RYA Day Skipper Handbook - Sail Paperback – 31 Jan. 2010

I bought this book a couple of years ago but have only just read it as I am revising for the Royal Yachting Association’s day skipper theory assessment. I’ve been doing an online course and this book has given me some extra learning material, which I hope will get me over the line. This book summarises most of what you need to pass the theory assessment and that makes it very useful for revision purposes. It covers anchoring and mooring, emergency procedures, tides, interpreting charts, finding your position, voyage planning and collision avoidance. I imagine that once you’ve passed the assessment, you can use it for reminders. It also covers some practical skills, such as boat handling and mooring as it’s really intended for the day skipper practical course, which I hope to do in the next few months.This edition was first published in 2012 and has been reprinted several times. I’m not sure when or if it’s been updated but the references to GPS and technology seem to be as up to date as the RYA’s Day Skipper Shore Based Notes, which were revised in 2023. It is worth checking that you’re buying the latest edition as things can change rapidly in the sailing world.I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of doing the day skipper courses – theory or practical. It goes well with the RYA’s Day Skipper Shore Based Notes. I’m confident that it’s going to help me pass the theory exam under full sail.

BOOK WAS VERY EASY TO FOLLOW AND I PICKED UP SOME GOOD BASIC TIPS

good reference book

Very informative book for the novice sailor. I'd recommend this book for anyone who is going on a flotilla holiday who has little or no experience. Simple instructions & information for all ages. I was recommended this book by someone who had it in his kit, who had sailed around the world. It also suited me who had sailed on the Solent once.

If you are considering studying the RYA Day Skipper Theory course and you are a relatively inexperienced sailor (such as me) or even if you're experienced, I would recommend this book as a 'must' to accompany the aide memoir RYA Day Skipper book (Day Skipper: Introduction to Navigation Theory, Safety and Seamanship) that you'll probably receive with your course materials. As you would expect, it covers all of the ground required but in much more depth without assuming much prior knowledge and in a clear and simple way.

This was recommended by my sailing school pre practical element and I wish I had purchased it earlier on in my theory course. It is really well written and illustrated, concise and an invaluable aid to any aspiring Day Slipper.

I works well as a prep for your practical course - the instructor should refer to it by page (e.g. we're going to come alongside the pontoon as shown on page 57...). However, you'll get more practical use in the long term from another popular skipper's handbook as this isn't a very good quick-reference.

Just what I was looking for.