Female sailor practising dinghy sailing during the RYA Dinghy Instructor Course in Greece

RYA Dinghy Instructor Conversion Course

Already an experienced sailing instructor? Our dinghy instructor course converts your existing qualification in one or two weeks, so you can teach at RYA centres worldwide.

Nikiana Beach Club · Lefkas · Greece

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  • 1 or 2 weeks
  • Flights, meals & accommodation
  • RYA certification
Course length
1 or 2 weeks
Training at
Nikiana, Lefkas
Package includes
Flights · meals · stay
You qualify as
RYA Dinghy Instructor

The Only RYA Conversion Course

Train in Greece & Teach Worldwide as an RYA Dinghy Instructor

RYA Training CentreAccredited courses taught by RYA-qualified instructors

Already an experienced sailing instructor but can’t work at RYA-accredited centres? Our dinghy instructor course is the certification you need to unlock new opportunities and teach at RYA centres worldwide.

Without an RYA qualification, your job options are limited, however skilled you are. Many talented instructors are qualified to teach, yet unable to apply for roles at RYA training centres. Your current certification opens doors, but RYA certification expands them.

That is exactly why we created the RYA Dinghy Instructor Conversion Course. This fast-track programme is for instructors who are experienced, skilled and ready to teach, and who simply need the right certification.

In just one or two weeks, you convert your existing qualification and gain RYA certification. This internationally recognised qualification then unlocks new career opportunities at RYA centres worldwide.

Why Convert

Where Could Your RYA Certification Take You?

Already a qualified instructor but can’t work at RYA centres? This dinghy instructor course removes that barrier, so you can teach at RYA centres worldwide.

  • 01

    Convert your existing instructor qualification without starting from scratch

  • 02

    Gain internationally recognised RYA certification

  • 03

    Train in warm waters at a stunning Greek beach club

  • 04

    All-inclusive package: flights, meals, accommodation and training

Trainee instructors practising sailing techniques during the RYA Dinghy Instructor Course in Greece

Many past graduates of our dinghy instructor course have secured roles at RYA centres worldwide, and some have gained hands-on experience at Nikiana Beach Club after qualifying.

What’s Included

What’s Included in Your Dinghy Instructor Course?

Choose the 1-week course if you already have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) and a valid First Aid certificate. Alternatively, choose the 2-week course if you need to complete these certifications too.

1 week

Week 1 (Standard Course)

  • Flights to and from Greece
  • Accommodation at Nikiana Beach Club
  • All meals provided
  • RYA Dinghy Instructor assessment & moderation

2 weeks

Week 2 (Extended Course)

Everything in week 1, plus:

  • RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) certification
  • RYA First Aid certification

Whichever option you choose, you receive expert training at a stunning Greek beach club, so you are fully prepared for success as an RYA Dinghy Instructor.

Giles Airey, Beach Manager at Nikiana Beach Club, supporting the RYA Dinghy Instructor Course

A Note from Our Beach Manager

Why We Created This Dinghy Instructor Course

Every year, we receive applications from skilled instructors worldwide who want to work at Nikiana Beach Club. However, as an RYA-accredited centre, we can only hire RYA-certified instructors. That’s why we designed the RYA Dinghy Instructor Conversion Course.

This way, experienced instructors can expand their career opportunities with an internationally recognised qualification. It is not just another dinghy instructor course, but an immersive, hands-on programme at a stunning Greek beach club. You refine your skills, gain RYA certification and open doors to teaching opportunities worldwide.

Giles Airey, Nikiana Beach Club Manager

Common Questions

Dinghy Instructor Course FAQs

About the Dinghy Instructor Course

Do I really need an RYA qualification if I’m already an ISA (or other) certified instructor?

While your current certification is valuable, most RYA-accredited centres require instructors to hold an RYA qualification. This dinghy instructor course converts your existing skills, so you can teach at RYA training centres worldwide.

How does the conversion process work, and what do I need to do to pass?

The course bridges the gap between your existing knowledge and the RYA syllabus. You work with experienced instructors to refine your skills to the RYA teaching standards. The final assessment and moderation then confirm your ability to instruct within the RYA framework.

How long will it take? Will I need the 1-week or 2-week course?

It depends on your current qualifications. The 1-week course is for instructors who already hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) and a valid First Aid certificate. The 2-week course is for instructors who need to complete PB2 and First Aid as part of the course.

What career opportunities will this open up? Can I work at any RYA centre?

Yes. An RYA qualification is internationally recognised, so you can apply for jobs at RYA centres worldwide. In fact, past candidates have secured roles at Nikiana Beach Club and other sailing schools after completing our dinghy instructor course.

Package, Accommodation and Eligibility

What’s included in the package, and are there any extra costs?

The dinghy instructor course fee covers flights, accommodation, all meals, training and your final RYA assessment. The 2-week course also includes PB2 and First Aid certification. So, the only possible extra costs are personal expenses, travel insurance and optional social activities.

What’s the accommodation like, and what is life at Nikiana Beach Club like?

You stay at Nikiana Beach Club on Lefkas, a waterfront location with comfortable accommodation. Training is structured yet relaxed, with plenty of chances to enjoy the warm weather and socialise with fellow instructors. Meals are provided, and you are part of an experienced team.

How do I know if I’m ready? What experience do I need?

This dinghy instructor course is for instructors who already hold a recognised teaching qualification, such as ISA, IYT or equivalent. You do not need to start from scratch, but you should have good sailing skills and experience of working with students. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, get in touch and we will happily advise you.

Enquire now

Ready to Convert to an RYA Dinghy Instructor?

Get in touch with our Academy team to check dates, or to ask whether the 1-week or 2-week course suits you.

Call or email us

Enquire now

Tell us about your current instructor qualification, and we’ll come back to you with dates and the right course option.

Peace of mind

Book with confidence

Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.


  • ATOL Protected — Licence 9511

    All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected


  • ABTOT Member — No. 5660

    Additional protection for bookings without flights