Special offersOffersDiscover our latest sailing holiday dealsView offersLatest deals
Speak to our sailing team 020 8324 3118Get a Quote
SET SAIL CLOSE

RYA Training Centre UK South Coast

RYA Training Centre UK South Coast

Train on the Solent at our RYA training centre in the UK, with expert instructors and small groups. We also cover everything from beginner Competent Crew weekends to Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster preparation.

Solent · Southampton · South Coast

Dates & prices See the courses

  • RYA accredited
  • Solent · Southampton
  • Apr–Oct
Day or weekend courses available
5
Students per instructor
3 or 4:1
Weekend courses from per person
£370
Season runs April to October
April – October

RYA Courses on the Solent

Our RYA Training Centre in the UK: All Levels on the South Coast

RYA Training CentreAccredited courses taught by RYA-qualified instructors

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. Because our small-group courses typically run at just 3 to 4 students per instructor, you get 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, our RYA training centre in the UK has a course to suit you.

Training yacht sailing near the Needles, Isle of Wight

RYA Courses

RYA Sailing Courses in the UK

The RYA is the UK’s national governing body for sailing, and its qualifications are recognised worldwide. As an RYA training centre in the UK, we only use certified instructors. Our courses therefore combine hands-on time on the water with the theory and navigation skills you need to sail confidently and safely. Five-day courses, for example, run Monday to Friday, visiting a different harbour each night. In addition, courses run at a maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor.

Beginner

No sailing experience needed

RYA Start Yachting course on a Seafarer training yachtStep 1 · Practical

RYA Start Yachting

A taster of yachting for beginners, or for budding sailors too young for Competent Crew.

  • Normally a 2-day course in the UK
  • Run over a week at our Mediterranean schools
  • Time for learning and time for fun

2–6 days · Age 8+View course

RYA Competent Crew course students on a Seafarer training yachtStep 2 · Practical

RYA Competent Crew

Learn the basics and become an active member of the crew rather than a passenger.

  • Ideal for complete beginners
  • A fun and immersive course
  • Formalises your crewing experience

5–6 days · Age 12+View course

Intermediate

For sailors ready to learn to skipper

RYA Day Skipper shorebased theory course, studied onlineStep 3 · Theory

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased

A comprehensive introduction to sailing theory, studied online.

  • Coastal navigation, pilotage and chartwork
  • Weather forecasting and meteorology
  • Collision regulations and electronic navigation

40–45 hours onlineView course

RYA Sailing Courses RYA Day Skipper PracticalStep 4 · Practical

RYA Day Skipper Practical

The most popular RYA course, and the standard required to skipper a yacht in many destinations worldwide.

  • For aspiring skippers with some yachting experience
  • Builds on essential theory and sailing skills
  • Makes you eligible for the ICC

5–6 days · Age 16+View course

Advanced

For experienced skippers

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course, studied onlineStep 5 · Theory

RYA Coastal / YM Offshore Shorebased

Advanced theory for the Coastal Skipper practical course and the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

  • Revision of the Day Skipper theory
  • Offshore and coastal navigation by day and night
  • Pilotage and meteorology

Approx 60 hours onlineView course

RYA Coastal Skipper course on a Seafarer training yachtStep 6 · Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Takes your practical skills to the next level, on longer coastal and offshore passages.

  • Passage planning
  • Advanced yacht handling under sail and power
  • Heavy weather sailing and emergency situations

5–6 days · Age 17+View course

  • 5-Day Practical Courses

    Monday to Friday — A Different Harbour Every Night

    Students first arrive on Monday morning at 08:00, then finish on Friday afternoon. In between, you sail to a new destination each night, which is a brilliant way to experience the Solent and south coast while building every practical sailing skill.

  • Pre-Flotilla

    Rusty Skipper

    Already sailed before but need to brush up before a flotilla or charter? If so, our Rusty Skipper weekends are fully tailored to you. Your instructor will therefore focus on the specific skills you want to refresh, such as mooring, sail handling, man overboard drills or general boat handling.

  • Miles & Experience

    Milebuilder Trips

    Build your logbook miles with serious passages, as well as night sailing and watch systems. Destinations regularly include Weymouth, Brighton and northern France, and milebuilder trips embark on Friday evening. For more ideas, also see our specialist sailing courses.

  • International Certificate

    ICC Prep & Exam

    The ICC is required to charter a yacht in many countries worldwide. We therefore offer the ICC assessment, as well as preparation training for those who want to sharpen their skills beforehand. Training typically takes one and a half days, followed by the half-day exam.

Weekend & Short Courses

Weekend & Three-Day Sailing Courses on the Solent

Our weekend courses run on Saturday and Sunday. You embark on Friday evening or Saturday morning, then disembark by around 16:00 on Sunday. On bank holidays, however, an extra day is sometimes added.

