ISSA Offshore Skipper – Multihull Yacht Course
– 10 Day Recreational Multihull Private Course

ISSA Offshore Skipper – Multihull Yacht Course
– 10 Day Recreational Multihull Private Course

Duration
10 Days

Advanced Level
see below for full details

Location
Cape Panwa • Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience Required
Sea hours + certifications - see below

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Progress from coastal skipper to offshore multihull skipper.
  • Build confidence planning and managing longer passages.
  • Master advanced navigation and pilotage.
  • Develop leadership and crew management skills.
  • Gain practical experience handling multihulls under sail and power.
  • Prepare for internationally recognised ISSA Offshore certification.
  • Ideal preparation for future Yachtmaster qualifications.

Are You Ready for Offshore Skipper?

Are You Ready for Offshore Skipper?

This advanced course is intended for experienced sailors progressing beyond the ISSA Inshore Skipper qualification.
Before enrolling you should normally have:

  • ISSA Inshore Skipper (or equivalent)
  • 800 logged sea miles
  • 30 days at sea
  • 12 hours night watch
  • VHF Radio Certificate
  • Man Overboard proficiency

If you're unsure whether you're ready, contact us—we'll be happy to advise.

We suggest you download the following pdfs

Offshore Skipper Course Guide
Yachtmaster Self Assessement

Where Will Your Multihull Sailing Journey Take You?

The ISSA Offshore Skipper – Multihull Course develops the advanced knowledge, judgement and practical experience required to skipper multihull yachts on extended coastal passages with confidence. Building on your previous training and logged sea time, the course takes your navigation, seamanship and command skills to a more advanced level.

For sailors who want to skipper larger cruising catamarans and other multihull yachts, the course provides valuable experience in passage planning, crew management and the particular handling characteristics of multihull vessels. It also provides a strong foundation for building further sea miles and progressing towards more advanced Yachtmaster-level qualifications.

Whether your goal is extended cruising, skippering a multihull of your own or developing your skills for more ambitious offshore passages, this course represents an important step in your sailing journey.

I like this better than simply changing "sailing yacht" to "multihull". It gives the page an actual reason to exist as a separate course.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISSA Offshore Skipper – Multihull Course is an intensive ten-day programme for experienced sailors ready to progress beyond Inshore Skipper level and develop the skills required to command a multihull yacht on extended coastal passages. Theory and practical training are integrated throughout the course, allowing advanced navigation and seamanship skills to be applied directly on the water.

Throughout the programme you'll develop your knowledge of collision regulations, traditional and electronic navigation, position fixing, pilotage, tides and currents, passage planning and meteorology. Practical training develops multihull handling under sail and power, anchoring and mooring, Man Overboard procedures, safety, crew management and the decision-making expected of an Offshore Skipper.

The course builds on a strong foundation of previous training and practical experience. Candidates should normally hold an ISSA Inshore Skipper Certificate or equivalent qualification and have approximately 800 logged sea miles before attending.

On successful completion you'll receive the internationally recognised ISSA Offshore Skipper – Multihull Certificate, demonstrating advanced theoretical knowledge and practical yacht-handling competence and providing a foundation for further experience and progression towards Yachtmaster-level training.

Course Schedule

Course Schedule

  • Course introduction • skills assessment • IRPCS review
  • Navigation • chartwork • electronic navigation • position fixing
  • Pilotage • buoyage • tides • coastal passage planning
  • Multihull handling under sail and power • marina manoeuvring
  • Anchoring • mooring • ropework • crew management
  • Meteorology • weather routing • passage preparation
  • Offshore navigation • night sailing • watchkeeping
  • Passage planning • command decisions • safety management
  • Practical skippering • navigation exercises • revision
  • Practical examination • theory assessment • course review

The schedule may be varied depending on weather and other considerations.

Skills You'll Learn

Skills You'll Learn

Navigation & Passage Planning

  • Traditional and electronic navigation
  • Position fixing techniques
  • Coastal and offshore passage planning
  • Pilotage and IALA buoyage
  • Tides, tidal streams and secondary ports
  • Weather interpretation and forecasting
  • Modern chart plotters and navigation apps

Offshore Command & Seamanship

  • Multihull yacht handling under sail and power
  • Collision Regulations (IRPCS)
  • Crew management and leadership
  • Offshore safety and Man Overboard procedures
  • Anchoring and mooring technique
  • VHF and DSC communications
  • Passage command and skipper decision making

Official ISSA Student Textbook

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

SIA student textbook cover for offshore skipper displaying a capstan with rigging on a wooden decked sailing yacht under sail

The Official ISSA Offshore Skipper Student Textbook is available as an optional purchase and is an excellent companion to your practical training. Many students choose to purchase a copy before their course to become familiar with the topics covered, while others use it afterwards as a valuable reference to reinforce the skills learned on the water.

