Powerboat, motor cruiser and sailing yacht
A small planing powerboat, a motor cruiser and a sailing yacht are different training routes. The RYA lists separate powerboat, motor cruising and sail cruising courses, and certificates are normally endorsed for the discipline completed.
That distinction matters for Spain because the person asking for evidence of competence may care about the boat type, operating area and certificate category.
- Powerboat: usually small open or fast craft training.
- Motor cruiser: larger cruising motor yachts.
- Sailing yacht: sail training, often with auxiliary engine handling.
- Skippered charter: guests are not taking command.
When ICC or Spanish evidence may matter
For self-skippering, Spain can ask the skipper to carry evidence of competence. The RYA also notes that ICC acceptance depends on the country and situation, so nationality, residency, vessel flag and charter company rules all matter.
The safest practical question is not just "what licence is cheapest?" but "which certificate category will the boat owner, insurer, authority or charter operator accept for this exact boat?"
Where Costa Blanca Sailing fits
Costa Blanca Sailing is positioned around RYA sailing-yacht training, ICC Sail guidance, Day Skipper Sail, Competent Crew, mile building and private skippered yacht charters from Marina Alicante.
If you specifically need a powerboat or motor-cruising endorsement, say that clearly before booking. We can clarify whether a sailing course is relevant to your goal or whether you need a dedicated RYA powerboat or motor-cruising centre.
Price and timing questions
The price depends on the route: a skippered yacht charter needs no guest licence, ICC Sail depends on eligibility and evidence, Day Skipper Sail is a practical sailing course, and motor or powerboat training is a different category.
Send your boat type, dates, nationality or residency position, and the document requested by the charter company or authority. That is the quickest way to avoid the wrong spend.
Common questions
Do you offer RYA Powerboat Level 2 in Alicante?
The live Costa Blanca Sailing offer is sailing-yacht training and skippered yacht charters. If you specifically need Powerboat Level 2, tell us before booking so you choose the correct RYA category.
Is Day Skipper Sail valid for motor boats?
Do not assume that. RYA sail and motor cruising certificates are different routes. The accepted evidence should match the vessel and the organisation asking for it.
Do I need a boat licence for a Costa Blanca Sailing charter?
No. If Walter is the professional skipper, guests do not need their own licence. You only need to think about certificates if you want to skipper a boat yourself.