Education · Beginner
Learn the theory to charter a sailing yacht with confidence
A self-paced online course covering navigation, weather, safety and seamanship — with practical assignments and feedback.
- 8 modules, 40 lessons
- Practical assignments and testing
- Homework review and feedback
- Self-paced online access
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Why skippering starts with theory
The dream of casting off the lines and exploring a coastline under sail is powerful. But chartering a bareboat — a yacht you skipper yourself — requires more than enthusiasm. You need to understand charts, weather, tides, collision regulations and emergency procedures before you take the helm.
Many aspiring skippers feel stuck: they have sailed as crew, or dreamed from the shore, but lack a structured way to learn the theory. Random articles and videos leave gaps. Without a solid foundation, chartering feels risky and the dream stays on hold.
This course fills that gap. It brings together the essential theoretical knowledge for bareboat sailing in one clear, self-paced programme. Each lesson explains a concept, then gives you a practical assignment to apply it. You build understanding step by step, with feedback to keep you on track.
By the end, you will have the confidence to plan a charter, interpret forecasts, navigate safely and handle common situations at sea. The course is designed for beginners, but even experienced crew will find it a valuable refresher.
What you will be able to do
After completing the course, you will have the skills to:
- Read nautical charts and plan a safe route
Understand symbols, plot courses and measure distances.
- Interpret weather forecasts for sailing
Read synoptic charts and decide when to sail or stay in port.
- Calculate tides and currents
Use tide tables to plan passages and anchor safely.
- Apply the collision regulations
Know right of way, lights and shapes to avoid collisions.
- Handle emergency situations
Respond to man overboard, fire or abandon ship.
- Prepare a yacht for charter
Run safety checks and brief your crew.
- Use electronic navigation aids
Work with GPS, chartplotters and AIS.
- Create a complete passage plan
Combine all factors into a safe and efficient plan.
- 8
- modules
- 40
- lessons
- 10+
- downloadable resources
- 14
- day money-back guarantee
The method: learn, practice, test
Each lesson combines a clear video explanation with a practical assignment. You don't just watch — you apply what you learn immediately, whether it's plotting a course, calculating a tide or identifying a navigation mark.
After each assignment, you submit your work and receive feedback. This review process ensures you understand the material before moving on. Short tests at the end of each module check your knowledge and unlock the next section.
The course is built for self-study. You progress at your own pace, revisiting lessons whenever you need. The structured approach means you always know what to do next.
- Video lessons with clear explanations
- Practical assignments after each topic
- Automated tests to check understanding
- Homework reviewed with personalised feedback
- Sequential unlocking to keep you on track
How the course works
The course is delivered entirely online through a learning platform. Once you enrol, you get immediate access to the first module. Each module contains several lessons, and each lesson ends with a practical assignment or test. You must complete the assignment to unlock the next lesson, which keeps your learning structured and prevents gaps.
You can study at any time, from any device with an internet connection. There are no live sessions or fixed schedules. The course is self-paced, so you can fit it around work and life. Most students spend two to three hours per week, but you can go faster or slower.
Free intro lessons are available so you can try the format before buying. The full course includes downloadable resources: a logbook template, navigation plan, briefing checklists and more. These are yours to keep and use on future charters.
The programme
Eight modules take you from the basics to a complete passage plan.
1Module 1 — Introduction to Bareboat SailingUnderstand what bareboat chartering involves and the skipper's role.5 lessons
- What is bareboat chartering?
