RYA Dinghy Senior Instructor is the leadership step for experienced Dinghy Instructors who want to run courses, not only deliver them. You learn to organise fleets, supervise instructors and keep RYA training coherent when the wind, parents and three different ability groups all demand attention at once.
The course is usually two weekends or four full days in a regional format. Assessment is continuous: you lead sessions, manage staff and show the judgement expected of a principal's deputy on a busy training beach.
Entry needs solid instructing history, a principal recommendation, completed Senior Instructor workbook, first aid, Safety Boat and current Safe and Fun. Someone sensible has to coordinate the radios when six beginners capsize together.
Dinghy Senior Instructor is a regional training course with continuous assessment by RYA Coach Assessors.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesIt is the RYA qualification for leading dinghy training programmes and supervising other instructors. Senior Instructors organise courses on the National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme rather than only teaching their own group.
Think course manager with a lifejacket, not just a faster sailor than the staff.
Valid Dinghy Instructor, two years intermittent or one year full-time instructing since qualifying, principal recommendation, completed workbook, first aid, Safety Boat and Safe and Fun.
Leave a comment when you book with your instructing hours and principal contact if the recommendation is still in progress.
Four whole days, usually arranged as two weekends on regional Senior Instructor courses.
Some regions cluster dates to reduce travel. Confirm the exact timetable when your place is confirmed.
Senior Instructor uses continuous assessment across the regional course rather than a separate final moderation visit like Dinghy Instructor.
Assessors watch leadership tasks, sailing standard and staff management throughout.
RYA Safety Boat is a stated prerequisite because Senior Instructors coordinate rescue cover and must understand powerboat support operations.
Even if you rarely drive the safety boat, you will task others who do.
Your training centre principal signs confirmation that you are ready for Senior Instructor training. It is not a casual reference; it reflects observed leadership and instructing history.
Speak to your principal months before you book, not the week before the course.
Eighteen on the course. Senior Instructor roles carry safeguarding and employment responsibilities beyond junior instructor minimums.
Centres may still prefer more life experience for commercial lead roles.
Keelboat Instructors follow the Keelboat Senior Instructor pathway with the same broad leadership outcomes on keelboat fleets.
This listing is for the dinghy route. Leave a comment when you book if you need the multihull or keelboat variant.
You can organise and manage RYA courses and supervise instructors at centres that appoint you to Senior Instructor duties.
Insurance and employment terms remain centre-specific. The certificate opens the door; the principal gives you the keys.
The Senior Instructor workbook collects leadership scenarios and reflection tasks. Complete it before day one so trainers can focus on practical leadership rather than catching up on paperwork.
Your centre sends the current workbook link with joining instructions.
Regional Senior Instructor courses are listed on adventuro when centres publish open places. Places are limited and often fill early in the season.
Leave a comment when you book confirming your principal recommendation status and Safety Boat certificate number.
