RYA Adult Level 2 – Basic Skills
(Ages 16+)

Your Level 2 Explained

RYA Level 2 develops control, awareness and independence on the water.

During the course, you’ll learn to:

• Sail upwind and downwind
• Tack and gybe with greater control
• Sail accurate triangular courses
• Launch and return to shore safely
• Improve speed control and stopping
• Understand the 5 Essentails

There is a strong focus on linking manoeuvres together smoothly and sailing a full circuit without constant instruction.

As with all our courses, there is a mixture of practical sailing and short shore-based sessions to reinforce understanding.

Participants must be water-confident and medically fit to take part. Buoyancy aids are provided.

Why Level 2 Matters

Level 2 is widely seen as the point where you become an independent sailor. It’s often compared to gaining your “driving licence” for sailing — you’re no longer just learning manoeuvres, you’re able to head out confidently on your own.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Sail a controlled course including upwind and downwind legs
• Tie important knots such as the bowline
• Make decisions independently on the water
• Understand the 'rules of the road'
• Launch and return to shore safely

This is the standard required to hire club boats at many sailing centres and forms the foundation for further development.

From here, sailors often move on to Level 3, Start Racing, Seamanship Skills or Spinnakers, depending on their interests.

Course Format

We run RYA Adult Level 2 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.

Courses are delivered by qualified RYA instructors in small groups to ensure focused coaching and clear progression.

Certification

Sailors who meet the required standard receive the official RYA Level 2 certificate. Assessment is continuous throughout the course.

Is This the Right Course?

Choose RYA Level 2 if you:

• Have completed RYA Level 1
• Can sail across the wind confidently
• Are starting to tack independently
• Want to sail upwind and downwind with control

If you are completely new to sailing, Level 1 is the right starting point.

Become a Confident Sailor

If you’re looking to move beyond the basics and gain genuine independence on the water, RYA Adult Level 2 is the natural next step.

It’s the course where sailing begins to feel intuitive.

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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.