School accredited by the Xunta de Galicia · XGEN057
RYA Training Center
Baiona, Galicia
Yacht Captain (CY) Course in Galicia
Theoretical training + 48 hours of practical training at sea
The Yacht Captain course allows you to sail without geographical restrictions, operate vessels up to 24 meters in length, and provide professional services on board.
At Julio Verne Náutica, we’ve been training skippers in Baiona, Galicia, for over ten years. If you want to earn your yacht captain’s license, here’s everything you need to know.
24m
Maximum length
48 hours
At-sea training
No limit
Distance to the coast
XGEN057
Coastal Certification
What does a Yacht Captain's license allow you to do?
The highest-level certification for recreational boats in Spain.
Up to 24 m in length
He captains larger recreational vessels, including yachts and ocean-going sailboats.
No distance limits
The Atlantic, the Mediterranean, or ocean crossings: CY knows no geographical bounds.
Day and night
Approved for watch duty and nighttime navigation with no time restrictions.
Jet Skis
Any type of jet ski, with no additional license required.
Professional Services
Authorized to engage in boating activities for professional and instructional purposes.
Tourist charter
It can carry up to 6 passengers for tourism or rental purposes.
Don’t have your Yacht Skipper’s Certificate yet? It’s a mandatory prerequisite. View PY course →
Course overview
Theoretical Training
199 €
48-hour internship
495 €
Sailing certification (optional)
220 €
Internship Duration
48 hours
Departure
Baiona
Top Group
6 students
Requirements for Enrollment in the CY Course
Before enrolling, make sure you meet these four official requirements.
Valid Yacht Skipper (PY) Certificate
Essential. It is the mandatory first step.
18 years of age or older
Minimum age as of the date of the official exam.
Psychophysical Medical Certificate
In accordance with Royal Decree 875/2014.
Psychological Assessment
Center authorized by the government.
Theoretical Training for Yacht Captains
What does the CY course syllabus cover?
The Yacht Captain theory exam is divided into two modules that you must pass separately:
Navigation Module (Astronomical Navigation and Calculations)
- Celestial sphere: coordinates and position triangle - Instruments: sextant, use, and observation of altitudes - Nautical almanac: Sun and stars - Positioning by lines of position - Planning an ocean voyage and nautical publications - Time measurement and time zone conversion
Generic Module
- Meteorology and oceanography - Nautical English — radio communications and reading official publications
The theoretical training lasts approximately 44 instructional hours and is conducted in small groups.
How do I sign up for the classroom training?
There are no fixed dates for the theoretical training published on the website. We organize groups on demand to ensure personalized attention.
If you’d like to sign up, please contact us directly and we’ll let you know when the next session is available.
Yacht Captain Internships
48 Hours on the High Seas
Departure from Baiona · Official certificate from a school accredited by the Xunta de Galicia.
REQUIRED - 48 HOURS
Safety and Navigation Practices
To obtain the certification, current regulations require that you submit a certificate from an accredited school confirming that you have completed the required navigation training. The yacht captain training consists of an offshore voyage from Baiona with:
- At least 48 hours of total sailing time
- At least 8 hours of night sailing
- Day and night watch system (as in a real voyage)
- Anchoring, Safety Maneuvers, and Use of Emergency Equipment
- A maximum of two 6-hour rest periods while moored to a buoy or anchored
You can complete the practical training before or after passing the written exam. The order doesn’t matter; what matters is that you have everything completed before applying for your license.
OPTIONAL - 16 HOURS
Sailing Certification
Sailing training sessions are not required to obtain the CY certification, but they are required if you want to skipper sailboats. They consist of four 4-hour sessions. They qualify you to skipper sailboats.
- 4 outings × 4 hours
- Sailing maneuvers: upwind, beam reach, downwind
- Reefing and jibing
- Valid for PNB, PER, PY, and CY
One advantage that many people don’t know about: if you take them for the CY certification, they also count toward the PNB, PER, and Yacht Skipper certifications. You don’t need to retake them.
