RYA training
The National Sailing Scheme
The RYA’s National Sailing Scheme is a series of two-day courses for those wanting to learn in dinghies. You can take these courses at any age, but under 16s should start learning through the Youth Sailing Scheme. By taking a course at Clevedon Sailing Club, a RYA recognised Training Centre; you can be assured of being taught by trained instructors using suitable boats and following the RYA’s syllabus.
Level 1 Start Sailing
An introduction to the sport, covering the minimum knowledge required to get afloat under supervision. It will give you a basic understanding of boat handling techniques and background knowledge. Click here for dates for combined level 1 and 2.
Level 2 Basic Skills
Becoming a competent sailor in light winds with an introduction to sailing techniques and manoeuvres, rigging, launching, safety, capsize recovery and basic rules of the road. Click here for dates for combined level 1 and 2.
The Youth Sailing Scheme
RYA certificates are a significant achievement. Instructors sign off each skill as you complete it. Once completed, your certificate can be of use in other areas of your study or activities such as PE at school, or the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Children aged between 8 and 11 are able to take the Level 1 course, and once they are 12 they can take the Level 2 course. Their certificates will be endorsed to show that they must use boats only under the supervision of a responsible adult.
Youth Sailing Stage 1
A basic understanding of how a boat sails with some experience of steering and handling a boat.
Youth Sailing Stage 2
Develop a range of sailing skills and background knowledge you will be well on the way to being a confident small boat sailor.
Youth Sailing Stage 3
Rig and launch your boat and be able to sail in any direction. This course is equivalent to level 2 in the National Sailing Scheme.
Youth Sailing Stage 4
Gain the skills to sail a double-handed boat as crew or helm and solve a variety of problems afloat. (Optional if Stage 3 was taken in a double-hander)
The National Powerboat Scheme
The RYA’s National Powerboat Scheme is for those who use open powerboats for leisure or work, whether for their own sake or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue. The scheme comprises a series of practical courses which can be complemented by our navigation courses. Use them simply to increase your knowledge and confidence, or as a progression to the RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide. Most courses take place over two days. By taking your course at Clevedon Sailing Club you can expect to be taught by experienced, qualified instructors on seaworthy boats. Courses can be taken either onboard a centre’s boat or your own boat.
Powerboat level 1
This one-day course covers basic boat handling, safety and theory.
Powerboat level 2
This two-day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations. The course will be taken on the coast and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
SHORE BASED COURSES
The navigation and seamanship theory courses are designed to complement the RYA’s practical training schemes. Whether you are a sailor or a motor boater, our shore based courses equip would-be and experienced skippers with enough knowledge, at least in theory, to go afloat and take charge of a yacht. The next logical step is to attend an RYA practical course to put these skills into practice.
Day Skipper
A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board, and if you are considering taking the Day Skipper practical course.