Shirley Valentine Sailing

The RYA Cruising Level 1 – Start Sailing course introduces participants to the basics of cruising. Topics include sail handling, steering, and safety procedures on a cruising yacht. The course is designed to build confidence and provide a foundation for further training. By the end, participants will have the skills to sail under supervision and progress to Level 2.

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 Cruising Level 2 – Basic Skills course builds on Level 1, focusing on independent sailing and decision-making. Participants practice tacking, gybing, and navigating in various conditions. The course also covers safety drills and anchoring. By the end, sailors will feel confident handling a cruising yacht independently in light to moderate conditions, setting the stage for more advanced training.

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 Practical (Sail) course teaches participants to skipper a yacht during short coastal passages. This five-day course covers navigation, pilotage, and boat handling, with a strong emphasis on safety and planning. Participants practice anchoring, mooring, and responding to emergencies under the guidance of an instructor. By the end, they will be ready to take charge of a yacht and crew in familiar waters.

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (Sail) course is for experienced sailors preparing for extended coastal passages. Participants learn advanced navigation, passage planning, and skippering in challenging conditions. The five-day course includes night sailing, emergency drills, and managing a crew effectively. By the end, participants will have the confidence to take responsibility for longer voyages in tidal waters, making it a key step toward advanced qualifications like Yachtmaster Coastal.