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Publication picks to kick start your season

Brush up on your navigation know-how, crew communication, racing rules and more.

power boat handbook cover
go sailing cover
Yacht master handbook cover
Weather handbook cover

Whether you’re starting a new course or getting ready for the season ahead, there are over 100 titles to choose from.   

To help you decide, here are some of our top picks…

RYA Powerboat Handbook 

high speed shot of motorised rib

Becoming a capable and safe powerboater comes from a mixture of training, experience, and common sense.

With information on electronic navigation and handling at speed, the RYA Powerboat Handbook will help you acquire the knowledge and confidence to get the most from your time on the water.

Chapters include:

  • Propellers
  • Safety and planning
  • Travelling at speed
  • Challenging conditions
  • Boating at night and in restricted visibility
  • Cruising in a powerboat

RYA Yachtmaster Handbook 

high speed shot of motor boat

Preparing for your Yachtmaster exam? The RYA Yachtmaster Handbook will set you up for life beyond the exam as a competent and confident skipper. 

Suitable for leisure sailors and motor cruisers alike, there’s also a section covering commercial endorsement requirements for those who wish to use their qualification professionally.

Read all about what to expect on the day of the examination, the thinking behind the test and what the examiner is looking for. 

Content includes:

  • What is an RYA Yachtmaster?
  • Where do I go from here?
  • Tidal streams and heights
  • Passage planning & passage making
  • Seamanship and stability 

RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques

midshot of large yacht with people standing on the back

RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques is the perfect sailing book for any skipper or crew, looking for the basic skills needed to enjoy cruising in good conditions.

Contents include: 

  • The layout and equipment on a small to medium sized yacht
  • The essential safety information that all need to know before getting underway
  • Basic maintenance
  • Manoeuvring in a marina
  • Handling under sail
  • Anchoring and mooring
  • Man overboard rescue strategy

RYA Sail Trim Handbook 

mid shot of yacht corning on the ocean

Crammed with useful tips and pointers on sail trim, the RYA Sail Trim Handbook will have you itching to get back afloat and tinkering with the trim of your sails. After all, a well-trimmed cruising yacht is better balanced, easier to handle and will sail more comfortably.

Chapters include:

  • How Sails Work
  • Jibs & Genoas
  • Spinnakers
  • Reefing
  • Sailing Upwind
  • Heavy Weather Sailing
  • Trade Wind Sailing

RYA Weather Handbook  

wide shot of sailing boat out on the water on a sunny day

This edition of the RYA Weather Handbook provides more information than ever before about where to obtain forecasts, the growing use of technology and obtaining up-to-date information.

Perfect if you’re doing a course or simply want to gain a greater understanding of the weather. 

The illustrations have also been completely modernised, making even the most complicated subject easily understandable.

RYA Go Sailing! 

young child posing for picture while sailing a dinghy

RYA Go Sailing! is the first title in our popular RYA Go! Series. This beautifully illustrated best-selling children’s book features vibrant illustrations and an easy reading style. It's the perfect sailing book and gift for ages 7 to 12. Complete the set with RYA Go Cruising! and RYA Go Inland!

Browse the full range of RYA publications and eBooks to get inspired.