RYA Sailing Courses · South Coast UK
Train on the Solent with expert RYA instructors. From beginner Competent Crew weekends to Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster preparation — small groups, real sailing, real results.
RYA Courses on the Solent
Seafarer Training UK runs the full range of RYA sailing courses on the Solent — from beginner-friendly Competent Crew weekends to advanced Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster preparation. Based on the south coast, our small-group courses typically run at just 3–4 students per instructor, giving you the focused, hands-on time you need to build real skills and real confidence.
Whether you’re picking up sailing for the first time, working towards your Day Skipper certificate, or refreshing your skills ahead of a flotilla holiday, we have a course to suit you.
5
Day or weekend courses available
3–4:1
Students per instructor
£370
Weekend courses from per person
Apr–Oct
Season runs April to October
RYA Courses
The RYA is the UK’s national governing body for sailing and its qualifications are recognised worldwide. Delivered by certified instructors, our courses combine hands-on time on the water with the theory and navigation skills you need to sail confidently and safely. Five-day courses run Monday to Friday, visiting a different harbour each night. Courses run at a maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor.
“We had such a fantastic experience with Seafarer! The instructor did an amazing job of blending proper training with a truly enjoyable experience. He struck the perfect balance between teaching us essential sailing skills and making sure the whole experience felt relaxed and fun. We came away having learned so much, and at the same time, we caught the sailing bug — now we can’t wait to get back out on the water. Highly recommended for anyone wanting both professional training and a memorable experience!”
Dr Lyudmyla MacLeod
5-Day Practical Courses
Students arrive Monday morning at 08:00 and finish Friday afternoon. You’ll sail to a new destination each night — a brilliant way to experience the Solent and south coast while building every practical sailing skill.
Weekend & Short Courses
Weekend courses run Saturday and Sunday, with embarkation Friday evening or Saturday morning and disembarkation by around 16:00 Sunday. On bank holidays an extra day is sometimes added.
Sailing Area
The Solent is widely regarded as one of the best sailing areas in the UK — a sheltered strait between the Hampshire coast and the Isle of Wight offering tidal variety, manageable conditions and an outstanding range of destinations. Milebuilder trips venture further, potentially crossing the English Channel to Cherbourg or the Channel Islands.
The Solent enjoys a mild temperate climate. Courses run throughout the season from April to October, and conditions across the year provide excellent exposure to real-world sailing situations.
Solent Highlights
Training Fleet
Train aboard Pandora — a Bavaria 39 that closely mirrors the type of yacht you’d charter on a flotilla in the Mediterranean. Modern, well-equipped and comfortable, she’s the perfect platform for building practical sailing skills.
Book Your Course
We run courses throughout the season from April to October, with five-day and weekend departures available most weeks. Prices are per person and include use of the yacht, fuel, wet weather gear and course notes. Mooring fees outside our home port are an additional compulsory charge (approximately £40 per person for a five-day course).
| Date | Duration | Date | Duration | Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 - 12 April | 2 Days | 11 - 12 July | 2 Days | 03 - 04 October | 2 Days |
| 13 - 17 April | 5 Days | 13 - 17 July | 5 Days | 05 - 09 October | 5 Days |
| 25 - 26 April | 2 Days | 25 - 26 July | 2 Days | 17 - 18 October | 2 Days |
| 27 April - 01 May | 5 Days | 27 - 31 July | 5 Days | 19 - 23 October | 5 Days |
| 02 - 03 May | 2 Days | 01 - 02 August | 2 Days | ||
| 11 - 15 May | 5 Days | 03 - 07 August | 5 Days | ||
| 16 - 17 May | 2 Days | 15 - 16 August | 2 Days | ||
| 23 - 24 May | 2 Days | 17 - 21 August | 5 Days | ||
| 30 -31 May | 2 Days | 24 - 28 August | 5 Days | ||
| 01 - 05 June | 5 Days | 05 - 06 September | 2 Days | ||
| 13 - 14 June | 2 Days | 07 - 11 September | 5 Days | ||
| 15 - 19 June | 5 Days | 19 - 20 September | 2 Days | ||
| 27 - 28 June | 2 Days | 21 - 25 September | 5 Days | ||
| 29 June - 03 July | 5 Days |
| Duration | Courses (see below) | Price (per person) | Sole use of cabin | Course start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Days | Rusty Skipper, ICC prep & assessment | £370 | +£80 | Friday @ 20:00 |
| 3 Days | Rusty Skipper, ICC prep & assessment | £530 | +£120 | Friday @ 20:00 |
| 5 Days | CC, DS, CS, ICC prep and assessment | £780 | +£200 | Monday @ 08:00 |
What’s Included
Tuition with an RYA Instructor
Fuel & other yacht running costs
Wet Weather Gear
£50 discount for RYA Day Skipper Theory
Provisions for breakfast & a light lunchOptional Extras
Ensuite Cabin — £200 per 5-day course / £100 per 2-day course
Private yacht (4 pax) — 50% of 5th person price
Mooring fees outside home port — approx. £40pp for 5-day course (compulsory)
ICC Assessment — £100pp (standalone)
Cruising Scheme Logbook — Available hereCompetent Crew Skills Book — Available hereDay Skipper Course Notes — Available hereTravel
We are based at MCL Shamrock Quays Marina, to the east of Southampton city centre on the River Itchen — easily reachable by car, train, bus or plane.
Shamrock Quay is east of Southampton city centre with easy road access. Paid secure parking is available at the marina.
Shamrock Quay is a 15-minute drive or 40-minute walk from Southampton Central. Direct trains from London and many other UK cities.
Local buses serve the marina from the station and city centre. National Express coaches stop centrally. Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
Southampton Airport is 20 minutes away by car or taxi, or around 1 hour by public transport via the train station.
Ferries from Southampton Passenger Terminal to the Isle of Wight and Hythe. The terminal is a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes by public transport from the marina.
Common Questions
No. Our RYA Competent Crew and Start Yachting courses are ideal for beginners who want to learn to sail in Greece for the first time.
Courses run for six training days, Sunday to Sunday. You’ll have plenty of time to practise and relax under the Ionian sun.
Yes. All courses are RYA-accredited, so you’ll receive the correct certificate once your instructor confirms your competence.
You’ll live on board the training yacht during your course. Everything is included, making it a comfortable and authentic sailing experience.
The season runs from April to October. Early and late months are cooler, while summer offers warm water and steady afternoon breezes.
Fly to Preveza (PVK). It’s the closest airport and Seafarer transfers take around 30 minutes to reach the Nikiana base. If Seafarer arranges your flights, your entire package is ATOL-protected.
Your course fee covers tuition, yacht accommodation, fuel, bed linen, breakfast and light lunches, and all essential training materials.
Yes, absolutely. Many students join alone — small groups and shared accommodation create a friendly, supportive atmosphere on board.
Book Your Course
Our team are on hand Monday to Saturday to help you choose the right course, check availability and answer any questions.
