RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 Course
Guide Price
Prices starting from £350
Who is this course for
Complete beginners with little or no previous sailing experience. Age 16+
About Course
RYA Sailing Level 1 introduces complete beginners to sailing and provides everything you need to know to get afloat. You will learn how to sail in all directions, including an understanding of launching and recovering.
This course is a great introduction to the sailing world, and many people then go on to complete RYA Sailing Level 2. Once you have completed RYA Level 2, you will be a competent sailor with solid boat-handling and sailing skills. From there, it is easy to progress to the RYA Competent Crew course and then on to Day Skipper.
On our sailing courses, we use cruiser-racer sailing yachts with excellent performance and handling, making them ideal for learning.
Course Content
Following the RYA Dinghy Level 1 sailing scheme
- How to sail in all direction
- Rigging
- Crewing and helming
- Coming alongside
- Sailing theory
- Boat handling under sail and basic safety at sea
Course Objectives
Beginners course concentrating on learning sailing skills and basic boat handling. Best if complemented with the level 2
Prerequisite
None
Duration
2 days
Location
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
- Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
- Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
- Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months
- Waterproofs, we have ones to use if you do not have your own
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Money for lunch or a packed lunch
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FAQ's
How to Book
Courses can be booked directly through our website. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our team is happy to advise.
Yes, availability is displayed on each experience page. If your preferred date isn’t shown, please contact us as we may still be able to accommodate you.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular courses like RYA Day Skipper during the spring and summer season.
Course Information
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
For most people, reaching RYA Day Skipper takes several months to a year, depending on availability and experience. A typical pathway includes:
- RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- RYA Day Skipper Theory (online or classroom)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
Our Zero to Day Skipper Package is the fastest and most cost effective way to achieve the Day Skipper certificate.
There is no formal written exam during the practical course. Assessment is continuous and based on competence and confidence on board.
In the UK, the ICC is usually issued through the RYA. You can obtain one by:
Holding an accepted RYA qualification (such as Day Skipper) and applying to the RYA directly to convert it to an ICC, or
Passing an ICC assessment with an RYA-approved training centre
Yes. Once you hold RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can apply for an ICC without further testing.
During the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses you will be expected to stay onboard for:
Part 2 (3 days) & 5 Consecutive days
The boat will visit marinas during this course, if the boat is in Brighton Marina then you are welcome to stay at home.
Our Part 1 Yacht courses and Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run as non-residential and you are not expected to stay onboard.
Any other questions
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
We generally recommend not taking part in our activities if you’re pregnant, as being on the water can involve movement and conditions that aren’t always predictable.
If you do feel comfortable taking part, we usually suggest no later than around 21 weeks, but this is very much a personal decision. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so please go with what feels right for you and consider speaking to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
If you let our team know in advance, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you decide what’s best for you.