Sample Pages:

  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for offshore skipper student textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea using vhf radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about crew management
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about handling a yacht under sail, specifically sail trim
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about secondary ports including bell curve
  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for inshore skipper textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about navigation including chart symbols and chart datum
VIEW TEXTBOOK DETAILS

Private Course Availability

Private Course Availability

  • 10 Day Private Course
  • Course price from 250,000thb per person
  • Training arranged to suit your preferred dates
  • Minimum 3, maximum 6 persons
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa & Mai Khao
  • Available subject to yacht and instructor availability
  • Advance booking recommended

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

CHECK AVAILABILTY

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

  • NORMAL PRICE
  • Booking within 89 days • 32,000 thb
  • 90 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 29,000 thb

Flexible payment options available, including PayPal, Wise, KBank and direct bank transfer.
Contact our team for current availability, payment options and booking assistance.

PAYPAL
Online Payment

WISE
Electronic Transfer

KBANK
KPlus Payments

BANK TRANSFER
Direct Bank Transfer

Ready to Apply?

Ready to take the Next Step?

Send us your preferred dates and any questions, and our team will confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.

If this course sounds right for you, send us your preferred dates and details. We'll check availability, instructor scheduling and yacht allocation before confirming the next steps.

SEND COURSE ENQUIRY

Offshore Skipper Course FAQs

Yes. This is an advanced course intended for experienced sailors. You should normally hold an ISSA Inshore Skipper Certificate (or equivalent), have around 800 logged sea miles, 30 days at sea, a VHF Radio Operator Certificate and the other published prerequisites before attending.

Assessment takes place throughout the course and concludes with both practical and theory examinations. You'll be expected to demonstrate confident multihull yacht handling, sound navigation, passage planning and good seamanship under sail and power.

Yes. Equivalent qualifications such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA, AYA or IYT may be accepted, subject to your practical experience and logged sea miles. Contact us if you're unsure.

If you're uncertain whether you meet the required standard, download our Offshore Skipper Course Guide and Yachtmaster Self-Assessment (see above) before booking. We're also happy to discuss your experience and recommend the most suitable pathway.

Yes. The Offshore Skipper Course is designed for experienced sailors. The mileage and sea-time requirements ensure students arrive with the practical foundation needed to successfully complete this advanced programme. If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies, please contact us before booking.

The course combines classroom sessions with extensive practical sailing. Theory is taught in the context of real passages, navigation exercises and yacht handling, allowing you to apply what you learn immediately on the water.

Successful candidates can skipper recreational sailing yachts up to 24 metres (78 ft) in coastal waters up to 60 nautical miles offshore in moderate conditions. Many graduates continue building sea miles towards even more advanced qualifications.

Courses operate from two dedicated Sail in Asia locations. Cape Panwa offers direct access to Phuket's southern islands and longer cruising routes, while Mai Khao provides convenient access from Phuket Airport and a relaxed training environment. Compare Cape Panwa and Mai Khao training bases →

Course fees typically include tuition, use of training vessels, certification fees where applicable and course materials. Specific inclusions are listed on each course page.

Yes. We can recommend a range of nearby accommodation options to suit different budgets and locations. Please contact us before booking if you'd like advice on the most convenient place to stay.

We also have our own rental properties in both locations, you can read more here Accomodation with Sail in Asia in Phuket→

We accept a range of payment options, including credit card, Wise, KBank transfers and international bank transfer. Our team will confirm the most suitable payment method when your course availability has been confirmed.

Early booking and multiple course discounts may be available from time to time. Please contact us to discuss current offers and availability.

Your Offshore multihull Sailing Journey Starts Here

Completing the ISSA Offshore Skipper – Multihull Course marks a significant step in your development as a multihull skipper. Whether your ambition is extended coastal cruising, skippering your own catamaran or preparing for more ambitious offshore passages, you'll leave with greater knowledge, judgement and confidence to plan and undertake longer passages safely.

Need advice before booking?
If you'd like to discuss your previous experience, prerequisites or whether this course is the right next step, our instructors are happy to help. Contact us by email or WhatsApp and we'll guide you through the enrolment process.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.

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