From £ 450
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £ 150
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £ 450
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £ 240
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £ 360
Chorley, Lancashire
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The RYA Dinghy Instructor course focuses on developing your ability to teach safe, engaging and effective dinghy sailing sessions. The course covers both practical and theoretical elements of instruction and is delivered by an RYA Coach/Assessor. Assessment is continuous, with feedback and support throughout.
Assessment is ongoing and based on your ability to deliver safe, engaging sessions that meet RYA standards. Final sign-off is by an independent RYA Coach/Assessor, and successful candidates will receive the RYA Dinghy Instructor certificate. Unsuccessful candidates may be advised to gain more experience before reassessment.
Each centre may vary slightly in delivery, but all follow the official RYA syllabus. Check with your training centre for specific course dates, formats and equipment provision. And remember, adventuro lists hundreds of sailing centres, lessons and instructor courses nationwide—perfect for finding your next step.
Once qualified, an RYA Dinghy Instructor can teach the RYA National Sailing Scheme up to Level 3 (Better Sailing) and the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme up to Stage 3. You’ll be able to work at RYA-recognised Training Centres across the UK and internationally, delivering structured, progressive sailing tuition to both adults and children.
This qualification is often the first step into a career in watersports instruction. It can lead to seasonal or year-round employment opportunities at clubs, outdoor centres, and holiday resorts. It also opens the door to further instructor qualifications, such as Senior Instructor or endorsements for multihull or keelboat instruction.
Instructors are expected to keep their teaching skills and safety certificates up to date. Many centres also look for additional skills like powerboat driving, safety boat handling, or working with young people. With experience, you can progress within the RYA training scheme or diversify into other disciplines like windsurfing or foiling.
The RYA Dinghy Instructor course typically runs over five consecutive days. This includes both training and assessment, with long on-the-water sessions and interactive classroom time. Some centres may offer the course over two weekends. Expect full days, often from 09:00 to 17:00 or later, depending on weather and daylight.
The RYA Dinghy Instructor course is assessed continuously by an RYA Coach/Assessor over five days. You'll be evaluated on your personal sailing ability, safety awareness, communication, and instructional technique. Expect to deliver short land-based briefings and on-the-water sessions to real or mock students. Your sailing must be at a strong standard, demonstrating good boat handling and seamanship across a range of conditions. The final assessment includes moderation by a second RYA Trainer to ensure consistency and fairness. Centres may vary in how practice sessions are structured, but all follow RYA’s official syllabus. Feedback is supportive and focused on helping you succeed. If you need extra coaching, some centres offer this ahead of your assessment. You can browse and book different training centres on adventuro’s dedicated sailing pages.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesYou’ll need to be at least 16 years old and hold the RYA Safety Boat certificate, a valid RYA First Aid certificate, and the RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing certificate (or equivalent experience). You must also pass a pre-entry sailing assessment showing good personal sailing skills and knowledge of the five essentials.
The pre-entry assessment is a one-day practical test run by an RYA Trainer. It checks your personal sailing ability in double-handed dinghies, including boat handling, tacking, gybing, man-overboard recovery, and sailing efficiently on all points of sail. You must pass this before joining the instructor course.
The RYA Dinghy Instructor course typically runs over five consecutive days. It combines practical on-water sessions, classroom-based theory, and peer teaching exercises. Some centres offer the course over two weekends, but most follow a Monday to Friday format.
You’ll usually train and teach in a mix of single and double-handed dinghies that are commonly used at training centres, such as RS Visions, Wayfarers, or Laser Picos. The course focuses on teaching beginners and early improvers, so the boats used reflect that level.
Most centres provide boats and safety equipment, but you’ll likely need to bring personal sailing gear such as a wetsuit or drysuit, buoyancy aid, gloves, and suitable footwear. Always check with your chosen centre to confirm what’s included and what to bring.
Yes, in most cases you’ll deliver short sessions to either your course peers or actual beginner students under supervision. This gives you a safe and supportive environment to develop your teaching style and receive feedback from experienced RYA Trainers.
Yes, but the course is designed to support your success. Continuous assessment means you receive feedback throughout. If an area needs improvement, you’ll have time to work on it. If you don’t meet the standard by the end, you may be offered a deferred pass or advice on further training before reassessment.
If successful, you’ll become an RYA Dinghy Instructor, allowing you to teach RYA Level 1 and 2 courses, Start Sailing, and Youth Stages 1–3 at recognised training centres. The certificate is valid for five years, provided you stay current with first aid and centre updates.
You can explore and book RYA Dinghy Instructor courses through adventuro’s sailing pages. We list a range of accredited centres across the UK, each with real reviews and clear information on kit, dates, and pricing.