Start Yachting Weekend

All aboard! Sailing is the skillful art of controlling the motion of a sailing ship or sailboat, across a body of water, it's also great fun! The infectious nature of this bug means that once bitten you will likely carry it for life. The RYA Start Yachting Course will give you a fantastic insight into the wonderful world of sailing. Held over a weekend, you will usually stay on board; you will discover what's involved with sailing a yacht under the watchful eye of a professional instructor who will make sure you have a great time and a wonderful weekend.

Agenda

The course will start off with meeting your skipper and crew mates for the weekend and being introduced to your vessel. You will get a chance to stow your belongings and settle into your temporary home. The course will provide a relaxed and friendly introduction to yachting and over the weekend you will learn about steering a yacht, rope work, sail handling and be made aware of safety on board. You will be expected to 'muck in' over the weekend and you may get a chance to dazzle your crew mates with your specialty dish (don't worry; beans on toast will be fine!). When you have completed the course successfully you will receive an RYA Start Yachting certificate and the time you have spent on board can be put towards a competent crew course if you want to continue with your training. 

Duration
The course is a minimum of two days, please check with the centre for exact times as these can vary slightly.

What to Wear / Equipment
Be prepared for changeable weather, plenty of layers. Waterproofs are a must, which can be supplied if needed. Woolly hat, gloves (for warmth and rope friction protection), shades with a retaining strap and sun cream. Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark. Be aware that everything is capable of getting wet. Take a sleeping bag & pillow. Take a towel - showers will be available at any marina’s you pull in to and a basic toilet and washbasin will be on board. Food will be supplied on board, cooking duties will be shared. Bring spending money for any meals out and drinks. Limited space on board, bring one large bag only.

Group Size / Spectators
There will be a maximum of five students per instructor.

Weather
Sailing courses can be weather dependant and in extreme circumstances the course may be affected. Please check with the centre prior to arrival.

Availability
Start Yachting is available on selected weekends throughout the year, please call us for specific dates.

Check Book&Go for online available dates by clicking here or by clicking the 'Book a Date' button displayed above.

• Brighton (East Sussex)
• Bournemouth (Dorset)
• Lowestoft (Suffolk)
• Milford Haven (Pembrokeshire)