RYA Sailing Courses

RYA Start Yachting

The perfect introduction to sailing — ideal for complete beginners and young sailors. Get a taste of life on a yacht in Greece, Croatia or the UK.

No experience needed
Age 8+
2–6 days
Greece · Croatia · UK
Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00  ·  Sat 09:30–17:00
0208 324 3118
Greece · Croatia · United Kingdom

Overview

Your First Steps on a Yacht

RYA Start Yachting covers the first two days of the Competent Crew syllabus and can be taken over an extended period for a relaxed introduction to sailing. It is ideal for complete beginners wanting a taster of yachting, or for children too young for the full Competent Crew course.

For most adults able to dedicate 5 or more days, we recommend moving straight to RYA Competent Crew.

Safety is paramount on all RYA courses. To learn more about our standards, see the Training Centres overview page.

None

Pre-course requirements

2–6

Days duration

Age 8+

Recommended minimum age

Beginner

No experience needed

Course Requirements

What You Need to Join

Pre-course requirements
None
Minimum duration
2 days
Recommended minimum age
8
Experience level
Complete beginner

This course is aimed at those with no previous boating experience. For a more challenging beginners course, RYA Competent Crew is recommended. To find out about our full range, see the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme.

Next Steps

After Your Course

After this course, you will be given a full debrief from your instructor, who will be able to provide you with advice on the best next steps.

For most students, an additional 3 days training will yield the RYA Competent Crew certificate.

Where to Take This Course

Greece, Croatia or the UK

The course has a minimum duration of 2 days and can be completed over a weekend at our Southampton UK school or over 5 days or a week if you wish.

For our Mediterranean schools in Greece and Croatia, this course is delivered over 6 days as part of a week-long holiday, giving flexibility for swim stops and longer lunch breaks.

Course Syllabus

What You Will Learn

The Yacht

Basic knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails.

Ropework

Ability to tie four different knots, secure a rope to a cleat, and use winches and jamming cleats.

Underway

Experience sailing a yacht on all points of sail and steer under sail and power.

Rules of the Road

Keeping an efficient lookout at sea.

Meteorology

Know where and when to obtain a weather forecast.

Man Overboard Recovery

Understand the action to be taken to recover a man overboard.

Clothing & Equipment

Understand and comply with rules for wearing safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.

Emergency Equipment & Precautions

Awareness of hazards on board and actions to be taken in the event of an emergency.

Available At

Choose Your Training School

  • Greece Training Centre
    Greece
    Greece Training Centre
    Greece Training Centre
    6-days of tuition in warm, sheltered waters with relaxed island passages. Many summer dates run alongside our flotillas with access to kids’ clubs. Best for: first-timers, Competent Crew & Day Skipper Practical.
  • Croatia Training Centre
    Croatia
    Croatia Training Centre
    Croatia Training Centre
    6-day courses with varied conditions between historic harbours and anchorages. Sheltered seas, great for building skills and confidence. Best for: Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical & Coastal Skipper Practical.
  • UK Training Centre
    UK
    UK Training Centre
    UK Training Centre
    5-day practical courses and popular weekend refreshers with structured tidal practice and expert RYA instructors. Ideal preparation for sailing abroad. Best for: Day Skipper Practical, refreshers & tidal experiences.

Price Promise

The Seafarer Price Guarantee

As an independent company, we are able to keep our prices highly competitive. If you see a like-for-like product featured elsewhere cheaper, let us know and we will beat it.

This guarantee applies to tuition berth rates in Greece, Croatia and the UK operated by Seafarer, and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Seafarer Price Guarantee

We will not be beaten on price

Find it cheaper elsewhere and we’ll beat it — guaranteed.

ATOL Protected

ATOL Protected — Book with Confidence

If booking a flight-inclusive course, your trip is fully ATOL protected. We have been trading since 1995.

Book Your Course

Ready to Get Started?

Get in touch with our team to check availability in Greece, Croatia or the UK and find the right course for you.

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