RYA Level 1 Start Sailing

This course provides a basic introduction to sailing. At the end of the course you will have learnt everything from how to rig, launch and sail across the wind, all the way through to upwind and downwind sailing. It will be taught over four half days on Saturdays. There will be a full-day session on the 6th August (9-4) and two half-day sessions on the 13th (10-2) and 27th August (times tbc). An additional half-day may be put on in September if time is lost through unsuitable wind/sea state or unavoidable absence due, for example, to COVID.


We will provide you with all specialist personal equipment such as wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and boats. You will need to bring footwear you don't mind getting wet, swimwear hats and gloves, towel and lunch (if attending all day). Tea and coffee will be provided and we have hot showers.

Priority for courses will be given to fully paid applications and by date received. If you need to cancel, please let the training team know as early as possible. The following refunds will be made: Cancellation up to 7 days before the course start date: full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the course start date: 75% refund of course fee.

Herne Bay Sailing Club Limited is recognised by the RYA as a Training Centre able to deliver dinghy and powerboat courses. It operates from its base at Beacon Hill, Herne Bay CT6 6BA.

Student:instructor ratios adhere to RYA requirements to be not more than:
Crewed dinghies 3:1 for beginners with instructor on board, maximum 9:1 but not more than 6 boats per instructor
Single handed dinghies 6:1
Powerboats Levels 1, 2, Intermediate and Advanced 3:1
Safety Boat 6:1 (2 boats).


RYA training courses are usually offered to over 18s only. Exceptionally a young person aged 16 or 17 may join a training course if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also taking the same course. The Senior Instructor will be responsible for supervising the young person while the training group are afloat; the parent or guardian will be responsible for supervising the young person when the training group are on shore.

Herne Bay Sailing Club's Training Centre strives to make the learning experience enjoyable, safe and to provide a high standard of training. If you have a complaint about any aspect of the course, please speak to your Instructor at the earliest opportunity. HBSC's complaints procedure and form may be found here.

Last updated 7:47pm on 20 February 2024