RYA Sailing Courses

RYA Sailing Courses on beautiful Ullswater in the Lake District.

Because our gently curved beach forms a sheltered bay in full view of the Centre, we can provide an ideal setting and is the perfect place to learn.

We can teach everyone from complete beginners, to experienced sailors wishing to perfect their skills.

We run a wide range of courses, and have an extensive fleet of boats so there is plenty of choice for everyone. There is more information on the different options below, together with a brief synopsis of the internationally recognised RYA syllabus.

If you have any additional questions, would like to check availability or would like to book, please contact us.

Aged 16 or under? Please see our For The Kids page for RYA Youth Scheme information and course dates.

(our sailing courses run from 10am – 5pm with an hours break for lunch)

2025 COURSE DATES

RYA Level 1 (dinghy)

Sat 19th – Sun 20th April

RYA Level 1 (keelboat)

Sat 3rd – Sun 4th May

RYA Level 1 (Traditional Boat)

Sat 17th – Sun 18th May

RYA Level 2 (dinghy)

Sat 10th – Sun 11th May

RYA Level 2 (Traditional Boat)

Sat 24th – Sun 25th May

RYA Level 2 (keelboat)

Sat 31st May – Sun 1st June

-We will be adding more dates as we head through the season!-

Dinghy Courses

RYA Dinghy Courses can be run using single handers, larger crewed dinghies, or a combination of the two. All of our Dinghy Courses include a capsize drill and recovery as part of Level 2 – Start Sailing.

Keelboat Courses

RYA Keelboat Courses follow a similar syllabus to the RYA Dinghy Courses, and are run in our Hawk 20 keelboat. The capsize drill is omitted and there are extra elements on anchoring, and using an outboard engine.

Traditional Boat Courses

Glenridding Sailing Centre is proud to offer Traditional Boat Courses, in our beautiful Lune Whammel sailing boats. These courses follow the RYA syllabus, and include adaptations for the gaff rig.

The RYA Syllabus

RYA Level 1 START SAILING

An introduction to sailing dinghies for complete beginners, and covers everything you need to know to get afloat under supervision.

Required experience

None

Minimum duration

Approximately 2 days, or equivalent number of sessions

Minimum age

The RYA Adult Sailing Scheme is aimed at those aged 16 and over. The RYA run a separate syllabus for the under 16s – the RYA Youth Scheme – although children aged from around 14 and up may benefit more from the Adult Scheme

Content

How to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovering

Certificate issuing criteria

Able to sail in light winds under supervision

RYA Level 2 BASIC SAILING

Build your confidence and develop your skills. By the end of this course you’ll be a competent sailor in light winds.

Required experience

Sailing skills to the standard of Level 1 Start Sailing

Minimum duration

Approximately 2 days, or equivalent number of sessions

Minimum age

Content

Rigging, launching and building confidence sailing in all directions. Capsize recovery and essential safety knowledge.

Certificate issuing criteria

Able to sail confidently on all points of sail and make decisions in good conditions.

RYA Level 3 BETTER SAILING

Improve your sailing, consolidating skills and trying new ones in a variety of conditions.

Required experience

Sailing skills to the standard of Level 2 Basic Skills, and ideally a minimum of one season sailing experience

Minimum duration

Approximately 2 days, or equivalent number of sessions

Minimum age

Content

Further coaching to consolidate the skills learned during Level 1 – Start Sailing, and Level 2 – Basic Skills. Short taster sessions from the advanced modules such as Day Sailing and Seamanship skills

Certificate issuing criteria

More confident in sailing skills and techniques and ready to progress onto the advanced modules

Course Prices

2 Day Course £290