From £ 275
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £ 205
Poole, Dorset
From £ 220
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £ 595
Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
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This course focuses on developing the core skills and knowledge you need to take part in dinghy racing at club level. It blends practical sailing sessions with shore-based learning to ensure you understand both the physical and tactical elements of racing.
By the end of the course, you should feel confident taking part in club races and continuing your development as a competitive sailor. Your instructor will provide personalised feedback and may suggest areas to focus on for progression. Most centres run informal races as part of the course so you can put your new skills into practice straight away.
Completing the RYA Start Racing course opens the door to a new and competitive side of sailing. You’ll be ready to take part in club-level dinghy races and apply what you’ve learned to improve your performance each time you compete. The course helps demystify racing by breaking it down into manageable skills—like starting sequences, mark rounding, and basic tactics—so you’re not overwhelmed when you first line up on a start line.
Many sailors go on to join their local sailing club’s regular racing series or take part in regattas and open meetings. It also provides a solid foundation for the RYA Intermediate Racing course, where you’ll explore advanced tactics, boat tuning, and performance optimisation. Whether you want to race seriously or just sharpen your sailing skills, this course is a great way to make your time on the water more dynamic and rewarding.
And don’t forget—adventuro lists hundreds of sailing lessons, tours, and rentals across the UK, so you can put your new racing skills to the test wherever you go.
The RYA Start Racing course typically runs over two days, with around 12–16 hours of combined on-water and classroom time. Some centres may deliver it over a series of weekends or evenings, depending on local conditions and group size.
The RYA Start Racing course does not have a formal written or practical exam. Instead, assessment is continuous, with instructors providing feedback as you participate in on-the-water sessions. You'll cover core racing skills like start sequences, basic rules, windward-leeward tactics, and mark rounding. Instructors will observe your ability to handle the boat efficiently and make tactical decisions in real-time. The focus is on building confidence and fluency in race environments rather than passing a test. Upon successful completion, you'll receive the RYA Start Racing certificate—evidence that you're ready to compete in club-level racing. Many centres offer structured debriefs after each session to help you reflect and improve. You can explore and book this course from a range of certified RYA centres on adventuro.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesYes, you'll need to be comfortable handling a dinghy before taking this course. The RYA recommends that you have completed the Level 2: Basic Skills course or have equivalent experience. This ensures you're confident with launching, rigging, tacking, gybing, and basic boat handling skills—so you can focus on learning racing strategies rather than boat control.
The course introduces you to the fundamentals of racing in small sailing boats. You'll learn about start sequences, basic racing rules, boat tuning for speed, mark rounding, and simplified tactics for upwind and downwind legs. Expect plenty of time on the water with practice races and feedback from your instructor to help you improve with every session.
Typically, the RYA Start Racing course takes place over two full days. Some training centres may offer it over a series of evening sessions or split weekends. The structure can vary slightly between centres, but you can expect around 12–16 hours of practical instruction and debriefs.
The course is usually taught in single- or double-handed dinghies, depending on the centre and your previous sailing experience. Common boats include Laser, Topper, RS Feva, or similar classes. The key is to develop transferable racing skills, so the boat type matters less than the racing experience itself.
Yes, it's suitable for both. Many centres offer separate sessions for juniors and adults to ensure appropriate pacing and group dynamics. Junior sailors usually need to have completed the Stage 3 or 4 Youth Sailing Scheme level before enrolling. Always check with your chosen centre for age-specific course availability.
No, most RYA training centres provide all necessary equipment, including boats, buoyancy aids, and safety gear. You'll need to bring suitable clothing—usually a wetsuit or waterproof layers, non-slip footwear, and a towel. Some centres may require you to bring gloves or a logbook, so it's best to confirm when booking.
Yes, you'll be ready to start racing at club level. The course gives you the confidence to enter local dinghy races and understand how a race works. Many sailors go on to join regular club racing series or regattas after completing this course. It's a great foundation for further RYA Racing Modules like Intermediate Racing.
Yes, successful participants receive the RYA Start Racing certificate. It's not a formal licence, but it demonstrates that you've been trained in the fundamentals of small boat racing and are ready to participate in organised club events.
You can book the Start Racing course at a wide range of RYA-recognised sailing centres across the UK. adventuro has a large and growing list of partner centres offering this course, with clear booking options, reviews, and availability—so you can find the right location and date for you.