RYA Start Yachting Course

Solent based, weekend yachting courses starting from Shamrock Quay Marina, Southampton.

These 2 day sailing courses are a relaxed introduction to yachting for beginners. A great way to gain sailing experience; there are no prerequisites so simply come along and enjoy our RYA Start Yachting course!

The RYA Start Yachting course includes an introduction to yachting terminology, ropework, basic sailing experience, rules of the road, meteorology, and introduction to emergency procedures, precautions and equipment.

An RYA Start Yachting certificate is awarded on completion of the course

The Details

Prices are from £205 and include accommodation, meals on board, fuel and overnight public mooring fees.

Our yachts are fitted out to a high specification including the deck equipment and personal safety gear necessary to complete all aspects of the RYA Start Yachting course. The yachts are also fitted with home comforts such as refrigerated cool box, showers, 240v shore supply and cabin heating.

Ambition Sailing RYA Courses usually run with four students per course, however we are happy to consider groups of five people if booking as a group.

The instructor for your course will be a fully qualified RYA Cruising or Yachtmaster Instructor.

What To Do Next....

Please choose a 2 day weekend from our schedule of dates and prices then contact us on +44(0)7977 459671 or +44(0)1253 853075 to confirm availability and discuss your requirements in more detail. Other dates may be available - please ask.

Your place will be secured on our receipt of a completed and signed booking form and a 30% deposit payment

If you are a group of four or five people, please call us to discuss group discounts and preferred dates.

Once the full course fee has been received we will send a formal booking confirmation and Joining Instructions to you.

Other useful pre course information is provided in our Sail Cruising Courses - Preliminaries sheet

Useful Pre Course Reading

The following books are recommended for reading prior to the Start Yachting course and are available from Ambition Sailing by mail order

RYA Competent Crew Practical Course Notes
RYA Sail Cruising - Syllabus & Logbook (G15)

It is handy to build up a small library of useful books and manuals covering seamanship, navigation and other specialist subjects such as weather. Please see our recommended list of reading and equipment.

What next? – Things to do after you complete your RYA Start Yachting Course

Sailing can be addictive so don’t be surprised if at the end of the course you can’t wait to return! Holders of the Start Yachting certificate can move to the next level, RYA Competent Crew, by completing a further three days or two weekends of the RYA Competent Crew course. Also, consider the RYA Basic Navigation and Safety course to help develop your knowledge of seamanship and navigation.

Alternatively, join us for another weekend or a holiday cruise if you simply 'want to go sailing'! Our team will be delighted to welcome you aboard.