SWAC – Southampton Water Activities Centre

Powerboat, Sailing & Paddlesports Training in Southampton

Located on the banks of the River Itchen, the Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) is one of the South Coast’s leading watersports and maritime training centres.

Operated by Chieftain Training, SWAC offers professional training, youth development, adventure activities, instructor training and community watersports in the heart of Southampton.

Whether you want to learn to sail, drive a powerboat, paddle a kayak, race dinghies, become an RYA Instructor or simply get afloat for the first time, SWAC provides direct access to Southampton Water and the Solent in a real coastal environment.

swac-southampton

Why Train at SWAC?

Unlike many inland centres, SWAC operates on tidal water with immediate access to Southampton Water and the Solent.

This means students learn in a real-world marine environment with:

Commercial traffic
Tides and currents
Navigation challenges
Variable weather conditions
Open-water operating areas

Our facilities include:

Two large 24-hour slipways
Pontoon access at all states of tide
Secure boat park and storage
8 Changing rooms (each with showers_)
Classrooms and briefing areas
On-site parking
Large fleet of training craft

SWAC is home to one of the widest ranges of training boats and watersports craft of any RYA Training Centre in the UK.

Chieftain SWAC is the only operator in the county to hold the three biggest National Accreditations and Approvals in our industry;

RYA Recognised Training Centre for a diverse range of activities
MCA Approved Training Centre for a wide range of courses
AALA License holder for teaching outdoor activity to under 18s

Sailing, Powerboat & Paddle Sports in Southampton

SWAC delivers a wide range of watersports activities and RYA courses for adults, children, schools and groups.

Sailing Courses

Powerboat & Motor Cruising

Paddle Sports

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Kayaking
Canoeing
Paddle Sport Safety & Rescue
School & Group Paddle Sessions

Instructor & Career Training

SWAC is also a major centre for:

RYA Instructor Courses
Commercial Powerboat Training
Watersports Career Development
Maritime Skills Training
Superyacht Crew Pathways

A Centre for Southampton

SWAC is more than just a training centre.

Our long-term vision is to reconnect Southampton with its waterfront and make watersports accessible to more local people, schools and community groups.

We believe every child in Southampton should have the opportunity to experience being on the water multiple times during their education.

Through partnerships with schools, youth groups and local organisations, SWAC aims to create clear progression pathways from:

First experience afloat
Youth participation
Club activity
Instructor training
Maritime careers

Schools, Groups & Corporate Events

SWAC regularly works with:

Activities can include:

Sailing
Powerboating
Paddle sports
Raft building
Multi-activity days
Instructor-led adventure sessions

Our city-centre location makes SWAC particularly convenient for Southampton schools and visiting groups.

SWAC Sailability

SWAC is committed to making watersports accessible to everybody.

Our developing Sailability programme provides supportive, inclusive sailing opportunities for disabled participants and those requiring additional assistance.

The programme focuses on:

Confidence building
Accessible sailing
Social inclusion
Skills development
Enjoyment on the water

Professional Training & Instructor Development

SWAC works closely with Chieftain Training’s Hamble headquarters to provide progression from beginner sessions through to professional maritime qualifications.

This includes:

RYA Instructor training
Commercial endorsements
Yachtmaster preparation
STCW courses
Maritime careers guidance

Together, the two centres create one of the UK’s most comprehensive watersports and maritime training operations.

Easy to Reach

SWAC is located close to Southampton city centre at:

Southampton Water Activities Centre
Floating Bridge Road
Southampton
SO14 3FL

The centre is easily accessible from:

Southampton Central Station
M27 & M3
Southampton Ferry Terminals
Southampton Airport

Free on-site parking is available for many courses and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SWAC open to beginners?

Yes. Many of our sessions and courses are designed specifically for complete beginners.

Do you provide equipment?

Yes. Boats, buoyancy aids and most specialist equipment are provided.

Can schools and youth groups book sessions?

Absolutely. We regularly work with schools, colleges and youth organisations.

Do you offer instructor training?

Yes. SWAC is a major RYA Instructor training centre for powerboat, sailing and paddle sports pathways.

Is SWAC only for young people?

No. We provide activities and training for children, adults, families and commercial operators.

What watersports are available at SWAC?

Activities currently include dinghy, keelboat and multihull sailing, powerboating and motor cruising, PWC, SUP, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing, with further expansion planned.