RYA Theory Courses

Study at Your Own Pace with Ardent Training

While Classic Sailing has been a recognised RYA training centre for over 20 years, we choose to run theory courses through our partners at Ardent Training. This is because, quite frankly, they do it better! They can offer year-round on-demand instructor support. 7 days a week from 0800 to 2000, most queries are answered within 2 minutes! And they can support you via online chat, phone or video call. Their instructors are supremely qualified and knowledgeable, and they pride themselves in creating personalised learning experiences for their students. Basically, they’re a great bunch of lovely people who really know their stuff!

RYA Theory Courses: Delivered Online

Our most popular features are our complete range of video lessons bringing the theory to life on our yacht ‘Mipha’, and our instant and unlimited instructor support. Our friendly and highly qualified instructors will answer your questions quickly, and you can even view their profile’s before you sign up. With our online forums and discussions features you can introduce yourself and communicate with other students. Our goal is to bring together the convenience of study online without missing the benefits of the more social classroom.

Ardent Training

If you’ve just done a course with Ardent, let us know when you book your next sailing trip! Classic Sailing skippers and professional crew can help you apply those skills for real when you come sailing with us. This helps to cement the knowledge, and you’ll be ready for your practical course in no time!

Questions? Check out Ardent’s FAQs.

Online RYA Courses to Choose From…

A comprehensive program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of chartwork, navigation, meteorology, and the basics of seamanship.

Find out more: Ardent’s Day Skipper Theory Course

An advanced theory program focusing on navigation, safety, meteorology, and IRPCS. It’s tailored for those seeking RYA Coastal Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Qualifications.

Find out more: Ardent’s Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Course

An online program tailored for individuals with substantial maritime experience but lacking formal qualifications. The course also accommodates those who have completed the Day Skipper course but need a refresher. It offers an in-depth focus on each topic before advancing to the Yachtmaster syllabus’s expert skills.

Find out more: Ardent’s Fast Track Yachtmaster Theory Course

For sailors wishing to use their RYA qualifications for work, the PPR course teaches the legal framework that commercial operators need to follow for various vessels, and offers principles, guidance, and techniques to help skippers make informed choices and decisions. Its primary goal is to introduce seafarers to relevant legislation, such as SOLAS, COSWoP, MARPOL, Flag State, Port State Authorities, and the Code of Practice.

Find out more: Ardent’s Professional Practices and Responsibilities Course

For safe and effective communication at sea, this course is for anyone who owns or operates a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. This certification isn’t just a legal requirement for DSC equipment and safety must-have; it also unlocks the convenient option of communicating with other vessels, harbours and marinas by radio.

Find out more: Ardent’s Marine Radio SRC Course