First time sailing, Learning to sail, Sailing courses in the UK and Mediterranean
Should I Sign Up For a Course?
Is it best to start learning straight away or can I just go out for a few hours to see what I think? The good news is that within the RYA training scheme you can do both!
The RYA - Sailing Tuition Central
The largest provider of training in the UK and recognised worldwide as a bench mark for training standards and qualifications, the Royal Yachting Association offers a comprehensive sail training scheme delivered via the many sailing schools which have qualified as RYA approved training centres.
The training scheme has a tiered structure which over a period of time can take the new sailor from a complete novice to master of yachts. A commercial endorsement can then be added, allowing the holder to work professionally within the industry and complete further training leading to instructor status.
RYA Start Yachting - Give it a Try
As a new sailor you're primary interest will lie in the introductory level courses. These are named "Start Yachting" and "Competent Crew". The first is a two day introductory course which acts as a taster weekend. It aims to provide you with a practical introduction to general sailing before committing to more structured learning. These courses generally run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with the emphasis placed on participation and fun. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end and the mileage completed noted in your personal log book.
RYA Competent Crew - Become a Useful Crew Member
It's nice to know that if you enjoyed a start yachting weekend and decide to come back for more, the mileage and experience you gained can contribute towards the Competent Crew course completion certificate. This is a five day course which although intended to run over five consecutive days can be broken into three weekends. By the end of this course you should be able to consider yourself a useful member of any crew with a working knowledge of basic seamanship and helming skills along with some understanding of navigation and meteorology.
"Only two sailors, in my experience, never ran aground. One never left port and the other was an atrocious liar."
-Don Bamford
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