Here are some of the advantages of choosing the RYA certification scheme:

• Obtain an internationally recognised competence certification;

• Benefit from a programme with a strong practical component, continuously updated and focused on “hands-on” skills 

• Apply for the certificate that matches your existing experience and skills (enter the programme at any level according to your experience, avoiding the need to complete a lower level if you already have prior experience).;

• Achieve your certification in less than a week by spending 5 days sailing aboard a yacht or 2 days on a rigid inflatable boat.

• Courses are taught in English and form part of a global progression framework.

RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing courses essentially have two main formats, with different durations:

::On-board practical courses (cruising/sailing):

 Format: Practical lessons where students live on board the yacht for the duration of the course, actively participating in all aspects of sailing and life on board, including manoeuvring, navigation, and watchkeeping.

 Typical Duration: Most of these courses, such as Competent Crew , Day Skipper Practical e Coastal Skipper, last 5 days. The Start Yachting, which serves as an introduction, lasts 2 days.

:: Shore-Based / Online Theory Courses:

Format: Focus on theoretical learning (navigation, meteorology, rules, etc.), delivered either in a classroom (shore-based) or increasingly online (e-learning), allowing study at your own pace.

Duration: Duration varies depending on the course and method (in-person or online). For example,  Day Skipper Theory and Yachtmaster Theory are more extensive courses, measured in hours of study or sessions/days if classroom-based. Online, they can be studied “anytime and at your own pace.”

Depending on the course level, activities may include night navigation, and port arrivals depend on conditions. In a typical 5-day course, students embark on Monday morning and disembark on Friday afternoon by 17:00. Lessons are always practical and on board; even when there are more “theoretical” exercises, these are carried out during sailing, at anchor, or in the marina.
The teaching methodology is based on practical experience, so students go to sea whenever conditions allow, including on the very first lesson. Therefore, bring your sailing gear from day one!

Not necessarily. The introductory levels do not require prior theory and are designed to provide a first hands-on experience on board. For example, "RYA Start Yachting" (2 days), RYA Competent Crew (5 days) both sailing, or RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) motor, have no theory prerequisites.

However, for those seeking a more thorough preparation for their practical course, the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship (online) is recommended as an optional first contact with supporting theory. It provides an excellent introduction to the key theoretical topics fundamental on board.

More advanced courses, such as "RYA Day Skipper" e RYA Coastal Skipper as well as Yachtmaster, competency certificates, require theoretical knowledge. This can be acquired through self-study or by attending one of our classroom or online courses. We offer "RYA Day Skipper Shorebased" and "RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Shorebased"courses, either in-person or online, to complement the corresponding practical courses on board.

These courses provide knowledge on tides (currents and heights), chart work, onboard electronics, passage planning, pilotage, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, lighthouses, safety, and meteorology.

Of course, it depends somewhat on the course you choose, but there are numerous options that can be arranged to fit your availability..
The "RYA Powerboat" are available on weekends and weekdays. Five-day sailing courses can be taken from Monday to Friday, but levels up to and including "RYA Day Skipper" can be split into a 3+2 day format (split weekend). This means you can complete your course over one weekend plus an additional three-day weekend. The RYA Coastal Skipper course always requires 5 consecutive days from Monday to Friday, as it includes a coastal passage.

O RYA Start Yachting a 2-day introductory course, is always available at weekends.

Specialist classroom courses, such as RYA VHF-SRC is highly recommended

The courses are essentially practical. Naturally, many theoretical concepts are also learned, both during the first lesson, which includes a slightly longer initial briefing, and by making use of days with bad weather or no wind.
Practical courses always include a theoretical component, but it is strongly recommended that this is completed beforehand in order to make the most of the practical sessions.

Some of our courses offer an e-learning system to support theoretical learning. Always consult your instructor by email or phone if you have any questions regarding theoretical concepts.

The so-called “theory” courses are primarily those leading to a Carta de Navegador de Recreio (in the Portuguese system) and to the Cursos RYA Shorebased (in the RYA system, taught in English).

The theory courses that support the practical courses are all available through distance learning (e-learning). Some specialist courses are also offered online.

Thus, the following courses are available online:

    . RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

    . RYA Day Skipper Shorebased

    . RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased

    . RYA VHF-SRC is highly recommended

    . RYA Professional Practises and Responsibilities

In all courses, you will find high-quality physical and digital learning resources to support your studies. All courses follow an asynchronous system, allowing you to study at your own pace and according to your availability.

