The RYA Start Yachting course is the perfect introduction to sailing, ideal for complete beginners as well as young sailors. You will also get a taste of life on a yacht in Greece, Croatia or the UK.
Greece · Croatia · United Kingdom
Overview
RYA Training CentreAccredited courses taught by RYA-qualified instructors
The RYA Start Yachting course covers the first two days of the Competent Crew syllabus, so it is the gentlest way to begin. You can also take it over a longer period if you prefer a relaxed introduction to sailing. It is ideal for complete beginners who want a taster of yachting, as well as for children too young for the full Competent Crew course.
If you can dedicate 5 or more days, we recommend moving straight to RYA Competent Crew.
Safety comes first on every RYA course, so if you want to learn more about our standards, see the Training Centres overview page.
Course Requirements
Next Steps
After the course, your instructor gives you a full debrief and then advises you on the best next steps.
Most students then need only 3 more days of training to gain the RYA Competent Crew certificate. From there, you can progress through the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme to Day Skipper, the qualification most skippers need to charter a yacht.
Who It’s For
The RYA Start Yachting course is aimed at people with no previous boating experience. If you want a more challenging beginners’ course, we recommend RYA Competent Crew instead. You can also see our full range in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme.
Where to Take This Course
The RYA Start Yachting course has a minimum duration of 2 days, so you can choose the format that suits you.
Course Syllabus
Basic knowledge of sea terms, as well as the parts of a boat, her rigging and sails.
Tie four different knots, secure a rope to a cleat, and also use winches and jamming cleats.
Experience sailing a yacht on all points of sail, as well as steering under sail and power.
Keep an efficient lookout at sea, especially in busy waters.
Know where and when to obtain a weather forecast.
Understand the action to take if someone falls overboard.
Understand the rules for wearing safety harnesses, lifejackets and buoyancy aids, including when to clip on.
Awareness of hazards on board, as well as the actions to take in an emergency.
Available At
Our three RYA training centres each have their own character. Compare them below to find the one that suits you best.
Greece6-day courses
Warm, sheltered waters with relaxed island passages. Many summer dates run alongside our flotillas, with access to kids’ clubs.
Best for
View the school
Croatia6-day courses
Varied conditions between historic harbours and anchorages, in sheltered seas that are great for building skills and confidence.
Best for
View the school
UK5-day courses and weekend refreshers
Structured tidal practice with expert RYA instructors, and ideal preparation for sailing abroad.
Best for
View the school
Our Range of Courses
Six RYA courses, from your first day on a yacht to Coastal Skipper. Find your level below and choose your next qualification.
Beginner
No sailing experience needed
Step 1 · PracticalA taster of yachting for beginners, or for budding sailors too young for Competent Crew.
2–6 days · Age 8+You are here
Step 2 · PracticalLearn the basics and become an active member of the crew rather than a passenger.
5–6 days · Age 12+View course
Intermediate
For sailors ready to learn to skipper
Step 3 · TheoryA comprehensive introduction to sailing theory, studied online.
40–45 hours onlineView course
Step 4 · PracticalThe most popular RYA course, and the standard required to skipper a yacht in many destinations worldwide.
5–6 days · Age 16+View course
Advanced
For experienced skippers
Step 5 · TheoryAdvanced theory for the Coastal Skipper practical course and the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.
Approx 60 hours onlineView course
Step 6 · PracticalTakes your practical skills to the next level, on longer coastal and offshore passages.
5–6 days · Age 17+View course
Price Promise
We will not be beaten on price
If you find it cheaper elsewhere, we’ll beat it — guaranteed.
Because we are an independent company, we can keep our prices highly competitive. If you see a like-for-like product featured elsewhere cheaper, let us know and we will beat it.
This guarantee applies to tuition berth rates in Greece, Croatia and the UK operated by Seafarer. It is also subject to availability at the time of booking.
Book Your Course
Get in touch with our team to check RYA Start Yachting course availability in Greece, Croatia or the UK. We will then help you find the right course.
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
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.
All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected
Additional protection for bookings without flights