- Types of sailing yachts and rigs
- Roles and responsibilities of a skipper
- Essential sailing terminology
- Safety equipment and pre-departure checks
2Module 2 — Navigation and ChartsLearn to read charts and plot a course.5 lessons
- Reading nautical charts and symbols
- Latitude, longitude and coordinates
- Plotting a course and measuring distance
- Using parallel rules and dividers
- Electronic navigation aids: GPS and chartplotters
3Module 3 — Tides, Currents and Tidal PlanningMaster tides and currents for safe passage planning.5 lessons
- Understanding tides and tidal cycles
- Using tide tables and tidal curves
- Calculating tidal heights and streams
- Planning a passage with tides
- Anchoring and mooring considerations
4Module 4 — Weather for SailorsInterpret forecasts and make weather-wise decisions.5 lessons
- Reading weather forecasts and synoptic charts
- Interpreting wind, pressure and fronts
- Local weather effects and sea breezes
- Storm warnings and when to stay in port
- Planning around weather windows
5Module 5 — Seamanship and Boat HandlingDevelop practical seamanship skills for life on board.5 lessons
- Rope work and knots for sailing
- Anchoring techniques and scope
- Mooring and docking maneuvers
- Sail handling and reefing
- Man overboard procedures
6Module 6 — Safety and Emergency ProceduresPrepare for emergencies and keep your crew safe.5 lessons
- Personal safety equipment and harnesses
- Fire prevention and firefighting at sea
- Distress signals and Mayday calls
- Abandon ship and survival techniques
- Search and rescue coordination
7Module 7 — Rules of the Road and RegulationsKnow the collision regulations and legal responsibilities.5 lessons
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- Right of way rules between sailing vessels
- Lights, shapes and sound signals
- Navigation marks and buoyage systems
- Legal responsibilities of a skipper
8Module 8 — Passage Planning and CharteringBring everything together into a complete passage plan.5 lessons
- Gathering information for a passage
- Creating a passage plan
- Customs and immigration for charterers
- Charter contracts and insurance basics
- Final assessment and next steps
What you get
Everything included in the course:
- 40 video lessons across 8 modules
Clear explanations of every key topic.
- Practical assignments with feedback
Apply what you learn and get personalised review.
- Downloadable checklists and templates
Logbook, navigation plan, briefing forms and more.
- Online trainers for lights and signals
Interactive tools to memorise navigation marks.
- Free intro lessons
Try the course before you commit.
- Lifetime access
Study at your own pace and revisit anytime.
- 14-day money-back guarantee
If it's not for you, get a full refund.
Is this course for you?
This course is for you if…
- Aspiring skippers who want to charter a bareboat for the first time
- Sailors who have crewed but want to take the helm
- Anyone planning a sailing holiday and wanting to understand the theory
- Experienced sailors who need a structured refresher
Probably not a fit if…
- People looking for a practical sailing course with time on the water
- Those who want an official qualification without study
- Experienced skippers seeking advanced racing tactics
After the course
Once you complete the course, you will have a comprehensive theoretical foundation for bareboat sailing. You will be able to look at a chart and plan a route, check the weather and tides, and make informed decisions about when and where to sail.
You will understand the collision regulations and know how to handle common emergencies. You will be ready to take a practical course or charter with confidence, knowing the theory behind every action.
The course does not replace practical training, but it gives you the knowledge that makes practical training more effective. Many students use it as preparation before a sailing holiday or a practical course.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I need per week?
The course is self-paced. Most students spend two to three hours per week, but you can go faster or slower depending on your schedule.
Do I need any prior experience?
No. The course is designed for beginners. It starts from the basics and builds up gradually.
How do I access the course after payment?
You will receive an email with login details to the learning platform. You can start immediately.
What is the refund policy?
We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, contact us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
What format are the lessons in?
Lessons are video-based with supporting text and downloadable resources. Each lesson includes a practical assignment or test.
How long do I have access to the material?
You get lifetime access to the course materials, including any future updates.
Is this a practical sailing course?
No, this is a theory course. It prepares you with the knowledge needed before taking a practical course.
Can I try the course before buying?
Yes, free intro lessons are available. You can sign up on the course page to access them.
What equipment do I need?
A computer or mobile device with an internet connection is enough. No special software is required.
Start your skipper theory today
Join the course and build the knowledge to charter with confidence.