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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UPDATING AVAILABLITLITY AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN, HOWEVER DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, WE WOULD RECCOMMEND CALLING US ON 02380 457733 to CHECK AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO BOOKING ONLINE. THANK YOU

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

SATURDAY

  • 08:30 Arrive at Hamble - Check in at School reception. Introduction to yacht. Try on safety equipment. - Preparations to depart,  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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Step 3 Add participant(s)

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2 Days RYA Start Yachting