RYA Start Yachting Sailing Course
Guide price
£445
Who is this course for
Beginners age 16+.
About Course
The RYA Start Yachting course is designed for beginners who wish to gain practical sailing experience and take an active role as crew, rather than simply being a passenger.
By the end of the weekend, participants will have developed essential skills including yacht steering, sail handling, rope work, and a solid understanding of onboard safety procedures. Sailing can be incredibly fulfilling, as using both mind and body provides a great sense of accomplishment.
If you are new to yachting and want to learn to sail from Brighton, this course is a great introduction. It can also count towards your Competent Crew qualification, which requires a further three days of sailing.
Course Content
Following the RYA Start Sailing syllabus:
- Basic boat handling skills under sail and motor
- Rope work for mooring and sail handling
- Learning to steer to the wind
- Meteorology
- Safety at Sea
- Emergency Equipment & Precautions
- Clothing & Safety Equipment
Course Structure
- All courses run 0900 till 1700
- Please bring a pack lunch for each day so we can stay out to sea if conditions good
- You will be involved in the planning of each day as this varies depending on the weather and tidal condition and it is an important skill to learn.
- Some days you will be out to sea all day and anchor for lunch, or you might come into port to practice some parking.
- The courses are mainly practical and very hands-on, learning to sail in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.
Course Objectives
You will gain basic knowledge of the yacht and how to sail.
Pre requirements
None.
Duration
2 days.
Location
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
- Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
- Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
- Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Packed lunch
- Waterproofs: We can supply waterproofs for hire, Musto BR1s. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity
- If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
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FAQ's
How to Book
Courses can be booked directly through our website. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our team is happy to advise.
Yes, availability is displayed on each experience page. If your preferred date isn’t shown, please contact us as we may still be able to accommodate you.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular courses like RYA Day Skipper during the spring and summer season.
Course Information
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
For most people, reaching RYA Day Skipper takes several months to a year, depending on availability and experience. A typical pathway includes:
- RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- RYA Day Skipper Theory (online or classroom)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
Our Zero to Day Skipper Package is the fastest and most cost effective way to achieve the Day Skipper certificate.
There is no formal written exam during the practical course. Assessment is continuous and based on competence and confidence on board.
In the UK, the ICC is usually issued through the RYA. You can obtain one by:
Holding an accepted RYA qualification (such as Day Skipper) and applying to the RYA directly to convert it to an ICC, or
Passing an ICC assessment with an RYA-approved training centre
Yes. Once you hold RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can apply for an ICC without further testing.
During the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses you will be expected to stay onboard for:
Part 2 (3 days) & 5 Consecutive days
The boat will visit marinas during this course, if the boat is in Brighton Marina then you are welcome to stay at home.
Our Part 1 Yacht courses and Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run as non-residential and you are not expected to stay onboard.
Any other questions
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
We generally recommend not taking part in our activities if you’re pregnant, as being on the water can involve movement and conditions that aren’t always predictable.
If you do feel comfortable taking part, we usually suggest no later than around 21 weeks, but this is very much a personal decision. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so please go with what feels right for you and consider speaking to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
If you let our team know in advance, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you decide what’s best for you.