The RNSA Youth Crew is a programme developed by RNSA. Find out more about the RNSA at rnsa.org.uk.
Funded by
Delivered through
What
Youth Sailing Weeks
Sailing training and certification for 10 – 17 year olds, with no previous experience needed.
When
From April 2025
The first sailing week opportunities of 2025 will run through the Easter Holidays and continue into the summer.
Where
Across the UK
Eight carefully chosen locations to choose from, from Scotland to Cornwall.
Who
Service families
For children from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families only.
Who can join?
The RNSA Youth Crew is for children of serving Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel. To become part of the crew, the young people must first complete one of our RNSA youth sailing or windsurfing weeks, all provided free of charge. No previous sailing experience is required.
Royal Navy
Royal Marines
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Crew members must be between the ages of 8 and 17, with a residential option for the older members.
Free watersports activities
All training and certifications are provided free of charge, generously funded by Greenwich Hospital and delivered through the Not-For-Profit Andrew Simpson Foundation.
To ensure no additional costs to anyone taking part, we will provide all specialist sailing equipment, wetsuits and buoyancy aids. Details about what you need to bring on the day, like suitable clothing and footwear, will be shared once the booking form is completed.
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
Youth Sailing Weeks
The first block of sailing weeks in 2025 will run through the Easter holidays at eight locations across the UK (view the map). They will then continue to run through the summer.
The beginner sailing weeks will cover sessions of RYA Youth Sailing Stage 1 & 2, plus Swim England water safety sessions; Swim Safe. For those aged 16 or over, sessions will cover the RYA National Sailing Scheme Levels 1 & 2. No previous sailing experience is required.
The improver sailing weeks will cover sessions of RYA Youth Sailing Stage 3 & 4. For those aged 16 or over, sessions will cover the RYA National Sailing Scheme Level 3.
Here’s what a typical week looks like:
Tuesday – Thursday
Out on the water sailing!
Friday
Sailing sessions, games and certification ceremony.
Youth Sailing locations
We are running the Youth Sailing weeks at watersports centres across the UK, through our delivery partner Andrew Simpson Foundation. All centres have been selected due to their proximity to serving the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary communities.
Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre
Andrew Simpson Centre Reading
Andrew Simpson Centre Portland
Andrew Simpson Centre Birmingham
Andrew Simpson Centre Portsmouth
Mount Batten Watersports & Activities Centre
Children’s Sailing Trust
Ready to save your place?
Register for one of our free Youth Sailing weeks and become part of the RNSA Youth Crew below! If you feel you will have difficulties with transport or if there are any other personal circumstances preventing you from booking a space, please get in touch with youthsailing@rnsa.org.uk. Please select your preferred location, the appropriate age bracket, and choose from the available dates. You will be taken through to the Andrew Simpson Group website to complete your account set up and booking
Beginner sailing Weeks
For ages 8-10
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
Beginner Sailing Weeks
For ages 11-17
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
Improver Sailing Weeks
For ages 11-17
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
Beginner Windsurf Weeks
For ages 11-17
There are currently no youth sailing weeks scheduled.
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
Residential Weeks
With expert instructors and on-water activities, participants can thrive in an environment that encourages discovery and camaraderie. These weeks include accommodation and food for your child throughout the 5 day course. If you feel you will have difficulties with transport or if there are any other personal circumstances preventing you from booking a space, please get in touch with youthsailing@rnsa.org.uk.
Please select your preferred location below to see upcoming dates. You will be taken through to the Andrew Simpson Group website to complete your account set up and booking.
Residential Beginner sailing Weeks
For ages 11-17
There are currently no residential courses scheduled.
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
Residential Improver sailing Weeks
For ages 11-17
There are currently no residential courses scheduled.
*Please note, young people are eligible for one sailing or windsurfing week per year
To view the accommodation for the residential options please click the following links:
Scotland, Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre: On-site Accommodation
Dorset, Andrew Simpson Centre Portland: RYA Portland House
Places are exclusively offered to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary communities and provided on a first come, first served basis. Applicants must input their parent or carer’s service number in order to reserve a space.
If you have any questions before booking please speak to our team on 0330 236 8090.
Family Days
RNSA and RNSA Youth Crew is excited to be holding Family Days during the Summer Holidays for serving Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Families at our delivery centres in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Blairvadach, Scotland. Open to all members and ages of your family.
Book now to have fun out on the water sailing and enjoying all types of paddle sports. Light refreshments and equipment provided.
A great opportunity to meet and spend the day with other Royal Navy Families.
There are currently no family days scheduled.
FAQs
