Dinghy Sailing

Every year we introduce over 2,000 young people to the thrills of sailing, giving them inspiration and a skill for life.

  • Experience the exhilaration of sailing multi-hull's and single-handers
  • Boost decision-making skills and gain independence
  • A hands-on practical activity
  • Understand natural forces and harness the elements
  • Great exercise
  • Build personal confidence through learning new skills

Thanks to modern technology, this exhilarating sport is accessible and easy to learn. With our high-performance dinghies, more sedate training craft and some of the best instructors in the business, UKSA can manage your group's progression from entry level right through to advanced skills. Students achieve nationally recognised awards through the Royal Yachting Association allowing them to hire dinghies and carry on from where they left off.

Start Sailing

RYA Level 1 / Youth Scheme 1


Course overview

A foundation course for those new to sailing, building a solid skills base quickly, enabling group members to enjoy sailing and gain confidence in a variety of craft.

Syllabus

  • Basic sailing techniques and essential manoeuvres
  • Sailing a triangular course
  • Rope work
  • Rigging and launching dinghies
  • Sailing theory and background
  • Capsize recovery

Sample Start Sailing programme


Day Activity
Day 1
(half day)
  • Safety briefing and introduction to personal safety equipment
  • Rigging your craft
  • Power control
  • Sailing across the wind
  • Sailing games
Day 2
  • Sailing upwind
  • Tacking
  • Sailing downwind
  • Gybing
Day 3
  • The Five Essentials
  • Sailing a triangular course
  • Reefing afloat
Day 4
  • Launching and landing
  • Capsize drills
  • Consolidation of existing skills
Day 5
  • Informal racing regatta and games
  • Certificate award ceremony
Theory
    These sessions can be included during the day or as part of the evening entertainment programme:
  • On water safety
  • Weather basics
  • Tides
  • Sailing theory, including points of sail

Improvers

RYA Level 2 (Basic Skills) / Youth Scheme 3 + 4

Pre-requisite: Start sailing course or equivalent

Course overview

A development course designed to sharpen basic skills and improve competency and enjoyment on the water before heading onto the more advanced Speed, Race and Explorer programme's.

Syllabus

  • Rules of the Road
  • Advanced manoeuvres
  • Safety
  • The Five Essentials for sailing a dinghy efficiently

Advanced sailing programme's

We can tailor advanced courses to the skills and specific interests of individual groups, including sailing with spinnakers, racing training, seamanship skills and day sailing/exploring.