RYA Dinghy Instructor Course

Course Overview

Upon successful completion of this RYA professional qualification candidates will be able to teach new sailors elements of the National Sailing Scheme under the supervision of an RYA Senior Instructor.

Minimum age

Experience

Experienced sailor in strong winds

Pre-entry assessment

To be completed within one year prior to the instructor course.

Training course

Normally a 50 hour/5 day week but could be modular over a number of weekends or days, with extra time allowed for revision.

Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore is provided during the course.

Run by an RYA Dinghy Trainer and moderated on the final day by another RYA Coach/Assessor who has not been involved in the candidate's training.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate competence in course preparation, delivery and management, as well as customer liaison.

Qualified to teach

Sailing Scheme Levels 1, 2 and 3, Day Sailing, Seamanship Skills and Sailing with Spinnakers (if suitably experienced and approved by the Principal or Chief Instructor)

Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Instructors are qualified specifically to teach on either dinghies, small keelboats or multihulls, depending on their training course and experience.

Instructors are not assessed as competent in running a training centre and should always work under the supervision of an RYA Senior instructor.

Validity

Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.

Price

Click here for 2026 Training Price List (RYA Dinghy Instructor)

Pre Requisites

A valid RYA First Aid certificate
RYA Safe & Fun online certificate
RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate
Pre-entry sailing assessment completed within one year prior to the Instructor training course
RYA membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification

Dates

26th - 30th October 2026

Refreshments

During the summer, the snack bar will be open to purchase snacks, drinks, and lunch. The restaurant will also be open for dinner in the evenings.

Accommodation

Our Dunes and Stocker accommodation blocks offer a range of different rooms. From our admiral’s cabin through to the cadets’, there will be something suitable for everyone.

Parking

We have a large carpark onsite and down our causeway. However, if you are in a motorhome you will have to find alternative parking for overnight stays.