Deciding which RYA cruising course is the right one for you can be difficult, so we at Ardent Training, an RYA-recognised training school, have put together this helpful guide to explain exactly what the RYA Cruising Scheme is and how it works.

What Is the RYA Cruising Scheme?

This diagram shows the full RYA Cruising Scheme. 

The RYA Cruising Scheme is designed to take you from complete beginner to experienced skipper, whether you prefer power or sail.
There are two parallel pathways: Motor Cruising and Sail Cruising.

Each pathway contains its own set of practical courses (shown above or below the relevant arrow on the RYA diagram), but they share the same four theory courses which underpin both routes.

You’ll progress from left to right through the syllabus, completing each course in order and gaining valuable sea time and experience along the way. What you can’t do is jump between motor and sail courses, the knowledge and handling experience are vessel-specific, and skipping between them will leave key gaps in understanding.

The practical courses can be completed at a variety of RYA-recognised training centres worldwide, while the theory courses can be undertaken at these same centres in the classroom ashore or even from the comfort of your own home with specially designed interactive online courses, such as those offered by Ardent Training.

What Is the RYA Cruising Scheme – Motor Cruising Pathway:

The RYA Motor Cruising route begins with:

1. RYA Start Motor Cruising
2. RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship
3. RYA Helmsman Course
4. RYA Day Skipper Theory
5. RYA Day Skipper Practical
6. RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory
7. RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
8. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam
9. RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Oral Exam

This progression allows you to develop from complete beginner through to professional-level competence, with the option to pursue the prestigious Yachtmaster Ocean qualification at the top of the scheme.

What Is the RYA Cruising Scheme – Sail Cruising Pathway:

The RYA Sail Cruising route follows a similar structure:

1. RYA Start Yachting
2. RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship
3. RYA Competent Crew
4. RYA Day Skipper Theory
5. RYA Day Skipper Practical
6. RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory
7. RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
8. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam
9. RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Oral Exam

Like the motor pathway, this progression builds your seamanship, navigation, and leadership skills, culminating in the advanced Yachtmaster Ocean level.

Where Can You Complete RYA Cruising Courses?

The practical courses can be taken at any RYA-recognised training centre worldwide, while the theory courses can be completed either in a classroom or entirely online.

Online theory courses are increasingly popular, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere, even from your boat! At Ardent Training, we specialise in delivering these courses through our interactive, instructor-supported online platform.

What does Ardent Training Offer?

At Ardent Training, we specialise in RYA theory courses, the shared foundation of both the Sail and Motor pathways. We offer these online through our bespoke online training portal, where we seamlessly blend classroom and real life scenarios into learning from the comfort of your own home.

We currently offer:

• RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Theory

• RYA Day Skipper Theory

• RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory

• Fast Track to RYA Coastal and Yachtmaster Theory

• (Coming soon) RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory

You can also complete your RYA VHF SRC and RYA PPR courses with us online.

For more information about our courses, please visit this link.

Why Learn With Ardent Training?

• RYA-Recognised: All our courses meet the high standards set by the Royal Yachting Association.

• Instructor Support: Our team of professional instructors are available seven days a week to help you succeed.

• Flexible Learning: Study from home, on board, or wherever you have an internet connection.

• Proven Results: Thousands of students have gained their RYA qualifications with us, building confidence and competence on the water.

For more information about our RYA theory courses and to get started, visit our website.