Skippership Scheme
What is the Skippership Scheme?
The Skippership Scheme is a structured programme that draws together all the skills required to work as a seagoing Sail Trainer in the modern Sail Training industry. Professional training is delivered by some of the UK's leading sailing technicians with maritime colleges delivering the MCA recognised safety courses. The softer people-skills required on Sail Training vessels are delivered through a bespoke youth skills course designed specifically for this Scheme.
How is it structured?
The Scheme runs from February to November and is structured in three phases.
- Phase one is an intensive training period focused on producing the Commercial RYA Coastal Skipper award.
- Phase two is made up of work placements on sail training vessels from the ASTO membership.
- Phase three develops skippering and leadership skills culminating in the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam.
Although the scheme is funded by ASTO and the Corporation of Trinity House, candidates are required to provide part of the funding themselves and underwrite their own travel costs during phase two.
What do I need?
Potential trainees should have practical skills equivalent to RYA Day Skipper and theoretical knowledge in line with the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course. Interviews are usually held in December each year. Download the documents from the left panel for more information and application forms.