainly not essential.

By the end of your Competent Crew course, you’ll be a valuable crew member who understands life on board, ready to continue your RYA journey in confidence.

RYA Day Skipper – Taking Command

Perfect for: Sailors who want to skipper their own yacht in familiar waters.

Once you’ve built up some experience, the next step is the RYA Day Skipper Practical course. It’s ideal for those ready to plan and lead short passages, manage a crew, and make decisions as a skipper.

Before you join, you’ll need:

Sailing experience, ideally including Competent Crew or equivalent time on yachts

A Day Skipper Theory certificate or equivalent – this is mandatory this can be done in a classroom or online in your own time.

Good knowledge of tidal effects, buoyage, and the Rules of the Road

Confidence recognising navigation marks and lights by both day and night

The Day Skipper course brings your theory to life. You’ll practice passage planning, pilotage, safety drills, and boat handling — all while skippering for real under your instructor’s guidance. After passing, you’ll be qualified to charter or skipper a yacht in familiar coastal waters.

RYA Coastal Skipper – For the Experienced Sailor

Perfect for: Confident skippers seeking to take on challenging coastal passages.

The RYA Coastal Skipper course is a significant step up in difficulty. It’s aimed at experienced Day Skippers who want to advance their skills in boat handling, navigation, and leadership.

Entry requirements:

• Substantial mileage and sea time, including night hours
• The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory or equivalent qualification, this can be done in a classroom or online in your own time.
• Strong confidence in tidal navigation, pilotage, and crew management

This is not an easy course. The standard required is much higher, both in practical boat handling and theoretical understanding. You’ll refine your navigation under pressure, handle the yacht precisely in tight spaces, and skipper longer, more complex passages.

Those who pass can be proud — you’ll have reached a professional level of seamanship respected worldwide.

Why Take Your RYA Sailing Course in Mallorca?

Mallorca offers one of the most beautiful and reliable sailing environments in Europe. With consistent winds, crystal-clear bays, and world-class marinas, it’s the ideal classroom for sailors of all levels.

At Mallorca Sailing Academy, we combine expert RYA instruction with small crew sizes, ensuring personal attention and maximum hands-on experience. Whether you’re taking your first step aboard or preparing for your RYA Coastal Skipper assessment, our team will guide you every tack of the way.