Yes, you can take the final exam of your course at home with the supervision of a family member or friend. The theory courses serve as a knowledge support for the practical courses, so theoretical knowledge is always validated and tested during the subsequent practical course. Without this knowledge, your instructor will not be able to recommend the issuance of a higher-level practical certificate.

If the aim of this training is professional, we recommend taking the exam at an RYA-certified school..

In the specific case of the  RYA VHF-SRC is highly recommended

All courses within the training scheme RYA are taught in English. Please read our terms and conditions, which are printed on the back of your registration form. Different courses have different cancellation policies, so you will need to check the specifics for your case.

The  RYA Courses are organised in two possible formats. In the "Standard" format, up to 5 students participate along with the instructor on board. This instructor-to-student ratio is the maximum allowed under RYA standards. If you choose to stay on board during a "Standard" course, the cabin is shared, or you may sleep in the saloon.

In contrast, "Premium" courses have only 3 students plus the instructor on board, and a private cabin is guaranteed if you choose to stay on board. This format ensures more dedicated time with your instructor and greater opportunities to practise and repeat manoeuvres.

The term "Carta de Marinheiro" ou "Carta" in general refers to the Portuguese certification system (Carta de Marinheiro, Carta de Patrão Local, Carta de Patrão de Costa e Carta de Patrão de Alto Mar). These are primarily classroom-based courses, and upon passing a written exam, they confer a legal and mandatory certification in Portugal to operate a recreational vessel.

RYA courses do not have, as their primary aim, the immediate issuance of a “Carta,” as they focus on developing practical skills. However, from the level of "RYA Day Skipper" (sailing) or RYA Powerboat Level 2 (motor), it is possible to apply for an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) which serves as an internationally recognised certificate to operate a vessel. Once the ICC is obtained, you can request the Portuguese authorities to issue a Portuguese certificate considered equivalent. Portugal automatically recognises all certificates issued by European Union authorities. Certificates issued by the United Kingdom, however, require an equivalence process, which can be completed online at www.bmar.pt .

Alternatively, to obtain a recreational skipper’s certificate, you can enrol in a "Recreational Skipper Coursewhich leads directly to the issuance of a recreational skipper’s certificate Carta de Marinheiro, Carta de Patrão Local, Carta de Patrão de Costa and Carta de Patrão de Alto Mar). These courses, under the Portuguese certification system, are taught in Portuguese and require a good command of the language.

We have many students who, after a beginner sailing course, feel confident enough to navigate and learn on their own, making their own mistakes. Others feel they need more hours of guided instruction.

However, after a beginner course, you will certainly have experienced a variety of situations (strong wind, light wind, etc.) to help you make this decision for yourself.

One thing is certain: after a beginner course, you should be ready to be a competent crew member on board, familiar with fundamental manoeuvres (tacking, jibing, heading up, bearing away), nautical terminology, and onboard safety. This is where you should start.

In any case, our advice is to gain additional experience, for example by taking an RYA course with a week on board and 5 days of sailing, where you can truly experience the reality of cruising sailing.

Remember, however, that in Portugal, to take command of a vessel, you must hold a recreational skipper’s certificate.

Yes, of course. It is a skill that is important to practice and develop. Sailing courses of "RYA Day Skipper" and higher-level courses include night navigation. For example, the "RYA Day Skipper" typically includes a night pilotage exercise of at least 4 hours. Currently, we use chart planning as well as electronic navigation with GPS plotter and radar. The course RYA Coastal Skipper already includes entries and exits from more complex ports and even a night passage. If your instructor chooses to stay anchored overnight, you will certainly take part in a four-hour anchor watch.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is strictly a daytime course and does not include night navigation. To develop this skill under power, you would need to take the RYA Intermediate or RYA Advanced Powerboat course, which is not currently available.

No, you can apply for your ICC by completing an online form, attaching a photocopy of your RYA certificate, a photograph, and proof of nationality. Please always check the "Exclusion List" for nationalities for which the RYA cannot issue a British ICC .

Being eligible to receive a UK-issued ICC from the RYA  does not guarantee that it will be accepted in the country whose flag your boat flies, that you own, use, or rent, nor does it guarantee recognition as proof of competence in the country where you plan to sail.
It is your full responsibility to ask the necessary questions to ensure that a UK ICC issued by the RYA is the correct document for your specific circumstances.

The validity of the ICC is often misunderstood. The ICC is not equivalent to an EU driving licence, which all EU member states are required to accept. The ICC originates from the United Nations and, although the ICC allows the holder to sail internationally, it is only valid if the country you intend to visit chooses to recognise it.

