Learn to Sail – RYA Dinghy Levels 1 & 2 – Southampton
Learn to sail in Southampton – From complete beginner to confident dinghy sailor in just four days or ten evenings.
No experience needed – Two RYA qualifications – Three flexible formats
Have you always wanted to learn to sail but never known where to start? Our RYA Learn to Sail Course is the perfect introduction to sailing, taking you from complete beginner to a competent dinghy sailor in light winds.
This practical, hands-on course combines two internationally recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications:
With no previous sailing experience required, you’ll learn everything from rigging your boat and launching to understanding the wind, steering, controlling the sails, tacking, gybing and sailing independently in suitable conditions.
Our experienced RYA instructors will guide you through every stage, helping you develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to enjoy sailing safely.
Choose from three flexible course formats:
- Two weekends – Four training days spread over two weekends.
- Four consecutive days – An intensive course, ideal for holidays or time off work.
- Ten evenings – Learn progressively over ten sessions, once per week, ideal for fitting sailing around work or other commitments.
All courses take place at Southampton Water Activity Centre (SWAC), on the River Itchen, with access to sheltered training waters and Southampton Water.
Why Learn to Sail?
Sailing is an enjoyable, rewarding and surprisingly accessible watersport. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, an outdoor adventure, a way to spend time with friends and family, or the first step towards sailing yachts, this course provides an excellent foundation.
Unlike many sports, sailing combines practical skills, problem-solving, teamwork and an understanding of the natural environment.
You’ll learn how to harness the wind, rather than an engine, to propel your boat across the water. There’s a wonderful sense of achievement the first time you take control of a sailing dinghy and make it go exactly where you want.
You don’t need to own a boat, join a sailing club or have any previous experience. We provide the boats, instructors and safety equipment so you can concentrate on learning and enjoying yourself.
What Will I Learn?
Our combined Learn to Sail course follows the RYA National Sailing Scheme, progressing through Levels 1 and 2.
Part 1 – RYA Dinghy Level 1: Start Sailing
The first part introduces you to the fundamentals of sailing. You’ll learn:
- The main parts of a sailing dinghy and what they do.
- How sails work and how the wind propels a boat.
- Basic sailing terminology.
- How to prepare and rig a dinghy for sailing.
- How to launch and recover your boat.
- How to steer and control the sails.
- The different points of sail and how to sail in various directions.
- How to tack (turn the bow through the wind).
- How to gybe (turn the stern through the wind).
- Basic safety procedures and awareness on the water.
By the end of this stage, you should be able to sail a dinghy in light winds under supervision.
Part 2 – RYA Dinghy Level 2: Basic Skills
With the foundations established, you’ll move on to developing your boat-handling skills and confidence. You’ll learn:
- Rigging and preparing your boat with increasing independence.
- Launching and returning safely to shore.
- Sailing effectively on all points of sail.
- Improving your tacking and gybing techniques.
- Controlling your boat’s speed and direction.
- Sailing around a course.
- The fundamentals of the sailing rules of the road.
- Recognising changes in wind direction and strength.
- Understanding balance, sail trim and boat handling.
- Capsize recovery and what to do if your dinghy overturns.
- Making basic decisions about safety and sailing conditions.
By the end of Level 2, you should be able to sail a dinghy competently in light winds and make your own decisions in good conditions, giving you the foundation to continue sailing recreationally and develop your skills.
How Long Does It Take to Learn to Sail?
Our combined RYA Dinghy Levels 1 & 2 course is available in three formats, all covering the same syllabus.
Option 1 – Learn to Sail Over Two Weekends
Four days over two weekends
A popular option for those who work Monday to Friday.
The first weekend introduces the basics of sailing, while the second allows you to develop your skills and confidence towards Level 2.
The gap between weekends also gives you time to reflect on what you’ve learned.
Option 2 – Learn to Sail in Four Consecutive Days
Four consecutive training days
Our intensive course is ideal if you want to make rapid progress, take a short holiday or dedicate a few days entirely to learning a new skill.
With four days of continuous practice, you can build on each day’s progress while everything is fresh in your mind.
Option 3 – Learn to Sail Over Ten Evenings
Ten evening sessions
Prefer to learn gradually? Our evening course offers a relaxed and sociable way to develop your sailing skills.
Spreading your training across ten evenings gives you time to absorb new techniques and gradually build confidence on the water.
This is an excellent option for local residents wanting to learn a new hobby alongside work or other commitments.
Whichever format you choose, the course follows the same RYA Levels 1 & 2 syllabus.
Where Will I Learn to Sail?
Your course takes place at Southampton Water Activity Centre (SWAC), operated by Chieftain Training.
Located on the River Itchen, close to Southampton city centre, SWAC is a purpose-built watersports centre with direct access to sheltered sailing waters, Southampton Water and the Solent.
We have:
- A fleet of training dinghies.
- Experienced, qualified RYA Sailing Instructors.
- Sheltered training areas on the River Itchen.
- Changing facilities and classrooms.
- Slipways and pontoons providing access to the water.
- Free on-site parking.
Learning in a tidal environment also provides valuable experience of real coastal sailing conditions.
Location: Southampton Water Activity Centre, Floating Bridge Road, Southampton, SO14 3FL.
Who Is This Course For?
Our Learn to Sail course is suitable for:
- Complete beginners who have never sailed before.
- Adults looking for a new hobby or outdoor activity.
- Teenagers aged 14 and over.
- Couples or friends wanting to learn together.
- Anyone considering joining a sailing club.
- Prospective yacht sailors wanting to understand the fundamentals of sailing.
- People returning to sailing after a long break who would benefit from revisiting the basics.
No previous sailing experience is required. We start from the very beginning, assuming no prior knowledge.
What’s Included?
