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Youth Sailing Courses

Our youth sailing courses are designed to give teenagers real sailing skills, real responsibility and real adventure: under the guidance of experienced, RYA-qualified instructors.

Build Confidence, Independence and a Lifelong Love of the Sea

Give your teenager the opportunity to learn valuable skills, gain recognised RYA qualifications and enjoy a genuine sailing adventure with BOSS. Our youth sailing courses are designed for young people aged 14–17, from complete beginners stepping aboard a cruising yacht for the first time to experienced young sailors ready to work towards RYA Day Skipper. Courses run during selected school holidays and combine practical sailing, teamwork and life onboard in a supportive environment led by experienced RYA-qualified instructors.

More Than a Sailing Course

A BOSS youth sailing course gives teenagers real responsibility and practical experience. Students are active members of the crew rather than passengers, taking part in helming, sail handling, ropework, navigation, passage planning, mooring and everyday life aboard the yacht.

Along the way, they develop skills that extend far beyond sailing, including confidence, independence, communication, leadership, resilience and problem-solving. They also meet other young people, explore the Solent and experience the satisfaction of working together as a capable sailing crew.

Youth Sailing for Every Experience Level

Complete beginners can start with our Teenagers Yachting Course or RYA Competent Crew Course. No previous cruising experience is required, and students learn the essential skills needed to become safe, useful and confident members of a yacht’s crew.

Young sailors who already have some experience can use the week to improve their helming, sail handling and seamanship, gain more sea miles and become increasingly confident aboard a cruising yacht.

Suitably experienced students aged 16 or over can progress to the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course or our combined RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Course. These programmes introduce passage planning, pilotage, navigation, boat handling, crew management and the decision-making skills needed to begin taking charge of a yacht.

Courses for Young Sailors

We offer a range of youth-focused RYA sailing courses and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions throughout the year, with especially popular programmes during school holidays. From introductory sailing experiences through to advanced youth qualifications, each course is carefully structured to build skills step by step, with expert guidance at every stage.

Teens are encouraged to take part in all aspects of sailing, from helming and navigation to sail handling and passage planning, always supported by their instructor.

Course information

Extra information and what’s included

Youth Sailing Courses we offer

Our youth yachting courses run during school holidays and are ideal for beginners, aspiring sailors, and those completing Duke of Edinburgh requirements.

  • RYA Competent Crew Courses:perfect for beginners learning the fundamentals of sailing and life onboard
  • RYA Day Skipper Pathway (ages 16–17): for more experienced young sailors ready to take on navigation and command responsibilities
  • 9-Day Combined Day Skipper Theory & Practical Course: an intensive programme for motivated teens with prior experience
  • Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Sailing Courses: five-day residentials that meet DofE Gold Residential criteria

No previous sailing experience is required for most courses, and young people can join as individuals or with friends.

What’s included in each course?

Course fees are designed to be clear and inclusive, typically covering:

  • Expert instruction from RYA-qualified skippers and instructors
  • All meals onboard (with vegetarian options)
  • Use of safety equipment and lifejackets
  • Mooring fees during the course
  • A BBQ ashore during the week
  • RYA certification on successful completion
A note for Parents and Guardians

We understand that sending your child offshore can feel like a big step to take, but please rest assured that safety is always at the heart of everything we do.

Here at BOSS:

  • All youth courses are led by experienced RYA-qualified instructors with extensive offshore and teaching backgrounds.
  • Our yachts are fully equipped and professionally maintained, with all required safety equipment on board.
  • Group sizes are kept manageable – a maximum of 5 – so every young sailor receives personal instruction and supervision.
  • Accommodation and catering are provided onboard for residential courses, with clear routines and pastoral oversight.

Our goal is to create an environment that is safe, structured and supportive—while still giving young people the freedom to learn, explore and grow.

Duke of Edinburgh Sailing Expeditions

BOSS is a trusted provider of Duke of Edinburgh sailing expeditions and residential courses, where these programmes combine seamanship, navigation and expedition skills with teamwork and leadership development, offering a memorable and rewarding DofE experience.

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Guidelines
  • No more than 50% of the group may know each other in advance
  • Participants may attend alone or with one friend
  • Ages 14–17 are welcome, with 18-year-olds in Year 13/full-time education also eligible
2026 Youth Sailing Course Dates

Easter

  • 30 March – 03 April 2026
  • 06 – 10 April 2026
  • 25 – 29 May 2026

Summer Half Term

  • 25 – 29 May 2026

Summer

  • 22 – 26 June 2026
  • 29 June – 03 July 2026
  • 06 – 10 July 2026
  • 13 – 17 July 2026
  • 20 – 24 July 2026
  • 27 – 31 July 2026
  • 05 – 09 August 2026
  • 10 – 14 August 2026
  • 17 – 21 August 2026
  • 24 – 28 August 2026
  • 29 August – 02 September 2026

9-Day Combined RYA Day Skipper Theory & Practical Course

  • 01 – 09 August 2026

October Half Term

  • 26 – 30 October 2026
How to Book

Reservations for 2026 youth courses can be made by phone with our bookings team where a £200 deposit is required to secure a place.

02380 457 733

If you’d like advice on the most suitable course, we’re happy to talk through experience levels and progression options.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Our experienced team is happy to talk through your experience, goals and options, and recommend the best next step; we’ll always recommend the most suitable course, not just the next available one.

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