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Beginner · Yacht cruising
RYA Start Yachting (Royal Yachting Association)
A two‑day practical introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht for complete beginners, covering steering under power, basic sail handling, ropework, safety and living aboard.
Offered by Flying Fish Sailing
About this course
RYA Start Yachting is a short, practical on‑the‑water course designed for complete beginners. The course (run over two days) introduces students to steering a cruising yacht under power, raising and trimming sails, basic ropework, onboard safety and living aboard. No prior experience is required; the RYA describes the course as open to anyone over 16 years old or younger if accompanied by an adult, and notes a recommended minimum age of 8 for children. Successful participants receive an RYA Start Yachting certificate and may progress to the RYA Competent Crew course (often in reduced time).
What you will learn
- Recognise major parts of a cruising yacht (the yacht and basic systems).
- Steer a yacht under power and take part in underway boat handling.
- Carry out basic sail handling: raising sails and assisting with sail trim.
- Perform fundamental ropework (knots and lines handling).
- Understand basic rules of the road (collision regulations) relevant to small yacht operation.
- Respond to man overboard situations and be familiar with recovery procedures.
- Identify appropriate clothing, personal equipment and emergency equipment and precautions.
- Have an introductory awareness of meteorology relevant to short coastal passages.
Before you book
Prerequisites
- None (no previous experience required).
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