START SAILING LEVEL 1
The course provides a short introduction to sailing for novices. By the end of the course participants will have a basic understanding of boat handling techniques and background knowledge.

BASIC SKILLS LEVEL 2
On completion of this course the successful sailor will be safety conscious, have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing without an instructor on board in light winds. It will be assumed that every student starting this course has already mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required for Start Sailing Level 1.
 

ADVANCED COURSES
It will be assumed that every student starting the following courses has mastered the practical skills and absorbed the background knowledge required for Basic Skills Level 2

SEAMANSHIP SKILLS
On completion of this course the successful sailor will be capable of manoeuvring a dinghy in a seaman like manner and making seamanlike decisions in moderate conditions.

The emphasis is on increasing the self reliance and decision making of the sailor.

DAY SAILING
On completion of this course the successful sailor will have a confident, safe approach to planning and executing a short cruise in a dinghy.

Sailors wishing to cruise independently should ensure that they understand and can carry out the manoeuvres in the Seamanship Skills part of the National Sailing Scheme (see above)

SAILING WITH SPINNAKERS
On completion of this course the successful sailor will understand how to sail a dinghy rigged with a asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker.

START RACING
This course is designed to give the confidence, skills and knowledge to take part in club racing in good conditions.

Confidence is essential if the sailor is to enjoy racing. The course involves the sailor in a range of enjoyable exercises designed to improve confidence and to improve skills through practice.

Tuition will be given buy a racing instructor or club coach in dinghies.

Much or all of the work afloat will be done without an instructor on board so the student to instructor ratio may increased according to the conditions.

PERFORMANCE SAILING
On completing of the course the sailor will understand how to sail performance dinghies In all wind conditions they can expect to encounter, sailing the boat to the best advantage at all times.

The emphasis is on coaching to improve the candidates sailing performance. This will involve coaching from powerboats.

The course is intended primarily for two person spinnaker boat, however it may be delivered in performance single handers and the certificate endorsed accordingly.

Tuition will be given by an advanced instructor for the type of boat using appropriate supervision ratios with regard to the location and competence of the students and the need to provide continuous feed back on the water.

In practical terms at least a full seasons sailing experience since learning to sail is advisable.
 

see RYA - Courses for more information about the RYA National Training Scheme