An RYA Recognised Training Centre based in Plymouth, delivering Yachtmaster exam-preparation, Day Skipper theory, powerboat training, GMDSS radio, and marine engineering qualifications from one of the UK's great sailing harbours.
Book direct →Plymouth Sailing School is an established RYA Recognised Training Centre operating from Plymouth — a natural deep-water harbour on the south-west coast of England with direct access to the Western Channel and beyond. The school delivers the full spectrum of RYA practical and shorebased qualifications, from introductory powerboat courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exam-preparation weeks run as live-aboard passages from Plymouth.
Shorebased provision spans RYA Day Skipper Theory, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory through to Yachtmaster Ocean Theory, plus supporting safety and communications courses including radar, sea survival, first aid, firefighting and VHF/SRC radio. Practical powerboat training covers RYA Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced certificates, with the option to train in the school's own boats or your own vessel.
Marine engineering qualifications — including AEC, MEOL and Y-tickets — are also offered, making Plymouth Sailing School a well-rounded choice for crew building a professional qualification portfolio alongside recreational skippers working towards their first certificate.
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exam-preparation weeks for sail (5 days) and motor (4 days), concluding with an RYA examiner assessment. Practical cruising courses run live-aboard from Plymouth, giving candidates genuine offshore passage experience.
Book on Plymouth Sailing School →Shorebased theory courses covering RYA Day Skipper Theory, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory, and Yachtmaster Ocean Theory. Supporting qualifications include radar, sea survival, first aid and firefighting for yachtsmen.
Book on Plymouth Sailing School →RYA powerboat training at Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced levels, plus the Tender Operator certificate. Training is delivered in the school's own boats or your own vessel on Plymouth's sheltered waters with easy access to open sea.
Book on Plymouth Sailing School →RYA VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC) marine radio course, taught as part of the school's shorebased programme. The SRC is a legal requirement for anyone who operates a VHF DSC marine radio and is a key qualification for both recreational and professional crew.
Book on Plymouth Sailing School →Marine engineering qualifications including the Award in Engineering Competence (AEC), Motor Engineer Operating Licence (MEOL) and Y-tickets, supporting crew who need recognised engineering certificates for commercial and professional yachting roles.
Book on Plymouth Sailing School →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Plymouth Sailing School before booking.
A 4-star Millennium Hotels property in the city centre on Armada Way, 135 rooms, restaurant, fitness suite, and chargeable on-site parking — 5 minutes' walk from Drake Circus and close to Plymouth train station.
View options →AA 4-star silver-awarded B&B located 400 yards from Plymouth Hoe seafront and the Barbican, offering en-suite rooms with an easy walk to the city centre and maritime quarter.
View options →Budget-friendly chain hotel right on Sutton Harbour waterfront in the historic Barbican area, with clean, consistent rooms and easy walking access to restaurants, the Hoe, and Plymouth's maritime attractions.
View options →Exeter Airport (EXT) — approximately 45 miles (78 km) northeast of Plymouth city centre — is the nearest international airport. By taxi: approximately 50–55 minutes, with fixed-price transfers from around £95 one way. By public transport: bus to Exeter St Davids railway station then a GWR train to Plymouth, around 1.5–2 hours total. Newquay Airport (NQY) is an alternative approximately 86 km to the southwest, though it has fewer international routes.
Plymouth Railway Station is in the city centre, approximately 1 mile from the ferry terminal. Operators: Great Western Railway (GWR) and CrossCountry. Direct GWR services to London Paddington take approximately 3 hours (fastest), with around 20 departures per day. CrossCountry services connect Plymouth to Birmingham, the North, and Scotland.
Millbay Ferry Port (Brittany Ferries terminal), approximately 15 minutes' walk from the city centre and 5 minutes by taxi from Plymouth station. Brittany Ferries operates routes to Roscoff (France), St Malo (France) and Santander (Spain), with up to 10 sailings per week. Crossing times vary from approximately 6 hours (Roscoff) to 20+ hours (Santander overnight).
Brittany Ferries →Plymouth is reached via the A38 Devon Expressway from Exeter (junction with M5) — approximately 45 miles from Exeter, and 220 miles from London (roughly 3.5–4 hours via M4/A303 or M4/M5/A38). The city sits at the end of the A38. Plentiful city centre NCP and council car parks are available, and park-and-ride options operate from the outskirts.
Open in Maps →Plymouth is a major port city in Devon with strong rail, road, and international ferry links. Exeter Airport (EXT) is the nearest international airport but is not particularly close — travellers from London may find the direct train from Paddington more convenient than flying. Bristol Airport (BRS, approximately 100 miles) handles more international routes if needed. Ferry connections to France and Spain make Plymouth a key gateway for European crossings.