RYA Youth Stage 4 – Double-Handed Sailing (Ages 10–16)
Our RYA Youth Stage 4 sailing course is where sailors move into double-handed boats for the first time.
It’s an exciting step up from single-handed sailing and introduces the use of the jib, crew roles and clear communication on the water.
Designed for sailors who have completed Stage 3, this course builds directly on the manoeuvres already learned, but now with the added challenge of working as a team.
Your Stage Four Explained
We run Stage 4 courses for sailors aged 10–16.
This is the first time sailors will regularly sail in a double-handed dinghy. They’ll learn how two people work together to sail efficiently and safely.
During the course, sailors will:
- Be introduced to sailing with a jib
- Understand the roles of helm and crew
- Practise clear communication during manoeuvres
- Refine tacking and gybing as a team
- Improve upwind and downwind performance
- Develop awareness of balance and sail trim
All the core manoeuvres from Stage 3 are still there — but now they have to be done alongside a crew member and in a bigger boat. Stage 4 courses are typically delivered in an RS Feva — an ideal double-handed dinghy for young sailors.
Sailors rotate between helm and crew so they understand both roles and responsibilities.
The course combines structured on-water coaching with short theory sessions to reinforce understanding.
All participants must be water-confident. All buoyancy aids are provided.
Why Stage 4 Matters
Stage 4 changes how sailors think about the boat.
They begin to:
- Communicate clearly under pressure
- Anticipate each other’s movements
- Trim sails more effectively
- Sail more efficiently as a team
Learning to use a jib and crew effectively is a major milestone. It opens the door to racing, advanced seamanship skills and higher-performance sailing.
Course Format
We run RYA Youth Stage 4 courses during school holidays
Courses are delivered by qualified RYA instructors in small groups to ensure focused coaching and safe progression.
Certification
Sailors who meet the required standard receive the official RYA Youth Stage 4 certificate. Assessment is continuous throughout the course.
Is This the Right Course?
Choose RYA Stage 4 if your child:
- Has completed RYA Youth Stage 3
- Can sail single-handed confidently
- Is comfortable tacking and gybing independently
- Is ready to work as part of a crew
If they are still consolidating single-handed skills, Stage 3 may be more appropriate.
A New Way to Sail
Stage 4 introduces a completely new dynamic on the water. It’s where independent sailors learn to trust, communicate and perform as part of a team.
For many, it’s the stage where sailing becomes faster, more technical and even more rewarding.
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.
Keep Sailing Locations
We’re proud to partner with outstanding local sailing clubs, giving our community access to fantastic facilities across Hampton, Surbiton, Guildford, Wraysbury & North London.