About us

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) was founded in November 1875 under the name Yacht Racing Association (YRA), and in 1953, at the request of the royal family, it was renamed to RYA – The Royal Yachting Association. Today, the RYA plays a key global role in both competitive and recreational yachting, training an average of 270,000 people each year through its more than 2,400 training centers in 58 countries. In addition to the UK, it is represented across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, South Africa, the United States, and more. Its certificates are now the most widely recognized skipper qualifications for both sailing and motor yachts worldwide, and its training and examination standards are already considered the gold standard.

The core idea behind the RYA educational system is to offer a high-quality and well-structured training program based on the voluntary principle of personal responsibility. Anyone who understands the risks associated with this sport takes an active role in their continuous education. RYA believes this system leads to a significantly higher level of safety compared to the illusion of security provided by excessive legislative measures, regulations, and restrictions, which are often bypassed in various ways.