RYA Adult Level 1 – Start Sailing
(Ages 16+)

Your Level 1 Explained

RYA Level 1 focuses on the absolute basics of sailing and building confidence in a small dinghy.

During the course, you’ll learn to:

• Understand the parts of the boat and how they work
• Rig and prepare a dinghy
• Steer using the tiller extension
• Sail across the wind (beam reach)
• Turn the boat around safely (tack)
• Develop awareness of wind direction

There is a mixture of practical time on the water and short shore-based theory sessions to help everything make sense.

You don’t need to be particularly strong or athletic. You do need to be water-confident and medically fit to take part. Buoyancy aids are provided.

Why Level 1 Matters

Level 1 is about building confidence and control.

By the end of the course, you should:

• Feel settled and balanced in the boat
• Be steering with confidence
• Understand how the wind powers the sails
• Be able to sail across the wind safely

It’s a steady, well-supported introduction designed to remove uncertainty and build a solid foundation.

From here, most sailors progress to RYA Level 2, where you’ll expand your sailing directions and gain greater independence.

Course Format

We run RYA Adult Level 1 courses during:

• Selected weekends
• Two-day weekday formats (depending on centre)
• Private tuition (1:1)
• Bespoke courses for two friends learning together

Private and small-group options are ideal if you’d prefer more focused coaching or want to learn at your own pace.

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Courses are delivered by qualified RYA instructors in small groups to ensure individual support and plenty of time on the water.

Certification

Sailors who meet the required standard receive the official RYA Level 1 certificate. Assessment is continuous throughout the course.

Is This the Right Course?

Choose RYA Level 1 if you:

• Have never sailed before
• Have only tried a short taster session
• Want a structured introduction
• Prefer learning in a supportive group environment

If you can already sail confidently across the wind and tack independently, Level 2 may be more appropriate. Give us a call if you would like to chat about it!

Start Your Sailing Journey

If you’re looking for adult beginner sailing lessons in London or Surrey, RYA Level 1 provides a clear and supportive way to get started.

It’s practical, hands-on and designed to build confidence from the first session.

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Checkout our FAQs for more info, including cancellations and what to bring. Please visit our main FAQ page or get in touch with the team.