Understanding the RYA Sailing & Windsurfing Courses: A Guide for Beginners and Families
Whether you’re new to watersports or looking for the perfect way to get your children confident on the water, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has structured courses that make learning safe, fun, and effective. In this blog, we’ll break down the three key training schemes many people start with: the RYA Dinghy Adult Sailing Levels, RYA Dinghy Youth Sailing Stages, and the RYA Start Windsurfing course.
🚤 RYA Dinghy Adult Sailing Scheme – Levels 1 to 3
Who it's for:
Adults (16+) who want to learn to sail a dinghy, whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after a break.
How it works:
The Adult Dinghy Scheme is a progressive, hands-on series of courses taught in small sailboats. It starts from the very basics and builds up your skills and confidence step by step.
Level 1 – Start Sailing:
Ideal for complete beginners. You'll learn how to steer and control the boat, basic sailing theory, and how to stay safe. By the end, you’ll be able to sail in light winds under supervision.
Level 2 – Basic Skills:
This consolidates your basic knowledge and gives you the confidence to sail without an instructor on board in good conditions. You'll learn to sail upwind, recover from a capsize, and rig a dinghy independently.
Level 3 – Better Sailing:
Aimed at those who want to refine their skills and become more competent sailors. You’ll start learning more advanced techniques such as efficient tacking, basic racing, and how to sail in stronger winds.
Why it's great:
The structure is clear and friendly for adults learning at their own pace. Each course usually takes 2 days and includes a mix of theory and practical skills.
⛵ RYA Youth Sailing Scheme – Stages 1 to 4
Who it's for:
Children and teens aged 8–16, from total beginners to confident young sailors.
How it works:
This is a fun, age-appropriate version of the adult scheme with its own progression path. The focus is on building confidence, safety, and enjoyment on the water.
Stage 1:
Introduction to sailing with some basic steering and handling. Kids will learn about wind awareness and parts of the boat, often through games and fun challenges.
Stage 2:
Children start sailing a boat on their own and learning how to control speed and direction more precisely.
Stage 3:
Equivalent to Adult Level 2. By this stage, kids should be confident handling a dinghy in moderate conditions and understanding basic rules of the water.
Stage 4:
This involves more advanced double-handed sailing. Children learn teamwork, how to use a spinnaker (in some cases), and more complex maneuvers.
Why it’s great:
It’s designed to be enjoyable and engaging, with lots of practical time on the water. Kids can progress through the stages at their own pace, and many go on to join youth sailing clubs or take part in junior racing.
🌊 RYA Start Windsurfing
Who it's for:
Adults and teenagers (usually from age 14+) who are brand new to windsurfing.
How it works:
Start Windsurfing is the entry-level course in the RYA Windsurfing Scheme. You’ll begin on stable beginner boards with small sails, perfect for learning in light winds.
What you’ll learn:
How to balance and steer on a board
Basic sail control and turning (tacking and gybing)
Understanding the wind and how to make progress upwind
Launching, landing, and safety on the water
Why it’s great:
The course is just 2 days long and will leave you able to windsurf in light winds safely and with confidence. It’s a fantastic introduction to a thrilling and addictive sport, taught in a friendly and structured way.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, enjoy a fun day out, or set your kids on a path to water confidence, the RYA training schemes offer a safe and supportive environment to begin your journey. All courses are taught by qualified instructors, using tried and tested methods that help people of all ages progress at a comfortable pace.
Interested in booking a course? Check out our courses here: https://thebrightonwatersports.co.uk/collections/sailing-windsurfing
