If you are new to sailing, or would like to know more about the RYA training scheme, read on to see how we can take you step by step from absolute beginner to yachtmaster and beyond.

If you already know what course you need, click here for

RYA Practical Courses or RYA Shorebased Courses

Is your ambition to enjoy relaxed summer sailing weekends on a friend's yacht? Is it to charter a yacht in warm waters, or sail your own boat into the sunset? Is it to enjoy with others the fun, freedom, companionship and adventure of a holiday cruise to new places? Or is it to enjoy pure sensation and the mental and physical challenges of offshore yacht racing? Whatever your plans, your future enjoyment and above all your safety depend on building a sound body of knowledge and skills at each level. We are here to help you learn to sail well - and have fun in the process.

First Steps. If are a beginner and are not sure if you would even like sailing, you could consider joining one of our sail training weekends. These are relaxed and enjoyable affairs, the sailing is in sheltered waters and you will learn a lot.

After a first sailing weekend you will also qualify for the RYA 'Start Yachting' certficate - your first step on the RYA training pathway.

On the other hand it is perfectly reasonable to go straight to the first RYA Training course - Competent Crew - or book one of our Adventure Sailing Holidays. Almost all of these holidays are suitable for beginners too and include competent crew training.

Click here for Sail Training Weekends

Click here for a Competent Crew Practical Course

Click here for Adventure Sailing Holidays

Or read on -

The RYA Training Scheme and Certificates of Competence.

Our training is based closely on The Royal Yachting Association's Cruising scheme - a world-renowned sequence of courses leading from basic crewing up to professional Yachtmaster. Certificates are awarded for satisfactory completion of each course and, for those who want a formally recognised "ticket", there are independent examinations for issue of "Coastal Skipper" and "Yachtmaster Offshore" Certificates of Competence. The "RYA Cruising Log Book", available in most chandlers and directly from us, explains the system in detail and provides a record of your training and experience. Here we will try to show you how the various courses relate to each other, and what competence you should have after each course - particularly in terms of ability to crew on other yachts, charter, or get the "International Certificate of Competence" which in many European countries is now required by law. The system is flexible and you can start at any level appropriate to your experience. If you have any doubts we will be happy to give you objective advice.