RYA Adult Sailing Courses
Our Club offers training for the RYA courses, giving you the opportunity to work towards a formal certification whilst enjoying your time on the water.
Our Instructors are experienced and can help you get to where you want to be.
People of all ages can learn to Sail with us. It doesn’t matter if you are a complete beginner, or if you’re feeling a little rusty and wish to update your previous sailing skills.
Check our Club Calendar – there is something on offer for everyone!
The RYA National Sailing Scheme starts with the three basic modules shown in the table below. These are followed by the more advanced modules of “sailing with spinnakers” and “performance sailing” and a progression of racing modules.
RYA National Sailing Scheme – Basic Courses
Level 1
Start Sailing
Dinghy/Keelboat
COURSE SUMMARY
Introducing you to sailing; all you need to know to get afloat under supervision
ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
None
MINIMUM DURATION
2 days
MINIMUM AGE
16
COURSE CONTENT
How to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovering
ABILITY AFTER COURSE
Able to sail in light winds under supervision
Level 2
Basic Skills
Dinghy/Keelboat
COURSE OVERVIEW
Setting out the foundations of sailing for you
ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
Sailing skills to the standard of Level 1
MINIMUM DURATION
2 days – often combined with the Level 1 course into a 4 or 5 day course
MINIMUM AGE
16
COURSE CONTENT
Rigging, launching and sailing in all directions. Capsize recovery and essential safety knowledge
ABILITY AFTER COURSE
Able to sail and make decisions in good conditions
Level 3
Better Sailing
Dinghy/Keelboat
COURSE OVERVIEW
Consolidating skills and trying new ones
ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
Sailing skills to the standard of Level 2
MINIMUM DURATION
2 days or equivalent
MINIMUM AGE
16
COURSE CONTENT
Coaching of Level 1 and 2 skills and taster sessions from the advanced modules
ABILITY AFTER COURSE
More confident in sailing skills and techniques, and ready to progress onto the advanced modules
Important Notes
Before attending any of our courses, please read our Training Course Essential Information guide.
More Advanced Courses
Dinghy Sailing with Spinnakers (16+)
Being able to sail with a spinnaker changes the whole concept of sailing down wind. It is great fun and commands concentration and constant trimming of the sail. The helm and crew work together to keep the boat balance and trim correct and thus getting the best from the boat. By gaining confidence and understanding of sailing with the spinnaker you will broaden your opportunities in the sport and is also ideal for getting involved in racing double handed boats.
Performance sailing (16+)
This course is aimed for those who have continued sailing on a regular basis for a full season since gaining a level 2 certificate. If you are not following the RYA pathway then view it as a course for a competent sailor who can sail independently of an instructor and wants to improve their techniques. Our instructors will focus on particular boat handling skills that will enable you to perform better. Our double handed boats will be used and conditions permitting, spinnaker work will also be part of the course content.