Course
RYA Sailing Improvers Courses
RYA Improvers Courses
Guide price
From £325 on the day keel boats
From £375 on the sailing yachts
Who is this course for
Take the next step and build on your experience. Courses from the day keel boats to residential onboard the yachts
About the next step in Sailing
RYA Improvers Courses from Brighton
RYA Keelboat Improver
Ready to move beyond the basics and become a more confident sailor? Our RYA Keelboat Improver course is designed for sailors who have completed an introductory keelboat course or have equivalent experience and want to build confidence, competence, and independence on the water.
Based in Brighton, you’ll develop practical sailing skills in a supportive environment while gaining valuable experience in a variety of conditions. The course focuses on improving boat handling, sail trim, helming techniques, manoeuvres under sail, and decision-making afloat. By the end of the course, you’ll be sailing more efficiently, handling the boat with greater confidence, and preparing for more advanced RYA keelboat training.
Ideal for sailors looking to progress their skills, join local racing fleets, or enjoy cruising with greater confidence.
RYA Sailing Yachts – Competent Crew Part 2
Take the next step in your sailing journey with our Competent Crew Part 2 course from Brighton. Designed for sailors who have completed an introductory crew course or our Sailing Level 1 & 2 on the keel boat, this programme helps consolidate and expand your core crewing skills.
Over the course, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in sail handling, helmsmanship, ropework, mooring, anchoring, and onboard safety procedures. You’ll develop confidence living and working as part of a yacht crew while learning the practical seamanship skills needed to become a capable and reliable crew member. The course builds on the foundations of the RYA Competent Crew syllabus, which covers sail handling, helmsmanship, ropework, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and seamanship. (RYA)
Perfect for those preparing for longer cruising adventures or progressing towards skipper-level qualifications.
RYA Day Skipper Practical
Step up from crew member to skipper with our RYA Day Skipper Practical course departing from Brighton. This intensive and rewarding programme is designed for sailors with basic sailing experience who are ready to take responsibility for a yacht and its crew.
Under the guidance of experienced RYA instructors, you’ll develop the practical skills and confidence needed to skipper a sailing yacht safely on daytime coastal passages. Training includes pilotage, navigation, passage planning, yacht handling under sail and power, mooring, anchoring, safety management, and decision-making afloat. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to take charge of a cruising yacht in familiar waters by day. (RYA)
The course is ideal for sailors who have completed Competent Crew level training and the Dayskipper theory. By the end of the week, you’ll be well prepared to skipper family, friends, or charter crews on coastal cruising adventures with confidence. (RYA)
Why Train from Brighton?
Excellent tidal sailing environment on the South Coast
Access to varied coastal cruising waters
Real-world pilotage and navigation challenges
Experienced RYA instructors
Small group learning and maximum hands-on experience
Ideal progression pathway from beginner to skipper
Whether you’re looking to become a confident crew member, improve your keelboat sailing, or take command as a skipper, our Brighton-based RYA courses provide the perfect pathway to develop your skills and enjoy more rewarding time on the water.
You will be sailing confidently with a skipper onboard, crewing or helming.
Pre requirements
The You should of already completed at least a level 1 Sailing for the Keel boats before the Level 2
The Dayskipper will require you to of completed the Competent Crew or Sailing Level 1 and 2 plus the Dayskipper theory.
Duration
Course are 2, 3 or 5 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
Course Objectives
- Rigging and Hoisting sail, lowering and flaking
- Boat handling under Power in the Marina
- Sailing skills using all points of the wind
- Boat handling under sail
Course Content
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 and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
- Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
- Waterproofs: We can supply waterproofs for hire, Musto BR1s. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity
- If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
- Packed lunch to have onboard
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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.