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ASA vs RYA: Which Sailing Certification Should You Get?
Publié · Dernière vérification octobre 2026
The RYA (UK) and American Sailing, still known as ASA (US), both run respected learn-to-sail ladders that take you from beginner to skippering a cruising yacht. Choose the system that's taught where you live and plan to sail most. The bigger practical difference is abroad: the RYA can issue the ICC that many European countries expect, while ASA certifications are widely accepted by charter companies but are not themselves an ICC.
The two ladders side by side
| Étape | RYA (UK) | ASA (US) |
|---|---|---|
| First keelboat course | Start Yachting / Competent Crew | ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing |
| Coastal skipper, daytime | Day Skipper | ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising |
| Bareboat charter | Day Skipper (practical) + ICC | ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising |
| Bigger boats, more systems | Coastal Skipper | ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran, 105 Coastal Navigation |
| Offshore and ocean | Yachtmaster Offshore / Ocean | ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising, 108 Offshore Passage Making |
How they differ
- Structure. RYA courses mix shore-based theory with practical courses, with Yachtmaster as an independent exam. ASA courses each combine a written test with on-the-water skills at an accredited school.
- Navigation theory. RYA Day Skipper theory goes deep on tides because UK waters demand it. ASA covers tides more lightly in its early levels, as many US cruising grounds have smaller ranges.
- Government recognition. The RYA issues the ICC on behalf of the UK government. Yachtmaster with commercial endorsement is accepted for professional work. ASA is a private education body; its logbook is widely accepted by charter companies.
- Where taught. The RYA has training centres worldwide, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean. American Sailing lists more than 400 schools, most in North America and the Caribbean.
Chartering in Europe with ASA
Many Mediterranean countries expect an ICC or a national licence. Americans can't get an RYA ICC without RYA qualifications, but several routes exist, such as taking an RYA Day Skipper practical, or using a charter company that accepts the ASA logbook and a local endorsement. Rules change: confirm with your charter company before booking.
Cost and time
Course prices vary by school and country, but both systems follow a similar pattern: a first keelboat course takes two to five days, and getting to bareboat-charter level usually takes one to two seasons. RYA courses in the UK are often residential on a yacht for five days; ASA courses are often run as weekend or multi-day sessions, sometimes combining 101, 103 and 104 into a single week-long liveaboard.
Which is better for chartering in the Caribbean, Greece or Croatia?
| Destination | What charter companies commonly ask for |
|---|---|
| Caribbean (BVI, Grenadines) | Sailing résumé; ASA 104 or RYA Day Skipper widely accepted |
| Grèce | Recognised licence such as RYA Day Skipper/ICC; plus a VHF radio certificate for one crew |
| Croatie | Recognised boat licence (ICC or national) plus a VHF certificate |
| USA | Sailing résumé and often ASA 104 or equivalent |
Radio licences
Both systems teach radio use, but the licence is separate. In the UK you need the RYA/Ofcom VHF SRC. Many European charter countries expect one crew member to hold a VHF certificate too, so add it to your plan if you'll charter abroad.
Can you switch systems?
Yes. Your sea time and experience count in both. Many Americans who charter in Europe take an RYA Day Skipper practical or ICC assessment after their ASA courses. UK sailors moving to the US can usually charter on their RYA qualifications and a sailing résumé.