Your course includes:
- Four days or ten evenings of RYA practical sailing instruction.
- Use of our sailing dinghies.
- Loan of a buoyancy aid.
- RYA Dinghy Level 1 and Level 2 certificates, subject to achieving the required standards.
- Tea and coffee.
- Free on-site parking.
What’s Not Included?
- Wetsuit and spray top (available to hire for £5 per day).
- Suitable footwear or wetsuit boots.
- Lunch on full-day courses.
- Personal clothing, towel and other items listed in your joining instructions.
You do not need to purchase any specialist sailing equipment before booking.
Why Choose Chieftain Training to Learn to Sail?
1. Two RYA Qualifications in One Course
Rather than attending separate introductory courses, our combined programme takes you through both Levels 1 and 2 in one structured learning experience.
2. Flexible Course Dates
Choose from weekend, consecutive-day or evening courses to fit your lifestyle.
3. A Dedicated Watersports Centre
SWAC offers excellent facilities, a fleet of training boats and convenient access to the water, all close to Southampton city centre.
4. Real Coastal Sailing Experience
Our location on the River Itchen allows you to learn in a tidal environment, giving you experience that will be useful as you progress to other sailing areas.
5. Experienced RYA Instructors
Our instructors are experienced sailors who enjoy introducing newcomers to the sport. We aim to make learning enjoyable, supportive and confidence-building.
6. A Not-for-Profit Organisation
Chieftain Training and SWAC operate on a not-for-profit basis, with any surpluse reinvested into training, facilities, equipment and opportunities for people to enjoy water-sports.
7. Plenty of Opportunities to Progress
Once you have completed your course, you can continue developing your skills through further RYA sailing courses, recreational sailing and other watersports activities.
What Can I Do After Completing the Course?
Your RYA Dinghy Level 2 qualification is an important first milestone in your sailing journey.
Depending on your interests, you could:
- Join the Southampton Boat Club at SWAC and make use of our boats every week
- Join a local sailing club and start sailing recreationally.
- Continue training with RYA Dinghy Level 3 – Better Sailing Course
- Learn to sail with a spinnaker.
- Try dinghy racing.
- Progress to keelboat or yacht sailing.
- Work towards becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor once you have gained the necessary experience and additional qualifications.
For many people, the Learn to Sail course is the beginning of a lifelong hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I learn to sail with no previous experience?
Absolutely. This course is designed specifically for beginners and assumes no previous sailing experience. Your RYA instructor will introduce everything step by step, starting with the basic parts of the boat and progressing to sailing confidently in light winds.
How long does it take to learn to sail?
Our combined RYA Dinghy Levels 1 & 2 course takes four days or ten evenings. By the end, you should have the skills and knowledge to sail competently in light winds and make decisions in good conditions. Becoming an experienced sailor takes further practice.
Is sailing difficult to learn?
Most people are surprised by how quickly they can learn the basics. Sailing involves understanding the wind, controlling the sails and steering the boat. These skills become increasingly natural with practice. Our instructors break the learning process into manageable stages.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You should be comfortable around water and inform us if you are a non-swimmer or have concerns about entering the water. Buoyancy aids are provided and worn during training. Contact us before booking if you have concerns about swimming or water confidence.
Will I have to capsize the boat?
Capsize recovery forms part of the Rcourse. Your instructor will explain how to manage a capsize and recover the boat safely. Capsizing is a normal part of learning to sail small dinghies, and the exercise is conducted under supervision in suitable conditions.
What should I wear for a sailing course?
Wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather and be prepared to get wet. A wetsuit is recommended for most practical dinghy courses, particularly in cooler weather. You’ll also need suitable footwear that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothes. Wetsuits and spray tops are available to hire for £5 a day.
What is the minimum age for the Learn to Sail course?
The minimum age for our combined adult Learn to Sail course is 14 years. We also offer dedicated RYA Youth Sailing courses for younger children.
Can couples or friends book together?
Yes. Learning to sail together is a great shared experience. You can book onto the same course and will have opportunities to sail together, depending on the boats and group arrangements.
Will I receive an RYA certificates?
Yes, all successful sailors will receive the RYA Dinghy Level 2 – Basic Skills Certificate. If you would like us to also issue the lower Dinghy Level 1- Start Sailing certificate there its a £7 surcharge.
Can I sail on my own after RYA Level 2?
RYA Level 2 develops the skills needed to sail competently in light winds and make decisions in good conditions. You should continue to sail within your experience, use appropriate safety arrangements and follow the requirements of the sailing venue. Additional practice is recommended before attempting more challenging conditions.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Sailing is weather-dependent. Our instructors select suitable activities and training areas according to the conditions. If weather prevents safe practical training or the required syllabus cannot be completed, we will offer alternative sessions.
Is dinghy sailing a good way to learn to sail yachts?
Yes. Dinghies provide an excellent introduction to how sails work, wind awareness, sail trim and boat handling. These skills transfer well to keelboats and yachts, although larger vessels require additional training and experience.
Do I need to join a sailing club before booking?
No. You do not need club membership or your own boat. All the sailing equipment and boats are provided during your course. Once you have completed this course you will be eligible to join the Southampton Boat Club (at SWAC).
Where can I learn to sail in Southampton?
Chieftain Training runs RYA Learn to Sail courses from Southampton Water Activity Centre (SWAC), Floating Bridge Road, Southampton, SO14 3FL. We offer weekend, four-day and evening courses.
Book Your Learn to Sail Course in Southampton
Take your first step towards becoming a sailor.
Whether you choose two weekends, four consecutive days or ten evenings, our combined RYA Dinghy Levels 1 & 2 course offers a practical, enjoyable route into sailing.
No experience, boat ownership or sailing club membership is required.
Choose your preferred course date and start your sailing adventure with Chieftain Training at SWAC.