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.
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. Browse the options below or call us on 020 8324 3118.
“We had such a fantastic experience with Seafarer! Tryston, our skipper, did an amazing job of blending proper training with a truly enjoyable family holiday. 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 holiday!”
Dr Lyudmyla MacLeod
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK’s national governing body for sailing and its qualifications are recognised worldwide. Delivered by certified RYA 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, with students arriving Monday morning at 08:00 and finishing Friday afternoon. You’ll visit a different harbour each night — a brilliant way to experience the Solent while learning every aspect of sailing a yacht. Courses run at a maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor.
5 Day Courses generally run Monday to Friday with students arriving on Monday morning with the course starting at 8.00. Courses finish on the Friday afternoon.
Weekend courses run on Saturday & Sunday with students embarking on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Disembarkation is typically by around 16.00 on Sunday afternoon. On certain occasions, normally bank holidays an extra day will be added at either end.
Already sailed before but need to brush up before a flotilla or charter? Our Rusty Skipper weekends are fully tailored to you — your instructor will focus on the specific skills you want to refresh, whether that’s mooring, sail handling, man overboard drills, or general boat handling.
Build your logbook miles with serious passages, night sailing and watch systems in place. Destinations regularly include Weymouth, Brighton, and northern France. Milebuilder trips embark Friday evening.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is required to charter a yacht in many countries worldwide. We offer the ICC assessment, plus preparation training for those who want to sharpen their skills beforehand. Training typically takes one and a half days, with the half-day exam following.
The Solent is widely regarded as one of the best sailing areas in the UK. This sheltered strait between the Hampshire coast and the Isle of Wight offers tidal variety, manageable conditions and an outstanding range of destinations — making it a superb environment for sailors at every level.
The Solent is widely regarded as one of the best sailing areas in the UK. This sheltered strait between the Hampshire coast and the Isle of Wight offers tidal variety, manageable conditions and an outstanding range of destinations — making it a superb environment for sailors at every level.
Milebuilder trips and longer courses venture further — potentially crossing the English Channel to Cherbourg or the Channel Islands, depending on conditions and group preference.
The Solent enjoys a mild temperate climate. Summers bring pleasant conditions with light-to-moderate winds — ideal for beginners. Spring and autumn offer brisker breezes, well suited to more advanced sail handling practice. Courses run throughout the season from April to October, and conditions across the year provide excellent exposure to real-world sailing situations.
Train aboard Pandora, our fully coded RYA training yacht — 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.
Pandora has three cabins: two aft cabins with a shared heads/bathroom, and a larger en-suite bow cabin. The starboard aft cabin is reserved for the instructor. All cabins include full bedding, ventilation hatches and fans. The saloon also converts to a double berth if needed.
The interior is light and sociable, with a large saloon seating area, fully equipped galley and a dedicated navigation station. 12v charging points are available in the saloon, with 220v shore power when in marina. Soft bags can be stowed under the seating.
Pandora has a cockpit area at the back of the yacht which offers seating and hosts a single wheel for steering. There is a bimini for sun protection and a sprayhood for foul weather. The sailing power for the yacht comes from an in-mast furling mainsail and a large roller genoa. She is also equipped with a storm jib for heavy-weather sailing.
Safety is central to everything we do. Pandora is fully compliant with RYA and MCA safety coding. All crew are provided with inflatable lifejackets. The yacht carries a liferaft, jackstays, multiple VHF radios, gas and smoke detectors, and all additional specialist safety equipment required for coastal and offshore passages.
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 |
6 Days 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 lunch
Ensuite Cabin – £200 per 5 day course / £100 per 2 day course
Make the yacht private (4 pax) – 50% of 5th person price
Mooring fees outside of our home port (around £40pp for 5 day course) – Compulsory
ICC Assessment – £100pp (Stand alone)
Cruising Scheme Logbook – Available here
Competent Crew Skills Book – Available here
Day Skipper Course Notes – Available here
Our team are on hand Monday to Saturday to help you choose the right course, check availability and answer any questions. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced sailor looking to progress, we’ll find the right fit for you.