It is essential to verify whether the ICC is accepted by the authorities in the country where you plan to use the boat (taking into account the size and type of vessel and where it will be used) and to ensure you meet the competency requirements set by the flag state of the vessel.

O ICC issued by the RYA is issued in the name of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA); it does not grant any other certification in the UK or abroad.

O ICC cannot be endorsed for commercial use and should never be used as proof of competence for commercial activities.

The minimum age to take an ICC exam is 16 years.

The ICC exam is both theoretical and practical.
During the exam, your boat handling skills and theoretical knowledge will be tested.

These trips are designed for sailors with previous cruising experience. The minimum requirement is the RYA Competent Crewcertificate, although having completed the RYA Day Skipper ( theory e practical) and RYA VHF-SRC is highly recommended

Trips usually last one week, although there are also shorter programmes of 2 to 4 days held near our base in Oeiras.

A Sailing Baptism is an opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing without having to enrol in a full sailing course. It includes around two hours of sailing, during which you’ll get familiar with the yacht and take part in handling the boat. You’ll usually learn some basic knots and sailing manoeuvres such as tacking and gybing. If weather conditions allow, you may even take the helm and steer the boat yourself!
There are special days dedicated to Sailing Baptisms, where all participants are experiencing sailing for the first time. Alternatively, you can also join a regular sailing lesson alongside other sailors who will help you take your first steps on the water.

It’s difficult to say in advance. Sailing depends on the wind’s strength and the tide, which affects the current’s direction and intensity on the day of departure. With moderate wind conditions, it’s usually possible to reach Belém Tower or even exit the Tagus River towards Cascais.
However, during a Sailing Baptism, Go Sailing or Learn to Sail experiences, the goal isn’t the distance covered but rather enjoying the experience itself — getting familiar with the boat, helping with the manoeuvres, hoisting the sails, taking the helm and feeling at ease on board.

Before leaving the marina, your skipper will decide on the most suitable route depending on the wind and tide. On some days, it makes little difference whether you sail upriver or downriver from Oeiras, so the “crew” may even discuss and agree on the preferred route together.

We recommend soft-soled, non-slip shoes (sailing shoes or trainers).Your clothing should be as comfortable as possible and suitable for the season during which the activity takes place.

An extra layer, such as a windbreaker or jacket, is advised, as the wind at sea can make it feel colder, even in summer.


After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information for your activity, including a detailed list of what to bring. Read it carefully and contact us if you have any questions.


Avoid earrings, high heels, and impractical clothing. Generally, sportswear is sufficient, and there are always some spare jackets or clothing on board if needed.

You can book and pay directly through our website by selecting the course and the date you wish to attend.

If you choose to pay 50%, your spot will be reserved immediately.

If you make full payment (100%), the course will be fully paid, and you will receive a confirmation email as soon as possible.

After payment, you will receive an email with all the necessary information to start the course, including the registration form where you must fill in your details to complete your enrolment.

We offer additional options to make your experience more complete, such as full Helly Hansen sailing gear, parking, and other services.

If you would like any of these extras, indicate them on the registration form. On the first day of the course, you can pay for them directly at the school.

The full course fee must be paid before the course begins; otherwise, your spot may be offered to another student.

It depends on the course you are taking. On a standard course, exclusive use of a cabin for each student cannot be guaranteed. Only on premium courses can we guarantee a private cabin for each student.

We offer additional options to make your experience more complete, such as full Helly Hansen sailing gear, parking, and other services.

If you would like any of these extras, indicate them on the registration form. On the first day of the course, you can pay for them directly at the school.

The full course fee must be paid before the course begins; otherwise, your spot may be offered to another student.

Please check whether your course includes meals on board. On some full-day courses, there is a scheduled lunch break. However, sometimes lunch is taken while anchored in a bay or even while sailing. In these cases, you may need to bring a light lunch with you.

On our RYA Sailing courses, meals on board are included (breakfast, lunch, and some dinners). Meals at restaurants off the boat are never included.

For a 4-hour session, it is usually not necessary to bring food, but you may do so if you wish, as there is space on board to store your bag.

The ideal options are sandwiches, energy bars, and drinks. Water on board is always very important. All food should be light, pre-prepared, and easy to eat on board, even while the boat is moving.

No, to avoid any risk to the fetus, West Coast does not allow pregnant participants or passengers.
Passengers are required to inform us of any pregnancy when booking an experience or enrolling in a course.
Even in very early stages of pregnancy, boarding a sailing boat is not advised.