DofE Residential Courses

The BOSS DofE Residential Sailing Courses provide an exciting and rewarding way to complete the Residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award while gaining practical sailing experience and recognised RYA qualifications. As a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider (AAP), BOSS offers a range of liveaboard sailing courses and cruising experiences designed to meet the spirit and requirements of the DofE Gold Residential section.

Based at Hamble Point Marina on the Solent, these residential experiences allow participants to live aboard a cruising yacht for a minimum of five days while learning new skills, working as part of a team and building confidence in a completely different environment. Courses range from beginner sailing programmes such as RYA Competent Crew through to more advanced practical and shorebased courses, together with longer offshore cruising adventures to destinations such as the Channel Islands and Normandy.

Participants take an active role onboard throughout the residential, helping sail and manage the yacht while learning seamanship, navigation, teamwork and responsibility. The experience combines practical learning, adventure and personal development in one of the UK’s best sailing areas. Small group sizes and experienced instructors ensure a supportive and engaging atmosphere onboard.

To comply with DofE Residential guidelines, no more than 50% of the group may know each other beforehand. Participants can therefore join individually or with one friend, helping create a genuine shared residential experience with new people. All participants should confirm approval with their DofE leader before booking.

Many of the residential options are suitable for complete beginners with no previous sailing experience required. More advanced RYA courses and offshore cruises may require prior sailing experience or navigation knowledge depending on the programme selected. Participants should check the requirements of the individual course before booking.

All participants are advised to confirm with their DofE Supervisor that the selected course or cruise is suitable for their Residential section.