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RYA Start Yachting Course

RYA Start Yachting is the perfect introduction to sailing for complete beginners. This basic course is designed to help you feel comfortable on the boat and learn the fundamentals of sailing. 

Why Take the RYA Start Yachting Course?

From your first moments at the helm to the thrill of sailing under wind power alone, this course immerses you in the essentials of yachting. You’ll learn rope work, sail trimming and sail handling as well as understanding sea terms and rigging basics. 

Get a feel for steering under power, learn how to raise and set the sails, and enjoy the magical moment when the engine is turned off and the wind takes over.

Safety is at the heart of every RYA course. Our practical course focus on safe boat handling and emergency awareness, covering real-world safety procedures and overboard recovery.    

Staying aboard for two days offers an authentic taste of life at sea without feeling overwhelming. You’ll receive all the essentials needed for a comfortable and enjoyable weekend, so you can focus on building skills and confidence on the water.

Set sail with the RYA Start Sailing Course from Prometheus Sailing. Contact us for more information today.

What’s Included

  • 2 nights onboard the yacht (Friday 19:00 - Sunday 17:00)

  • Qualified RYA instructor for support and expert guidance throughout your yachting journey 

  • Breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snacks 

  • Wet weather gear and safety equipment

  • Fuel, gas and engine hours

  • RYA Start Yachting Certificate upon successful completion of the course 

 

Cost

  • Off-peak (1st November – 31st March): £320pp

  • Peak Season (1st April – 31st October): £340pp

 

NEXT STEPS

 

RYA Start Yachting Follow-On Course

If you’d like to continue your training, you can join the 3-day RYA Start Yachting Follow-on Course. This allows you to complete the RYA Competent Crew course syllabus and receive a yachting certificate. 

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, and row a dinghy. You’ll also be able to assist in all the day-to-day duties onboard a yacht.

To participate in RYA courses, children must meet the minimum age requirements:

  • Start Yachting Course - 8+

  • Competent Crew Certification Course - 12+

  • Day Skipper Certification Course - 16+

We welcome older children (16+) on any of our sailing courses for beginners, provided they are accompanied by at least one adult (18+) on board. Children under 16 years must join a family sailing course.

Family courses can be booked throughout the season (subject to yacht availability) and must have two adults (18+) on board. These courses are a great way for families to learn to sail in a fun, interactive environment. Young sailors can learn safety on board from an early age.

 

Facts and figures

  • Recommended Pre-Course Experience

    None

  • Prior Days at Sea Required

    0

  • Night Hours

    0

  • Prior Sailing Miles Required

    0

  • Prior Days as Skipper Required

    0

  • Minimum Age

    8

  • Days on board

    2

  • Maximum Ratio

    5:1

Syllabus

  • The RYA Start Yachting Course gives beginners practical experience of life onboard a yacht. This course is designed to introduce the basics of boat handling, essential safety on board and sail trimming. Its main aim is to give future skippers the foundations for a safe, fun and successful sailing journey.

  • The Yacht

    Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, rigging and sails. Learn how various elements of the yacht work together.

  • Ropework

    Understand and practice rope work by learning to tie a bowline, figure eight, round turn and two half hitches. These are fundamental skills in any sailing course, essential for building your confidence and handling the boat effectively. 

  • Underway

    Experience sailing a yacht on all points of sail with a good understanding of steering a yacht under sail and power.  

  • Rules of the Road

    Gain knowledge of navigation and safety on board, how to keep an efficient lookout at sea and right-of-way principles.

  • Meteorology

    A working knowledge of meteorology and how to find reliable weather forecasts to prepare for safe sailing.

  • Man Overboard Recovery

    Understand the safety action to take during man overboard recovery, and the effect of cold-water shock on a casualty. This instils a strong knowledge of safety precautions and procedures for critical situations.

  • Clothing and Equipment

    Understand and comply with the rules for wearing safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids. Learn when and how to use this equipment to remain safe during your yachting journey.

  • Emergency equipment and precautions

    Awareness of common hazards on board a yacht. Knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency.