3 dinghies on the river Itchen

RYA Dinghy Level 1 - Start Sailing

This 2 day course is ideal for those who are curious about sailing but have no experience. Our instructors will teach you the basic theory and practical skills needed to get out on the water for the first time. 

About the course

This beginner-level course offers a safe and supportive environment for you to build your skills and confidence in the water. Our instructors will teach you how to control your boat and sail under their supervision.

During the course you’ll: 

  • learn to tack and gybe 
  • learn to sail in all directions 
  • gain an understanding of how to rig a boat 
  • gain experience in launching and recovering a boat 
  • discuss a variety of basic sailing theory 

Dinghy Sailing courses are taught on a maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 9 students. However, they often run on a ratio of 1 instructor to 6 students.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to sail safely under supervision in light winds. 

Required experience 

No prior sailing experience or knowledge is required to join this course. 

This course leads on to RYA Dinghy Level 2 - Basic Skills

If you have any questions or want to discuss if this is the right course for you, please contact our Watersports Team:

Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 0110

Email: watersports@soton.ac.uk 

What to bring with you

  • something to wear under a wetsuit (swimming costumes are good for this)
  • towel
  • comfortable closed toe shoes that can get wet, old trainers or wetsuit boots are ideal
  • lunch and any snacks
  • water bottle
  • sunscreen and sunglasses
  • hat
  • gloves
  • any medications (labelled with the participants name)

What we provide

  • boats
  • buoyancy aids
  • wetsuits
  • certificates upon successful completion

Logbooks are available to purchase. 

You may like to buy the RYA Start Sailing handbook, which accompanies this course. 

Dates and times

This 2 day course runs from 9am to 5pm each day. Dates TBC.

Prices

Our courses are available to everyone, but Southampton Sport members can book at a discounted rate.

Membership type

Cost

Membership type

:

Southampton Sport Member

Cost

:

£104.50

Membership type

:

Mayflower Member, Sports Pass or Non-Member

Cost

:

£190

Booking a course

Book your course online

You can also:

Cancelling or rescheduling a course

You can cancel or reschedule a booking by contacting the Jubilee Sports Centre. Your options depend on how much notice you give us. Notice periods are based on the date of your booking, not on the start time.

Notice given

Refund options

Notice given

:

7 days or more

Refund options

:

Full refund or reschedule to another date

Notice given

:

Between 48 hours and 7 days

Refund options

:

Full refund if you present a doctor’s note stating why you can't complete your booking

Notice given

:

Less than 48 hours

Refund options

:

No refund available

When we might cancel your booking

We might need to cancel a booking if:

  • the weather means we cannot safely run a course
  • staff members are sick and their absence cannot be covered
  • we cannot meet our minimum student-instructor ratio

If we need to cancel your booking, we’ll always try to give you at least 24 hours' notice. We’ll also offer to reschedule your booking.

Location