Sailing

Getting Started

Sailing and windsurfing are two great sports for getting you active and energetic, outside in the fresh air. They’re quick and easy to learn- with the right tuition you’ll have great fun, you’ll be speeding along in no time- and you’ll probably get wet! Find out more at http://www.rya.org.uk/STARTBOATING/Pages/default.aspx

Once you’ve learnt the basics, you can actively explore your local stretch of water, join a sailing club full of like-minded people, or learn to race.

No matter what your age or experience, there is a course for you. It won’t cost you a fortune, and there’s an RYA training centre near you where you can get started. Find an RYA Training Centre on the RYA website: http://www.rya.org.uk/wheresmynearest/Pages/WheresMyNearest.aspx

Already hooked on sailing?

Then it’s probably time to join a local club, where you can enjoy the social side of the sport too, making friends and improving your skills on the water with other enthusiastic sailors.

There are hundreds of RYA affiliated sailing and windsurfing clubs around the country, and whether you live in a city, on the coast or in the countryside, there will be one that’s local to you. Find a local club on the RYA website: http://www.rya.org.uk/wheresmynearest/Pages/WheresMyNearest.aspx

Become an Instructor or Coach

Teaching sailing or windsurfing can be a rewarding and challenging career or hobby. The RYA instructor training schemes are progressive- you can develop your skills and qualifications at your own pace by taking endorsement courses, working towards senior Instructor level and, in the case of sailing, ultimately becoming a Coach/Assessor. To find our more, visit: http://www.rya.org.uk/coursestraining/Pages/default.aspx

Try Volunteering!

A great way of getting involved with sailing and windsurfing is to volunteer at your local club. Volunteering can:

•       Allow you to learn more about the sports
•       Enable you to help others
•       Share your skills
•       Make new friends
•       Take a new direction in life

Contact the Regional Development Officer for your region: http://www.rya.org.uk/contactus/Pages/default.aspx

The RYA is the UK’s national association for all forms of recreational and competitive boating, representing sailing, motorcruising, sportsboats, windsurfing, inland boating, powerboat racing and personal watercraft. It coordinated competition and/ or development. For further details visit www.rya.org.uk