Experience a full week by the water, learning to sail, building confidence, and enjoying time outdoors. Our residential sailing weeks are perfect for those new to sailing as well as those looking to develop their skills further.
Alongside other young people from the Royal Navy community and with supportive, experienced instructors, you’ll spend your days on the water learning as part of a crew. Evenings are a chance to relax, take part in activities, and spend time with new friends, making the most of the full residential experience.
Your stay includes accommodation, meals, and RYA training, all in a relaxed and welcoming setting. By the end of the week, you’ll have achieved a recognised sailing qualification and memories to be proud of.
Course details
Beginner Residential Sailing Weeks
Perfect for those completely new to sailing, our beginner sailing week residential will cover the RYA Stages 1 & 2 syllabus (RYA Levels 1 & 2 for those over 16). Participants do not need any prior knowledge or experience to take part.
Participants can expect to cover the following:
- Introduction to the parts of the boat
- Basic principles of how to get a boat sailing
- Launching and recovery
- Sailing across the wind
- Double-handed boat sailing
- Launching and return to a beach, jetty or mooring in moderate conditions.
Improver Residential Sailing Weeks
Suitable for those who have already gained their RYA Stages 1 & 2 certification, this week will cover the RYA Stages 3 & 4 syllabus (RYA Level 3 for those over 16) to improve their sailing skills and confidence.
Participants can expect to cover the following:
- Improved rigging
- Sailing theory
- Building confidence in a range of sailing techniques
- Double-handed boat sailing
- Launching and return to a beach, jetty or mooring in moderate conditions.
Accommodation
Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre
Blairvadach, Shandon, Helensburgh G84 8NN
Blairvadach offers purpose built on-site accommodation ideally suited to activity groups, comprising of comfortable bunk rooms, recreation lounge and games room, indoor learning spaces, dining room, drying rooms and showers/changing rooms.
ASC Portland & Portland House
Andrew Simpson Centres Portland, Osprey Quay, Portland DT5 1SA
Our Portland residential option will include on-water training at the Andrew Simpson Centre (ASC) Portland, with dedicated changing and drying facilities and sea-view cafeteria. Overnight accommodation will be a stone’s throw away at Portland House.
What to bring
We’ll provide all the watersports equipment needed to get out on the water, including a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, waterproof top, and helmet. Your instructor will guide you on what to wear depending on the weather.
Please bring:
- Swimwear (to wear under a wetsuit)
- A towel
- A refillable water bottle
- Sun cream
- A full change of clothes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g. warm layers or light clothing on hot days)
- A pair of closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old trainers are ideal)
- A spare pair of dry shoes
- Lunch for the first day – all other meals will be provided
- Healthy snacks – for a quick pick up around mealtimes
If you have your own watersports clothing or equipment, you’re welcome to bring it along.
Food options
To be confirmed.
Further information
If you would like to speak to us before booking, or to talk about an existing booking, please contact our Youth Crew team on 0330 236 8090 or youthsailing@rnsa.org.uk.
