Private Dinghy Sailing & Paddlesports Tuition
Private Tuition at Chieftain Training
Not everyone learns best in a large group. Some people want extra time to build confidence, some prefer a quieter learning environment, and others simply want coaching tailored specifically to their goals.
Our private Dinghy Sailing and Paddlesports tuition allows you to learn at your own pace with dedicated support from an experienced instructor.
We offer one-to-one and small group coaching from our superb waterfront facilities at Southampton Water Activities Centre and other Chieftain Training locations.
Whether you are completely new to the water or looking to refine advanced techniques, we can tailor sessions around your experience, confidence and ambitions.
Private Dinghy Sailing Tuition
Learn Faster with Personal Coaching
Private Dinghy tuition is ideal for:
- Nervous beginners
- Adults learning later in life
- Returning sailors
- Existing sailors who need specific coaching
- Improvers wanting extra coaching
- Race training
- Youth sailors preparing for advanced courses
- Families wanting to learn together
With direct instructor attention, students often progress more quickly and gain confidence sooner than on larger group courses.
What Can We Cover?
Your instructor can tailor sessions to focus on:
- Rigging and launching
- Steering and sail control
- Tacking and gybing
- Capsize recovery
- Boat balance and trim
- Sailing in stronger winds
- Racing skills
- Spinnaker handling
- Double-handed techniques
- Tidal and coastal sailing
- Instructor preparation
We can provide tuition in a range of dinghies depending on your experience and objectives.
Learn in Real Coastal Waters
Unlike inland lake venues, our training areas provide:
- Tidal awareness
- Variable wind conditions
- Larger sailing areas
- Real-world seamanship experience
- Sheltered and open water options
From Southampton Water Activities Centre we have immediate access to the River Itchen and Southampton Water, allowing training to be adapted to conditions and student confidence.
Private Paddlesports Tuition
Canoe, Kayak & SUP Coaching
Private paddlesports coaching is available in:
- Canoeing
- Sit-on-top Kayaking
- Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Touring Skills
- Rescue Skills
- Introductory Sessions
- Confidence Building
- Family Paddlesports Sessions
Whether you are trying paddlesports for the first time or preparing for more advanced journeys, private coaching can dramatically improve confidence and technique.
Ideal for Beginners & Nervous Paddlers
Many adults are understandably nervous about trying watersports for the first time.
Private tuition allows you to:
- Learn without pressure
- Progress at your own speed
- Choose calmer conditions
- Ask unlimited questions
- Repeat exercises as needed
- Focus on enjoyment as well as skills
Our instructors are patient, approachable and highly experienced at working with complete beginners.
Family & Small Group Tuition
Private sessions are popular with:
- Families
- Couples
- Friendship groups
- Home education groups
- Youth sailors and paddlers
- Corporate and team-building groups
This creates a relaxed atmosphere while still allowing highly personalised coaching.
Why Choose Chieftain Training?
Superb Waterfront Facilities
Our SWAC site offers:
- Two large 24-hour slipways
- Secure changing facilities
- Dedicated classrooms
- Free parking
- Immediate access to sheltered and open water
- Excellent transport links
Experienced Instructors
Our instructors have backgrounds ranging from club coaching and instructor training through to commercial maritime operations and international racing.
Many are RYA Trainers and Coach Assessors with years of real-world experience.
Flexible Training
We can often arrange:
- Weekday sessions
- Weekend coaching
- Evening sessions
- Bespoke course lengths
- Single-day refreshers
- Ongoing coaching programmes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience?
No. We regularly teach complete beginners.
Can children take private tuition?
Yes. We offer youth tuition and family sessions.
Can I use my own equipment?
Usually yes, subject to suitability and safety checks.
Is private tuition suitable for nervous adults?
Absolutely. Many of our private students specifically choose one-to-one coaching to build confidence gradually.
Can private tuition lead towards RYA qualifications?
Yes. Where appropriate, tuition can follow recognised RYA syllabi and certification pathways.
Book Private Dinghy or Paddlesports Tuition
If you would like to discuss private Dinghy Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking or SUP tuition, please contact our team.
We will help create a coaching programme tailored to your experience, confidence level and goals.
Personal Coaching. Real Progress. More Time on the Water.
PACKAGES & PRICING
| Activity | Sailors | Your Boat | Our Boat | Boat | 1 hr | 2 hr | 3.5 hr | Full day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinghy Sailing | 1 | ✅ | Single hander | £45 | £85 | £125 | £250 | |
| Dinghy Sailing | 2 | ✅ | 2 single handers or 1 double hander | £60 | £113 | £167 | £332 | |
| Dinghy Sailing | 1 | ✅ | RS Zest, Terra, Quba, Zest or Pico | £50 | £90 | £135 | £265 | |
| Dinghy Sailing | 2 | ✅ | RS Zest, Terra, Quba, Zest or Pico | £70 | £130 | £197 | £382 | |
| Dinghy Sailing | 1 | ✅ | ILCA (Laser) 4, 5 or7 | £55 | £100 | £145 | £280 | |
| Dinghy Sailing | 2 | ✅ | RS Quest, Venture, Vision or Feva | £70 | £130 | £197 | £382 | |
| Dinghy Sailing | 2 | ✅ | Vago, 3K, Dart 16 or RS14 | £75 | £140 | £220 | £410 |
| Activity | Paddlers | Your Boat | Our Boat | 1 hr | 2 hr | 3.5 hr | Full day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayaking | 1 | ✅ | 1 Solo kayak | £45 | £85 | £125 | £250 | |
| Kayaking | 1 | ✅ | 1 Solo kayak | £50 | £90 | £135 | £265 | |
| Kayaking | 2 | ✅ | 1 Tandem Kayak | £60 | £113 | £167 | £332 | |
| Canoeing | 2 | ✅ | 1 Open Canoe | £60 | £113 | £167 | £332 | |
| Paddle board | 1 | ✅ | 1 SUP | £50 | £90 | £135 | £265 | |
| Paddle board | 2 | ✅ | 2 SUP | £60 | £113 | £167 | £332 |
Contact Chieftain Training to agree a suitable date and time