RYA SAILING COURSES
Academy Sailing provides a wide range of RYA sailing courses from its base in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex (near London). To simplify things, it’s often easiest to think of yacht sailing as having two levels of qualification that the majority of people pursue.
The first of those levels is RYA Competent Crew - this course provides the solid foundations for enjoyable and confident participation in the sailing of cruising yachts. Pretty much everyone takes this course. And then for those wanting to be able to 'skipper' or 'captain' the yacht, RYA Day Skipper is the next step or 'part 2' with some theory, most commonly studied online prior to attending the Day Skipper course itself.
How long do you need between RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper? Some who want the Day Skipper qualification so they can charter yachts on a sailing holiday do the courses within a few short weeks of each other. Sometimes just a month apart and we can provide advice on how to successfully fast-track to Day Skipper.
What other training is there? The 'One Day Sailing Taster' is for those wanting exactly that - maybe just for fun or to see whether they want to learn to sail. And the RYA Start Yachting course provides a structured initial basic crewing qualification, often useful for those looking to go on a sailing holiday for the first time. We also provide pre-flotilla holiday Skipper Resfresher & Crew Familiarisation training.
We have provided more of a breakdown below on each course, and with links through to a page with even more information about course syllabus, pre-course requirements and other practical information. If you have any questions please get in touch and we will do our best to answer them.
The Academy Sailing 1 Day Sailing Taster is perfect as a one day experience, as a gift for yourself or another, or to discover whether sailing large yachts is as good as you hope it is. Spoiler alert - it is!!
This 2 day practical course is a great way for those new to yachting to get a feel for sailing. Have fun whilst learning before deciding whether to become fully fledged Competent Crew qualified.
This 5 day practical course is the most popular starting point for most and takes people from complete novice through to being a confident and competent member of a sailing yacht crew. This is the foundation upon which higher qualifications are built.
Students can choose a course split over one short and one long weekend, or opt for 5 days together.
This 5-day practical course is the target qualification for a lot of people and builds on the experience gained on the RYA Competent Crew course. On successful completion of this course you will be a fully-fledged skipper. This along with the ICC (which this course will entitle you to hold) is what is typically required by yacht charter companies.
Students can choose a course split over one short and one long weekend, or opt for 5 days together.
This 5-day practical RYA Coastal Skipper course teaches you the additional skills needed to skipper extended coastal passages by day or night. This course is perfect for qualified Day Skippers who are ready to take their sailing ability to the next level.
This course is delivered over 5 consecutive days.
The RYA Yachtmaster qualifications represent the pinnacle of sailing skills. The Yachtmaster Prep course is for candidates intending to take the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Exam. Academy Sailing will deliver your Prep course tailored to your needs, and the exam is taken aboard your training yacht with the independent examiner as part of the same booking.
Book Your Spot
If you don't see dates that work for you then please contact us and we will try to fit dates around you.
1 Day Tasters - Start Yachting - Comp Crew - Day Skipper - Coastal Skipper - Skills Refreshers - Holidays
Starts Mar 1, 2025
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5 Day course; Thursday 22nd to Monday 26th May (over Fri & Mon Bank Holidays) 2025 - Deposit £225
Starts May 22, 2025
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