Internship Schedule - Select Your Date
For internship reservations only. For theoretical training, please contact us.
Yacht Captain Course Prices
Full transparency: fixed prices for practical training; theory course fees are subject to the specific call for applications.
*NOTE: Exam and diploma issuance fees are not included. These are handled directly by the relevant regional government. Please check the updated price list.
What Our Students Say
-Quique, nuestro capitán, de 10 como persona y como formador. Siempre dispuesto y activo, haciéndonos capaces de tomar decisiones en cada situación, respondiendo amablemente a cualquier duda o cuestión planteada.
– La escuela: Jessica siempre pendiente de los detalles, de la comunicación y dar la información necesaria cuando se le pedía.
– El disponer de un camarote de lujo con baño para cada uno de los alumnos.
– Sentirse cómodo y seguro navegando a vela con 30 nudos de viento.
– Formación teórica y práctica bien planificada, sin improvisaciones.
Conclusión: mi formación para Capitán será en esta escuela, sin duda.
Estupendos instructores y mejores personas, hacen que los aprendizajes sean amenos y gracias a su gran paciencia, consiguen también que nuestras meteduras de pata vayan disminuyendo explicándonos porqué han sucedido.
Creo que su idea de hacer las prácticas con grupos reducidos, es un plus a favor de los alumnos ya que disponemos de ese puntito de atención individualizada que cada uno necesitamos.
Consiguen también que la convivencia entre los integrantes de las tripulaciones sea realmente agradable.
En cuanto a embarcaciones (conozco tres de ellas) y material a bordo, ni un pero. En ninguna de las tres ocasiones que he navegado con ellos he tenido queja.
Sin olvidar a su personal de oficina, siempre dispuesta a echar un cabo en cuanto a papeleo, información o dudas.
Yo lo tengo claro, en cuanto pueda, más…..
Frequently Asked Questions About the CY Course
Do I need the Yacht Skipper's License to take the Yacht Captain course?
Yes. The Yacht Skipper certification is a mandatory prerequisite. You cannot enroll in the CY course without it. If you don’t have the Yacht Skipper certification yet, start here.
How long does it take to get a Yacht Captain's license?
It depends on your availability. The theory portion consists of approximately 44 class hours. The mandatory practical training consists of 48 hours in a single block (a long weekend or similar). In total, you can complete the program in 2–3 months if there are available sessions.
Does the title of Yacht Captain expire?
The degree itself does not expire, but the student ID card is valid for 10 years. Once that period has elapsed, you must renew it by submitting an up-to-date medical certificate and paying the corresponding fee.
What is the difference between a Yacht Skipper and a Yacht Captain?
The Yacht Skipper certification allows you to sail up to 150 miles from the coast on boats up to 15 meters in length. The Yacht Captain certification removes those restrictions: no distance limit, vessels up to 24 meters in length, and the ability to command vessels anywhere in the world. It’s the ultimate step up.
Can I take the CY theory exam online?
You can study the material on your own, but the written exam is in person and is administered by the regional government of Galicia. At our school, we offer training in small groups with dates scheduled based on demand. Contact us to find out when the next exam session is.
Where is the written test administered in Galicia?
The exam is administered by the regional government of Galicia on dates it announces periodically. We’ll keep you informed of the registration deadlines and help you prepare so you can pass on your first attempt.
Can I work with a Yacht Captain certification?
The CY is a recreational certification, but according to Royal Decree 238/2019, it allows you to engage in certain paid activities: transporting up to 6 passengers on sightseeing tours or recreational fishing trips, port maneuvers, sea trials, and beach lifeguarding. For a wider range of professional services, you would need the PPER or Merchant Marine certifications.
How much does the Yacht Captain course cost?
The price varies depending on your needs. The mandatory 48-hour practical training has a fixed cost, which you can find in our price list. The cost of the theoretical training depends on the group and the format—that’s why we ask you to contact us directly so we can provide you with the most up-to-date price and help you choose the package that best suits your needs. In any case, you can download our complete price list or write to us, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.