Gordonstoun School

The RYA Start Yachting course is a two-day introduction to the basics of yacht sailing. Participants learn steering, sail handling, and onboard safety procedures. This hands-on course provides a taste of life at sea and serves as an excellent starting point for further qualifications. By the end, participants will have a basic understanding of sailing and the confidence to continue their journey.

The RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is a shore-based program that introduces basic navigation and safety skills. Topics include reading charts, understanding tides, and using navigation tools. Participants also learn how to interpret weather forecasts and plan passages. This course is ideal for sailors, motorboaters, and anyone new to the water, providing a strong foundation for safe and confident boating.

The RYA Competent Crew course introduces beginners to life on board a sailing yacht. Over five days, participants learn essential skills such as steering, ropework, sail handling, and basic safety procedures. The course emphasizes teamwork and confidence-building, making it ideal for those new to sailing. By the end, participants will feel capable of contributing effectively as crew members on any yacht.

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course provides aspiring skippers with the knowledge to navigate safely in coastal waters. This comprehensive program covers chart work, tidal calculations, meteorology, and collision regulations. Delivered over approximately 40 hours, the course prepares participants for practical Day Skipper qualifications and builds confidence in passage planning and navigation.

The RYA First Aid course is a one-day program tailored to the unique challenges of the marine environment. Participants learn essential first aid techniques, including CPR, treating hypothermia, and managing injuries at sea. The course also covers using marine-specific safety equipment and responding to emergencies like drowning or cold water shock. It’s a vital qualification for skippers, crew members, and water sports enthusiasts, ensuring preparedness for medical incidents on the water.