RYA Adult Level 3 – Double-Handed Sailing (Ages 16+)
RYA Adult Level 3 marks a clear step forward in your sailing.
This is a double-handed course and, for many sailors who completed Levels 1 and 2 in single-handed boats, it’s the first time sailing a larger dinghy with a jib and working as part of a crew.
It introduces a new dynamic on the water — shared responsibility, communication and handling a more powerful boat.
Your Level 3 Explained
RYA Level 3 focuses on sailing as part of a team, in a double-handed.
During the course, you’ll:
- Be introduced to sailing with a jib
- Learn the roles of helm and crew
- Develop clear communication during manoeuvres
- Refine tacking and gybing in a double-handed boat
- Improve sail trim and boat balance
- Gain confidence handling a slightly larger dinghy
You’ll rotate roles so you understand both helm and crew responsibilities.
This course builds directly on the manoeuvres learned in Level 2 — but now they’re carried out with coordination between two people and an additional sail to manage.
There is a strong emphasis on practical time afloat, supported by short shore-based sessions to reinforce understanding.
Participants must be water-confident and medically fit to take part. Buoyancy aids are provided.
Why Level 3 Matters
Level 3 broadens your sailing experience.
You’ll begin to:
- Understand how to share control of the boat
- Trim sails more effectively
- Anticipate movements during manoeuvres
- Sail more efficiently as a team
It also provides a valuable introduction to the skills required for the RYA Advanced Modules.
Many sailors use Level 3 as preparation before moving on to:
- Seamanship Skills
- Sailing with Spinnakers
It’s a confidence-building bridge between core skills and more advanced sailing.
Course Format
We run RYA Adult Level 3 courses during:
- Selected weekends (depending on centre)
- Two-day weekday formats (depending on centre)
- Private tuition (1:1 or two people learning together)
Private options work particularly well if you’d like focused coaching before progressing to advanced courses.
Certification
Sailors who meet the required standard receive the official RYA Level 3 certificate. Assessment is continuous throughout the course.
Is This the Right Course?
Choose RYA Level 3 if you:
- Have completed RYA Level 2
- Can sail independently in a single-handed dinghy
- Are ready to learn double-handed sailing
- Want preparation for the RYA Advanced Modules
If you are still building confidence sailing upwind and downwind independently, Level 2 may be more appropriate.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to move beyond single-handed sailing and experience a more dynamic style of boat handling, RYA Adult Level 3 is the natural progression.
It’s where sailing becomes more technical, more collaborative and more versatile.
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.
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