RYA Start Yachting

RYA Start Yachting is the basic introductory course for beginners which runs over a two day weekend. During the course you will learn about and have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and be aware of safety onboard. Holders of an RYA Start Yachting certificate can obtain the RYA Competent Crew certificate, by completing a further three day training weekend.

The RYA Start Yachting weekend makes an ideal introductory sailing gift. Sailing gift vouchers are available by contacting our office on +44 (0)2380 457733..

RYA Start Yachting courses are run from our base at Hamble Point Marina, on the Solent.

COVID -19

PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US, ALL PRACTICAL COURSES ARE CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED ON A NON-RESIDENTIAL BASIS TO COMPLY WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES. RESIDENTIAL COURSES MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE MEMBERS OF A SINGLE HOUSEHOLD. PLEASE CONTACT US ON 00 44 (0)2380 457733 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

Pre-course experience: None

Assumed theoretical knowledge: None

Minimum age: None

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

Royal Yachting Association tick logo

  • Learn to sail
  • RYA Start Yachting
  • Taster Sailing weekends for the family
  • Beginners Intro Sailing Weekend
  • Day Skipper - End of the week
  • Sailing course
Availability & Dates

RYA Start Yachting Weekend - Course Itinerary

FRIDAY

  • 18:00 - Arrive at Hamble - Check in at School reception. Introduction to yacht. Try on safety equipment.
  • Explanation to where everything is kept. General safety brief and discussion on the weekend ahead.
  • 20:00 Ashore for a drink, bite to eat and get to know the Skipper and other course members.
  • Sleep aboard the yacht..

SATURDAY

  • 07:30 Wake up and have breakfast. - Preparations to depart, to include if not done previous evening, a deck briefing on all the workings of the various ropes and sails. 
  • 09:30 Depart towards one of the many harbours in the Solent - Practising: Tacking; Gybing; Reefing & Sail Handling, 
  • 13:00 Lunch either at anchor or on a mooring buoy.
  • Having planned a passage, set sail for evening destination.
  • 18:00 Arrive at this time or after dark if conditions are suitable.
  • 20:00 Cook and eat Supper.
  • Sleep aboard the yacht  

SUNDAY

  • 07:30 Wake up and have breakfast.
  • 08:30 Prepare for sea
  • 09:30 Move off to a planned destination for lunch practising such drills as Man-over-board.
  • Return to Hamble Point Marina and prepare yacht for handover.
  • 15:30 - 16:00 Debrief, Sign logbooks and Depart 

RYA Start Yachting Practical Course Syllabus

The aim of this course is to provide a short introduction to sail cruising for complete beginners. Participants will experience steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and will be aware of safety on board.

1. The Yacht

  •           Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails

2. Rope Work

  •           Ability to tie four different knots, as well as securing a rope to a cleat and can use a winch and jamming cleat
  •           Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches 

3. Underway

  •           Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail and can steer a yacht under sail and power

4. Rules of the Road

  •           Can keep efficient look out at sea

5. Meteorology

  • Knows where to obtain a weather forecast

6. Man overboard Recovery

  • Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard

7. Clothing and Equipment

  • Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids

 8. Emergency Equipment and Precautions

  • Awareness of hazards on board a yacht and knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency

Step 1 Select your course duration

This course is available in the following durations

2 Day Taster Weekend

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Your 2 Days RYA Start Yachting

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2 Days RYA Start Yachting