How to Book
Brighton Boating offers a variety of skippered sailing trips from Brighton Marina, including 2-hour sailing experiences, half-day cruises, and sunset sails on performance yachts, with the option to take part or simply relax and enjoy the views.
No. All sailing trips are skippered and suitable for beginners, so you don’t need any prior sailing experience to enjoy the cruise.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular times within the summer season.
You’ll start from Brighton Marina, enjoy a safety briefing, then head out on the water to experience sailing along the Sussex coastline. You can help hoist sails and steer if you want, or simply relax onboard. Highlights can include coastal views, open-water cruising and (weather permitting) optional swimming.
Yes you can. You can go down below and get changed into swimwear etc.
Yes there is.
Yes, depending on what experience you book we can provide soft and alcoholic beverages and food to enjoy on your trip
Trip durations vary:
2-hour sailing experience — great for taster sails or a short adventure.
Half-day cruises — about 3 hours on the water for a more relaxed experience.
Sunset sails — typically around 2 hours in the evening.
All sailing trips depart from Brighton Marina, East Sussex (Pontoon 6) — a vibrant location with nearby restaurants, bars and things to do before or after your trip.
Sailing trips usually run weekends and selected dates from May through September, with availability shown on the online booking calendar. If you can’t find the date you want, it’s worth contacting the team to check for additional options
Yes — during most sailing trips you’ll be given the opportunity to take part in sailing, including hoisting sails and steering under the guidance of your qualified skipper.
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.