Seafarer Training UK

The RYA or Royal Yachting Association is the UK national governing body and is widely known for offering some of the finest sailing courses in the world. These internationally recognized qualifications, delivered by certified instructors, provide a structured learning path that combines theory with hands-on experience, ensuring you have the skills to sail anywhere. 5 day courses are generally run Monday to Friday and weekend courses run Saturday & Sunday. Courses run at a maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor and will take you to a different harbour each night, a perfect way to experience the Solent and South Coast while learning all the skills you need to sail your own yacht.

5 Day Courses generally run Monday to Friday with students arriving on Sunday night or 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.

These short programs are designed for those with prior experience who want to brush up on their skills before a flotilla or charter. Our instructors can tailor the weekend to what you want to refresh including mooring, sail handling, power handling and any other areas of skippering a yacht.

These trips are designed for those who want to put some serious miles under their belts, with night sailing and watch systems in place, often including 12+ hour passages. Destinations can include Weymouth, Brighton, or across the English Channel to France by previous arrangement. Mile building trips embark and depart on Friday evening.

For those with reasonable sailing experience we can provide the ICC Exam which if passed allows you to charter a yacht in many places worldwide. The test takes around 4 hours and for those who want to brush up on a few skills beforehand we can offer this training, generally taking one and a half days for the training and half a day for the exam.

The Solent, a sheltered strait embraced by southern England and the Isle of Wight, is a sailor’s paradise. Bustling ports like Southampton, a major cruise ship and cargo hub, and historic Portsmouth, home to the Royal Navy, flank its shores. Picturesque towns like Lymington, a charming harbor town known for its yachting scene, add to the region’s charm. But the heart of the Solent lies within the Isle of Wight itself. Yarmouth, a picturesque fishing village with a timeless atmosphere, offers a glimpse into the island’s maritime heritage. Further east, Cowes, world-renowned for its annual Cowes Week sailing regatta, pulsates with a vibrant yachting scene. For a quieter pace, Bembridge Harbour on the eastern side offers a tranquil haven for cruising sailors, nestled amidst idyllic countryside.

Beyond the Solent, Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides a protected haven for wildlife and water-based activities. This sheltered inlet, east of the Isle of Wight, boasts a rich tapestry of mudflats, salt marshes, and islands, making it a haven for nature lovers and sailors alike.

Certain courses and trips, especially mile builders might take us further afield including the south coasts of Dorset and Devon along with northern France and the channel islands.

The Solent boasts a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are pleasant, averaging highs in the mid-teens (°C) with light winds, perfect for sailing. Rain is uncommon, but occasional showers can occur. Autumns bring cooler weather, with temperatures dipping to around 10°C and brisker winds. Expect some rain as the seasons change. Winters are the mildest compared to most of England, with highs hovering around 7°C and occasional frosts. Spring awakens the region with gradually rising temperatures and a mix of sunshine and rain. Wind speeds are generally moderate year-round although you can expect stiff winds at times.

Our fully coded RYA Training Yacht on the south coast is a Bavaria 39 “Pandora”. With 3 double cabins (one en-suite) this is a popular sized charter yacht. Perfect for learning if you intend to charter in the Mediterranean.

With modern navigation equipment and home comforts. As well as all the safety equipment required to make your course safe, secure and relaxing.

To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.

There are a multitude of ways to travel to our training base in Southampton. We are located in MCL Shamrock Quays Marina to the east of the city centre on the River Itchen.