Sailing Area

Sailing Courses on the Solent & South Coast

The Solent is widely regarded as one of the best sailing areas in the UK. It is a sheltered strait between the Hampshire coast and the Isle of Wight, so it offers tidal variety, manageable conditions and an outstanding range of destinations. Milebuilder trips also venture further, potentially crossing the English Channel to Cherbourg or the Channel Islands.

  • TemperatureMild Temperate ClimateIn summer, conditions are pleasant and therefore ideal for beginners. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, offer brisker breezes suited to more advanced sail handling practice.
  • WindsLight to Moderate — All LevelsLight-to-moderate winds in summer suit beginners perfectly. Meanwhile, conditions throughout the season provide excellent real-world sailing situations.
  • TidesTidal Experience IncludedThe Solent’s varied tides give students authentic tidal experience that is unavailable in the Mediterranean. This is especially important for UK coastal sailing.
Map of the Solent and south coast sailing area

Weather & Sailing Conditions on the Solent

The Solent enjoys a mild temperate climate. Courses run throughout the season from April to October, so conditions across the year provide excellent exposure to real-world sailing situations.

  • Temperature: Mild summers, perfect for beginners. Spring and autumn, however, are brisker for advanced work.
  • Winds: Light-to-moderate in summer; stronger breezes in shoulder months for sail handling practice.
  • Tides: The Solent’s unique double tides provide essential real tidal experience.
  • Range: Milebuilder trips can extend to Weymouth, Brighton, or across the Channel to France.

Solent Highlights

Highlights of Solent Sailing

  • Aerial view of Shamrock Quay marina in Southampton

    Shamrock Quay

  • Yachts moored on the River Hamble, Hampshire

    Hamble

  • Riverbank and village at Beaulieu, Hampshire

    Beaulieu

  • Yacht sailing past the waterfront of Cowes, Isle of Wight

    Cowes

  • The Spinnaker Tower and a ship's figurehead at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

    Portsmouth

  • Yacht masts at sunset in Yarmouth harbour, Isle of Wight

    Yarmouth

  • Yachts moored in a marina in Chichester Harbour, West Sussex

    Chichester Harbour

Training Fleet

Our UK RYA Training Yacht — Bavaria 39 ‘Pandora’

You train aboard Pandora, a Bavaria 39 cruiser that closely mirrors the type of yacht you’d charter on a flotilla in the Mediterranean. Because she is strong, well-equipped and comfortable, she’s the perfect platform for building practical sailing skills.

See Pandora in full

Bavaria 39 Pandora, the UK training yacht, moored in the marina

Take a look inside Pandora

Hover over the camera icons on the layout (or tap them on a phone) to see the cockpit, the chart table and the saloon.

Bavaria 39 Pandora layout plan: aft double cabin, instructor's cabin, heads, galley, saloon and forward en-suite cabin

  • Cabins & Sleeping

    Three Cabins On Board

    There are two aft cabins with a shared heads/bathroom, as well as a larger en-suite bow cabin. However, the starboard aft cabin is reserved for the instructor. In addition, all cabins include full bedding, ventilation hatches and fans. The saloon also converts to a double berth if needed.

  • Interior

    Light & Sociable Saloon

    The light and sociable interior has a large saloon seating area, a fully equipped galley and a dedicated navigation station. There is 12v charging in the saloon, plus 220v shore power when in a marina. In addition, soft bags can be stowed under the seating.

  • Exterior

    Cockpit & Sails

    The comfortable cockpit has a single steering wheel, a bimini for sun protection and a sprayhood for foul weather. Sailing power comes from an in-mast furling mainsail and a large roller genoa, as well as a storm jib for heavy-weather sailing.

  • Safety

    Fully RYA & MCA Compliant

    Pandora is fully compliant with RYA and MCA safety coding, and all crew are provided with inflatable lifejackets. The yacht also carries a liferaft, jackstays, multiple VHF radios and gas and smoke detectors. In short, she has all the safety equipment required for coastal and offshore passages.

Book Your Course

Dates & Prices: RYA Sailing Courses in the UK

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. However, mooring fees outside our home port are an additional compulsory charge (approximately £40 per person for a five-day course).

