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Why should you study with Skippers Online?

As well as the benefits of choosing our best in class training courses and unlimited instructor support, there are also significant advantages to be had in choosing to study online.


″More people now choose to study RYA Day Skipper or
Yachtmaster theory via an online course than in the classroom.″


1/ Students learn more than they do in traditional courses

Studies have shown that participants learn 2 to 3 times more material in online learning courses using multimedia content than in traditional face to face courses.

Because online courses give students full control over their own learning, students are able to work at their own speed. Generally students work faster than they would do otherwise and take in more information. They are able to move faster through areas of the course they feel comfortable with, but slower through those that they need a little more time on.

2/ Retention rates are higher with online learning

Online courses have increased student retention rates; ranging from 25% to 40%. More engaging multimedia content, more control over how they take in the material and less likelihood of classes clashing with other commitments all contribute to this rise.

3/ Online learning requires less time investment

Many students are put off enrolling in a face to face course due to the time investment it will require. Online learing can require up to 30% less time than learning in a traditional classroom setting when travel to and from classes is incuded.

It’s also key to note that online learning options generally allow students to split the time they are investing in the course in whichever way works for them. They don’t need to be able to dedicate large chunks of time to their course; it’ll work just as well if they can set aside a few hours per week.

4/ More frequent assessments can reduce distractions

One of the great things about online courses is that assessment can become more of an ongoing process. This is good news for students as interspersing multimedia content and learning materials with regular short tests can improve student engagement. In fact, research from Harvard Univeristy showed that using these short, regular tests halved student distraction, tripled note-taking and students’ overall retention of the content improved.

5/ Online learing is better for you and the evironment

Online learning is certainly the more effective option for students, but it’s also better for the environment. The Open University found that online courses equate to an average of 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than traditional in person courses.

6/ It′s less expensive

Online theory courses costs less than the equivalent shorebased attendance course, and there are even greater savings when you factor in the cost of travel and accomodation for an attendance course.

Research findings by IBM, Harvard University, The Open University, MIT and Brandon Hall Research

Exceptional Support

We’re here to help you at every stage.  Our team of highly experienced RYA Instructors are on hand to offer unlimited assistance on any aspect of your course that you might need and to give prompt and thorough feedback on exercises and exams.  

“The communication with instructors is excellent.  Feedback is very detailed and prompt, with queries answered in considerable detail by helpful and friendly instructors.” 

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Satisfaction guaranteed

We’re confident that our courses are the best available.  However, we know that choosing whether to study online or in a conventional classroom environment can be a big decision and we want all our students to be 100% satisfied with their choice, so we offer a 14-day no quible money back guarantee.

“A very thorough course put together with a lot of care and attention to detail by people who clearly have a deep knowledge and passion for sailing.” 

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But don’t just take our word for it...

  • Colin Berry

    Excellent in every aspect

    Very thorough and well put together training programme. Instructor assistance is impressive - the response time is very quick and points addressed concisely and fully.

  • Mathew Mayatt

    Ability to repeat when in doubt

    Logical and clear. What was really good was the ability to go back and repeat or all or part of a lesson to ensure you truly understand a concept / principle, something which is more difficult to do when in a real classroom situation

  • David Holford

    Thoroughly enjoyed my course with Skippers Online

    Thoroughly enjoyed my online Day Skipper theory course with Skippers Online. The course was intuitive and the flexibility of being able to log on and study at any time was invaluable. Support was amazing. Highly recommended.

  • Richard Smith

    An excellent online course

    An excellent online course, very thorough, interactive and interesting. The feedback to the exercises and exams is prompt and very helpful. I really recommend this course.

  • Laura Anderson

    Very enjoyable and informative

    Impressively prompt and thorough feedback on all queries, tests, mock and real exams. Very high standards and you feel you have earned the Yachtmaster certificate.

  • Andrew Harvey

    Excellent Yachtmaster theory course - I’d definitely recommend it.

    Does what it says on the tin and more. I was impressed how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

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