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RYA Start Yachting
The RYA Start Yachting course is the basic introductory sailing course for beginners and runs over a two day weekend. It is designed to give those with little or no previous experience the opportunity to get afloat and experience what cruising under sail is all about. Based at Hamble Point Marina on the Solent, the course provides a practical and enjoyable introduction to sailing aboard a cruising yacht.
During the weekend you will learn about and experience steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and basic safety onboard. The emphasis throughout is on practical participation, allowing you to get involved with the running of the yacht while building confidence on the water. By the end of the course, you will have experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail and will have a clear understanding of life aboard a cruising yacht.
The course also forms the first step within the RYA cruising scheme. Holders of the RYA Start Yachting certificate can obtain the RYA Competent Crew certificate by completing a further three day training weekend. This makes the course ideal for those who wish to progress gradually into sailing while gaining recognised RYA qualifications.
The RYA Start Yachting weekend also makes an excellent introductory sailing gift, offering a practical and memorable first taste of cruising and yacht sailing.
Pre-course Experience
No Previous Experience Required
Itinerary
RYA Start Yachting Weekend – Course Itinerary
SATURDAY
- 08:30 Arrive at Hamble – Check in at School reception. Introduction to yacht. Try on safety equipment. – Preparations to depart, deck briefing on all the workings of the various ropes and sails.
- 09:30 Depart towards one of the many harbours in the Solent – Practising: Tacking; Gybing; Reefing & Sail Handling,
- 13:00 Lunch either at anchor or on a mooring buoy.
- Having planned a passage, set sail for evening destination.
- 18:00 Arrive at this time or after dark if conditions are suitable.
- 20:00 Cook and eat Supper.
- Sleep aboard the yacht
SUNDAY
- 07:30 Wake up and have breakfast.
- 08:30 Prepare for sea
- 09:30 Move off to a planned destination for lunch practising such drills as Man-over-board.
- Return to Hamble Point Marina and prepare yacht for handover.
- 15:30 – 16:00 Debrief, Sign logbooks and Depart
Course Syllabus
RYA Start Yachting Practical Course Syllabus
The aim of this course is to provide a short introduction to sail cruising for complete beginners. Participants will experience steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and will be aware of safety on
board.
1. The Yacht
- Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
2. Rope Work
- Ability to tie four different knots, as well as securing a rope to a cleat and can use a winch and jamming cleat
- Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches
3. Underway
- Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail and can steer a yacht under sail and power
4. Rules of the Road
- Can keep efficient look out at sea
5. Meteorology
- Knows where to obtain a weather forecast
6. Man overboard Recovery
- Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard
7. Clothing and Equipment
- Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids
8. Emergency Equipment and Precautions
- Awareness of hazards on board a yacht and knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency
From: £295
Additional Information
- Duration: 2 days weekend
- Location: Hamble Point Marina, on the Solent
- Format: Practical liveaboard course
- Teaching ratio onboard: 5:1
- Included in course fee: Accommodation onboard, fuel, onboard meals
- Not included in course fee: Mooring fees, wet weather gear use, course books and logbooks
- Arrival guidance: Aim to arrive by 08:45 for a 09:00 start
- Finish time: Around 16:00 to 16:30 on the final day
- Parking: Free parking at Hamble Point Marina
- Onboard accommodation: Practical courses are liveaboard; cabin allocations are made on arrival and sharing may be required with someone of the same gender
- Wet weather gear hire: Available at £7.50 per day
Everything You Need Before You Sail
Get your joining pack for practical details, what to bring, and what to expect on your course.
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FAQs
Find out answers to frequently asked questions
No previous sailing experience is needed. The RYA Competent Crew course is designed for complete beginners, and your instructor will guide you through everything step by step. By the end of the course, you should feel confident helping to sail the yacht, handling ropes, steering and taking part in everyday life on board. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and get involved. visit our Training or Learn to Sail page for skill‑level requirements.
We recommend comfortable clothing, non‑slip shoes, sunscreen, and any personal items you may need. A full checklist is available on our Preparation page.
Our cancellation and refund terms are outlined on the Terms & Conditions page. If you have questions about rescheduling, our Contact page is the best place to get quick assistance.
We provide a range of sailing experiences including private charters, training, and corporate events.
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