Have You Ever Dreamed of Skippering a Boat?

Spend Just 4 Days This Summer Turning That Dream into Reality

The idea of taking the helm, charting your own course, and dropping anchor in a secluded bay… it's the stuff summer dreams are made of. But it doesn’t have to remain a fantasy. With just four days of hands-on training in the stunning South of France, you could walk away with the internationally recognised RYA Day Skipper Power licence — and the confidence to truly call yourself a skipper.

Why the Day Skipper Licence Is the Ultimate Holiday Upgrade

When most people imagine a summer holiday on the French Riviera, they picture sun-soaked decks, turquoise bays, and aperitifs at golden hour. But what if this year, instead of just relaxing on a yacht, you took control of the helm?

The RYA Day Skipper licence isn’t just for aspiring professional yacht crew. It’s an incredibly rewarding qualification for pleasure boaters and holidaymakers who want to take their time on the water to the next level — and walk away from their holiday with more than just a great tan and good memories. With small classes of no more than four students, you’ll receive plenty of personal attention and hands-on experience throughout the course.

RYA Chief Instructor of the Motor Cruising scheme, Vaughan Marsh, describes the RYA Day Skipper for Motor as a brilliant investment for anyone thinking of chartering, buying a new vessel, or transitioning from a powerboat to a more comfortable cruising boat. “Not only is it a fun course,” he says, “it teaches you how to use your boat and enjoy it.”

This course appeals to a wide range of people — from holidaymakers looking to do something different this summer, to boat owners and soon-to-be owners wanting to build confidence. It’s also ideal for couples seeking a shared, practical adventure, families planning a charter holiday together, or anyone who simply loves the ocean and wants to get more from their time on the water. If you already have a little boating experience, the Day Skipper course is the perfect next step.

Whether you plan to charter a boat on vacation or if you own your own small cruiser, this course equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you will need. And yes — if you have your own boat, we can even run the course onboard your vessel. We come to you! It's a brilliant way to get familiar with your boat, practise real-life manoeuvres, and learn under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Not Just a Course — A Holiday Experience

Set in the heart of the French Riviera, Seascope France offers RYA Day Skipper training that combines expert instruction with the adventure and beauty of Mediterranean boating. You’ll spend your days learning to navigate the Côte d’Azur and moor in picture-perfect harbours, with evenings free to unwind, enjoy the view, and share stories with your fellow crew members — many of whom become fast friends thanks to the shared challenge and love of the sea. It’s an experience that blends learning and leisure — all while working toward a qualification that opens doors worldwide.

A Qualification That Lasts a Lifetime

Unlike souvenirs or suntans, the RYA Day Skipper certificate never fades. It’s a lifelong achievement — a passport to adventure, a symbol of skill, and a major milestone in your boating journey. Plus, it’s recognised worldwide.

However, since Brexit, some European charter companies and authorities may also request an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) alongside your RYA Day Skipper certificate. The ICC is a simple, internationally recognised document that proves your competence to operate a pleasure craft abroad. If you hold the Day Skipper qualification, applying for the ICC is quick and easy through the RYA’s online system. That being said, there are a number of rental agents in the area who are happy to accept the RYA qualifications on its own.

Your summer in France could be just the beginning of something much bigger and open doors to many boating adventures to come.

What Do I Need to Get Started?

Before joining the practical course, you’ll need some basic knowledge of navigation and seamanship. Ideally, although not compulsory, students will have completed the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course, which covers essential topics like safety, rules of the road, chartwork, tides, and weather. The theory course takes about 40 hours and can be done online in your own time — perfect for fitting around your lifestyle.

You’ll also need a bit of sea time under your belt — around five days of experience on a motorboat is ideal.

From there, you’re ready to take the helm. During the course, you’ll learn how to safely manoeuvre a motorboat at both high and low speeds, make smart decisions about berthing, timing, and route planning, react calmly in emergency situations, direct your crew, and manage safety onboard — you’ll even try your hand at night cruising. The RYA Day Skipper Motor licence allows you to skipper a powerboat between 7 and 24 metres in length during daylight hours in familiar coastal waters. You’ll also build confidence in navigation and passage planning, giving you the skills needed to take charge on the water.

Join Us in Antibes — Or Train on Your Own Boat

Courses run all year round from our base in Antibes. Or, if you already have a suitable boat of your own, we can come to you so that you can enjoy a truly personalised experience.

Wherever you choose to train, you’ll come away with more than just a certificate — you’ll gain real confidence, practical skills, and unforgettable memories on the water.
Get in touch with Seascope France today and let’s start planning your Day Skipper adventure.