UK Tuition 2027 - Dates

DateDurationDateDuration
27 - 28 March 20272 Days03 - 04 July 20272 Days
29 March - 02 April 20275 Days05 - 09 July 20275 Days
03 - 04 April 20272 Days
12 - 16 April 20275 Days07 - 08 August 20272 Days
17 - 18 April 20272 Days09 - 13 August 20275 Days
26 - 30 April 20275 Days21 - 22 August 20272 Days
23 - 27 August 20275 Days
01 - 02 May 20272 Days
10 - 14 May 20275 Days04 - 05 September 20272 Days
15 - 16 May 20272 Days06 - 10 September 20275 Days
24 - 28 May 20275 Days18 - 19 September 20272 Days
29 - 30 May 20272 Days20 - 24 September 20275 Days
07 - 11 June 20275 Days02 - 03 October 20272 Days
12 - 13 June 20272 Days04 - 08 October 20275 Days
21 - 25 June 20275 Days23 - 24 October 20272 Days
26 - 27 June 20272 Days25 - 29 October 20275 Days
  • Rusty Skipper and ICC preparation & assessment courses are available most weekends
  • Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses are available most weeks
  • For Coastal Skipper courses and above, check the specialist courses below

UK Tuition 2026 - Prices

DurationCourses (see below)Price (per person)Sole use of cabinCourse start
2 DaysRusty Skipper, ICC prep & assessment£370+£80Friday @ 20:00
3 DaysRusty Skipper, ICC prep & assessment£530+£120Friday @ 20:00
5 DaysCC, DS, CS, ICC prep and assessment£780+£200Monday @ 08:00

UK - Private Tuition 2026 Prices (per period)

PeriodLocation Private UseSpecial Offer
2 DaysSouthampton£1,400
3 DaysSouthampton£2,100
5 DaysSouthampton£3,000

CC – RYA Competent Crew
DS – RYA Day Skipper
CS – RYA Coastal Skipper

Rusty Skipper – Non RYA, ideal pre-flotilla training
ICC – International Certificate of Competence
Milebuilder – Non RYA, fill your logbook with longer passages
Yachtmaster Prep & Exam – Professional level course preparation and examination

What’s Included

Everything Included in Your Solent Sailing Course

  • 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

Optional Extras

Enhance Your Solent Sailing Course

  • Ensuite Cabin — £200 per 5-day course / £100 per 2-day course
  • Mooring fees outside home port — approx. £40 per person for 5-day course (compulsory)
  • ICC Assessment — £100 per person (standalone)
  • Cruising Scheme Logbook — Available here
  • Competent Crew Skills Book — Available here
  • Day Skipper Course Notes — Available here

Travel

Getting to Our UK RYA Training Centre

Our RYA training centre in the UK is based at MCL Shamrock Quays Marina, to the east of Southampton city centre on the River Itchen. As a result, it is easily reachable by car, train, bus or plane.


  • Car

    By car, Shamrock Quay is east of Southampton city centre, so road access is easy. Paid secure parking is also available at the marina.


  • Train

    The marina is a 15-minute drive or 40-minute walk from Southampton Central, which has direct trains from London and many other UK cities.


  • Bus and Taxi

    Similarly, local buses serve the marina from the station and city centre. National Express coaches also stop centrally, and taxis are available too.


  • Flights

    Southampton Airport is 20 minutes away by car or taxi, or around 1 hour by public transport via the train station.


  • Ferry

    Ferries run from Southampton Passenger Terminal to the Isle of Wight and Hythe, and the marina is a 15-minute taxi ride away.

FAQs About Learning to Sail in the UK

Straight answers to the questions we are asked most about learning to sail in the UK.

Still have a question?

Speak to our sailing school team, or pick your dates and ask for a quote.

020 8324 3118 Get a quote

Do I need any sailing experience?

No. In fact, our RYA Competent Crew and Start Yachting courses are ideal for beginners who want to learn to sail in the UK.

How long is the course?

This depends on the course you choose: for example, weekend courses for Start Yachting or tidal experience, or 5-day courses for Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical.

Will I earn an RYA qualification?

As long as you meet the standards set by the RYA, yes. Courses are RYA-accredited, so you’ll receive the correct certificate once your instructor confirms your competence.

Where will I stay?

You’ll live on board the training yacht during your course. The operating costs of the training yacht are also included, so it is a comfortable and stress-free sailing experience.

When is the best time to learn to sail in the UK?

The season runs from April to October, so there are plenty of dates to choose from. Early and late months are cooler, while summer offers warmer weather (hopefully!)

Which airport should I fly to?

If you are flying in to the UK, then Southampton is the closest airport, and all London airports are easily accessible with onward train connections.

What's included in the price?

Your course fee covers tuition, yacht accommodation, fuel, provisioning for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all essential training materials.

Is the course suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, absolutely. Many students join alone, because small groups and shared accommodation create a friendly, supportive atmosphere on board.

Book Your Course

Ready to Book an RYA Sailing Course in the UK?

Our team are on hand Monday to Saturday to help you choose the right course. We can also check availability and answer any questions. Prefer sunshine? Then see our Greece and Croatia training centres.

Call or email us

Request a quote

Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.

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