The RYA Yachtmaster qualification is one of the most respected achievements in recreational sailing, requiring a strong understanding of navigation, seamanship and practical boat handling.

The RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Notes provides detailed theoretical guidance for students working towards their Yachtmaster qualifications, as well as experienced skippers looking to maintain and develop their knowledge.

This highly illustrated handbook covers important aspects of the Yachtmaster shorebased syllabus, helping readers understand the principles behind safe and effective passage making.

What Does the Handbook Cover?

The 2016 edition includes expanded and updated sections on key areas of yacht navigation and seamanship:

• Navigation – Essential principles and techniques for planning and navigating coastal and offshore passages.

• Meteorology – Understanding weather conditions and their influence on passage planning.

• Pilotage – Practical considerations for navigating coastal waters, harbour approaches and confined areas.

• Voyage Planning – Preparing and organising passages with safety and efficiency in mind.

• Special Situations Afloat – Understanding and responding to challenging circumstances encountered at sea.

• Yachtmaster Theory – Illustrated notes supporting the wider shorebased training syllabus.

Designed for RYA Yachtmaster Students

The handbook is particularly useful for:

• RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster theory students

• Candidates preparing for Yachtmaster practical examinations

• Experienced sailors developing offshore navigation skills

• Recreational skippers planning longer coastal passages

• Qualified Yachtmasters refreshing their theoretical knowledge

A Practical Reference for Experienced Skippers

Beyond formal training, the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Notes is a useful addition to any onboard reference library.

Its clear explanations and detailed illustrations make it valuable when reviewing navigation techniques, preparing longer passages or refreshing important seamanship knowledge.

For sailors cruising the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal, the subjects of weather interpretation, pilotage and voyage planning are particularly relevant.

Product Details

• Title: RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Notes

• Publisher: Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

• Edition: 2016

• Language: English

• Format: Printed, illustrated training handbook

• Subject: Advanced navigation, seamanship and Yachtmaster theory

Understanding your boat’s diesel engine is an important part of safe and confident boating. The RYA Diesel Engine Handbook by Andrew Simpson provides practical guidance to help recreational boat owners understand how their engines work, carry out routine maintenance and identify common problems.

Written in clear, accessible language and supported by detailed colour illustrations, this handbook is suitable for beginners and boat owners looking to improve their mechanical knowledge.

What Does the Handbook Cover?

The book explains the main systems and maintenance requirements of marine diesel engines, including:

• How Diesel Engines Work – Understanding the basic principles of diesel engine operation.

• Fuel Systems – Learning about fuel delivery and common fuel-related problems.

• Air Systems – Understanding the role of air in engine performance.

• Engine Cooling – How marine cooling systems operate and what to check.

• Electrical Systems – An introduction to the electrical components associated with diesel engines.

• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting – Identifying common engine faults and possible causes.

• Routine Maintenance – Essential checks and servicing procedures.

• Emergency Procedures – Practical guidance for dealing with engine problems afloat.

Illustrated Instructions and Video Support

Detailed full-colour illustrations help explain engine components and maintenance procedures.

The handbook also includes QR codes linking to instructional videos featuring expert advice and practical tips from Nick Eales of Sea Start.

Ideal for RYA Training and Everyday Boat Ownership

This handbook is particularly useful for:

• Students attending the one-day RYA Diesel Engine Course

• Sailing yacht and motorboat owners

• New boat owners learning basic engine maintenance

• Recreational boaters preparing for coastal cruising

• Anyone wanting to improve their diesel engine troubleshooting skills

Whether you are checking your engine before leaving the marina or dealing with a mechanical problem during a passage, understanding the basics of diesel engine operation can make boating safer and more enjoyable.

Product Details

• Title: RYA Diesel Engine Handbook

• Author: Andrew Simpson

• Publisher: Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

• Edition: 2006

• Language: English

• Format: Illustrated printed handbook

• Additional Content: QR codes linking to instructional videos

Develop your navigation knowledge and practise essential chartwork skills with the RYA Navigation Exercises book by Chris Slade.

Designed to support RYA training courses, this practical workbook provides exercises and answers covering the key aspects of marine navigation and seamanship. Questions progress from beginner to advanced level within each chapter, allowing students to build confidence as their knowledge improves.

Practical Navigation Training

The exercises cover important navigation and seamanship topics, including:

• Chartwork and position plotting

• Estimated positions and navigation calculations

• Tidal calculations and tide tables

• Meteorology and weather interpretation

• GPS and electronic chart plotting

• Distress procedures and Mayday communications

• General seamanship and navigation safety

Full-colour illustrations help explain navigation techniques and support practical learning.

Includes Two RYA Training Charts

The book comes complete with RYA Training Charts 3 & 4, allowing students to practise plotting positions, working with courses and carrying out chart-based navigation exercises.

These charts make the book particularly useful for home study, classroom training and revision before navigation assessments.

Suitable for RYA Students and Recreational Boaters

RYA Navigation Exercises is an excellent study companion for:

• RYA Day Skipper students

• RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster students

• Recreational sailors and motorboaters

• Boaters refreshing their navigation knowledge

• Anyone wanting additional chartwork practice

Product Details

• Title: RYA Navigation Exercises

• Edition: 2nd Edition (2008)

• Author: Chris Slade

• Publisher: Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

• Format: Printed training workbook

• Included: RYA Training Charts 3 & 4

• Language: English