About Compass Sea School
Compass Sea School is a family-run RYA training centre based at Inverness Marina on Longman Drive, offering a full programme of sailing, powerboating, and motor cruising courses from the sheltered waters of the Moray Firth. As an RYA and MCA examination centre, Compass delivers professionally accredited courses that range from complete beginner introductions to advanced coastal skipper and yachtmaster certifications. Their location at the eastern end of the Caledonian Canal provides access to both the calm inland waterways of the Great Glen and the open sea of the Moray Firth.
Course options include RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, and Yachtmaster qualifications in both sail and power, as well as VHF radio operator certificates, first aid at sea, and diesel engine maintenance courses. Beyond formal qualifications, Compass runs recreational sailing trips and skippered charters along the Moray Firth coastline, where Bottlenose dolphins, seals, and seabirds are regular companions. The school operates a fleet of well-maintained yachts and powerboats suited to the local conditions, and the experienced instructors bring a mix of professional maritime backgrounds and genuine passion for teaching.
What sets Compass apart is the combination of professional RYA training with the spectacular cruising ground of the Scottish Highlands. Students learning to sail here navigate real tidal waters with real wildlife encounters, not a crowded marina on the south coast. The proximity to Inverness Airport and the city centre makes it accessible for visitors, while the relatively uncrowded waters of the Moray Firth provide ideal learning conditions without the intimidation factor of busier sailing areas.
