The first step on the Instructor ladder.  Throughout this course we introduce the foundations of teaching sailing to beginners. Candidates will learn about land drills, running practical sessions, student safety and how to effectively communicate.

Pre-Requisites: skills equivalent to RYA Seamanship Skills and recommendation by Lead Instructor (we encourage the prospective candidate to make contact with us directly)

Assessment: continual assessment

Considerations: On successful completion the candidate will be qualified to assist teaching the RYA Stages 1-3 and RYA Levels 1-2 at the centre the course is completed (during the course we will cover both Helford River & Trevassack Lake locations)

Health Declaration: All RYA Instructors are required to sign a health declaration to ensure they have sufficient medical fitness to carry out their duty of care.  Further details can be obtained from the RYA website

Minimum age: 14+

Duration: 3 days (to cover both Helford River and Trevassack Lake locations)

Dates for 2022: 19-21 April. Please note we are likely to run more training throughout the year, so please do get in contact if you are not able to make this date

Maximum Teaching Ratio: 6:1

Boats Used: Single-hander dinghies & double handed dinghies

Cost: £160

Included in the cost of the course:

• All specialist kit (buoyancy aid, helmet, dinghy equipment)

Additional items you will need to bring:

• RYA National Sailing Scheme Instructor Handbook (G14)
• Suitable footwear & sailing kit
• Notepad & pen
• Refreshments (minimum water bottle)

A comprehensive list of items to bring will be available in the joining instructions

A one-day assessment to determine whether you have the necessary ability to take the RYA Dinghy Instructor course

Pre-Requisites: Before attending this assessment, you should be confident you can sail to the standard required, outlined in the RYA National Sailing Scheme Instructor Handbook (G14) or on the RYA Website

Health Declaration: All RYA Instructors are required to sign a health declaration to ensure they have sufficient medical fitness to carry out their duty of care.  Further details can be obtained from the RYA website

Minimum age: 15+

Duration: 1 day

Maximum Teaching Ratio: 6:1

Boats Used: Double-hander dinghies

Cost: £90

COVID-19 Alterations: Currently the pre-entry will be delivered only in single-hander dinghies.  When restrictions ease to allow mixing of households in the same boat, the pre-entry will revert back to double-handers

Included in the cost of the course:

• All specialist kit (buoyancy aid, helmet, dinghy equipment)

Additional items you will need to bring:

• RYA National Sailing Scheme Instructor Handbook (G14)
• Suitable footwear & sailing kit
• Refreshments (minimum water bottle)

A comprehensive list of items to bring will be available in the joining instructions

This 5-day course is an intensive and enjoyable introduction into the role of the Dinghy Instructor. You will learn and practice effective methods and techniques needed to successfully plan, deliver and review sailing sessions. 

Pre-Requisites: RYA Pre-Entry Assessment (completed within 12 months of course start date), RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding, RYA Membership (a valid RYA membership number will be required for the end of the course). A recognised first aid qualification will need to be obtained and maintained prior to fulfilling the RYA Instructor role. 

Assessment: continual assessment, with moderation on the final day with a second, independent Coach

Health Declaration: All RYA Instructors are required to sign a health declaration to ensure they have sufficient medical fitness to carry out their duty of care.  Further details can be obtained from the RYA website

Minimum Age: 16+

Duration: 5 days (please note these are long days, with work and reading set each evening)

Maximum Teaching Ratio: 6:1

Boats Used: Single-hander and double-hander dinghies

Cost: £385

COVID-19 Alterations: Due to the restrictions not allow mixing of households in the same boat (double-handers), the DI course will solely be delivered in single-handers.  This will reduce the course duration to 3 days (to include the moderation).  Candidates will need to complete the remaining 2 days (focussing on double-hander teaching skills) at a time to be decided (when restrictions allow).  There will be no additional cost to this.  Candidates will only be recognised to teach single-handers until the double-hander bolt-on is completed.

Included in the cost of the course:

• All specialist kit (buoyancy aid, helmet, dinghy equipment)

Additional items you will need to bring:

• RYA National Sailing Scheme Instructor Handbook (G14)
• Suitable footwear & sailing kit
• Notepad & pen
• Refreshments (minimum water bottle)

A comprehensive list of items to bring will be available in the joining instructions