The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster qualification is a professional qualification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in sailing and seamanship. To become an RYA Yachtmaster, individuals must complete a series of training courses and exams and demonstrate their ability to skipper a sailing vessel safely and effectively.
The amount of time it takes to become an RYA Yachtmaster will depend on the individual's starting level of knowledge and experience, as well as their ability to complete the required training and assessments. In general, it may take several years of sailing experience and training to achieve the RYA Yachtmaster qualification.
To qualify for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, individuals must have at least 50 days of sea time, 5 days as skipper, and have completed a qualifying passage of at least 600 miles, including 2 overnight passages of at least 100 miles from a safe haven. For the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate, the requirements are more stringent, with at least 200 days of sea time, including at least 20 days as skipper, 10 of which must be on offshore passages, and have completed a qualifying passage of at least 2,000 miles, including at least 5 days, 5 nights and an offshore passage of at least 720 miles.
It's important to note that these are just the minimum requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster qualification, and many individuals may choose to gain additional experience and training before attempting the assessment.