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Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
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Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
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Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
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Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
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Assessment is continuous and practical throughout the course. Instructors will provide feedback and support to help each sailor develop at their own pace. Successful completion is based on demonstrating the required skills and knowledge with a degree of independence, not on passing a formal test.
All RYA centres follow the same official syllabus, though the exact format and teaching style may vary. Conditions like wind strength and water type (inland lake vs. coastal bay) can also affect how skills are taught.
After completing RYA Youth Sailing Stage 2, young sailors will be able to sail a dinghy with growing confidence in light winds, on all points of sail. They’ll have a stronger grasp of basic boat controls, including steering, sail trim, and tacking and gybing safely. Importantly, they’ll begin to demonstrate the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for preparing and handling their boat, including launching and recovering with some independence.
Stage 2 is a key stepping stone in the Youth Sailing Scheme. It opens up access to Stage 3, where sailors refine their technique and start sailing in a wider range of conditions. It also prepares young people for joining local sailing clubs, taking part in beginner-level races, or just enjoying fun sessions on the water with friends and family. Many sailing centres offer youth clubs and supervised practice sessions for Stage 2 graduates to continue building skills.
As with all RYA qualifications, this stage is widely recognised and transferable between centres in the UK and abroad, making it easy to continue your training wherever you are. Browse adventuro to find your next sailing adventure.
The course usually takes around 2 full days to complete, or approximately 16 hours of instruction. Some centres may offer the course over a series of shorter sessions depending on conditions and group size. Practical, on-the-water time makes up the majority of the course.
The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stage 2 is assessed continuously by a qualified RYA instructor throughout the course. Students demonstrate key skills such as rigging, launching, basic sailing manoeuvres (like tacking and gybing), and capsize recovery. The focus is on building confidence and control while sailing a dinghy in light winds. Instructors provide guidance and feedback as students progress, with plenty of time for practice. Assessment is practical and informal, based on observed performance rather than a formal test. Most centres provide feedback at the end of the course, and successful participants receive their Stage 2 certificate. Adventuro makes it easy to find and book recognised RYA centres that follow these standards.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesIn Stage 2, young sailors learn how to sail a dinghy independently in light winds. Key skills include tacking, gybing, steering to a course, controlling boat speed, and basic capsize recovery. They'll also improve their understanding of wind direction and how to set sails correctly. It’s a hands-on course designed to build competence and confidence on the water.
It’s strongly recommended. Stage 1 introduces the basic parts of the boat, how to launch and land, and how to sail under supervision. Stage 2 builds on this by developing independent sailing skills. If your child has equivalent experience but no formal Stage 1 certificate, speak to the centre — they might recommend a refresher first.
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Instructors observe each participant as they complete key tasks like tacking, gybing, and capsize recovery. There’s no formal exam — the goal is to ensure students can safely and confidently sail a dinghy in light conditions. Feedback is given throughout, and successful sailors are awarded their RYA Stage 2 certificate.
Most RYA centres use stable, single-sail dinghies for Stage 2, such as the Optimist, RS Tera, or Topper. These are ideal for young sailors to handle and build confidence. Some centres may use double-handed boats with an instructor or another student onboard. The exact boat type may vary, but all are suitable for the age group and skill level.
Stage 2 is typically designed for children aged 8 to 16. The minimum age can vary slightly by centre, but most children start Stage 2 once they’ve completed Stage 1 and feel confident sailing on their own. Centres will group students by age and experience to make sure everyone feels comfortable and supported.
No, all essential equipment is usually provided by the training centre, including the boat, buoyancy aid, and sometimes wetsuits. You’ll need to bring suitable clothing for sailing — a wetsuit or warm layers, waterproof jacket, old trainers or water shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes. Each centre will send a recommended kit list after booking.
RYA centres are experienced in adapting to weather conditions. If it’s too windy or stormy to sail safely, instructors may run land-based sessions on theory, boat rigging, or knots. Light rain usually doesn’t stop sailing, as students are already dressed for the conditions. Safety is always the top priority.
Stage 2 typically runs over 2 full days or 4 half-days, depending on the centre. Some offer it as a weekend course, while others run it over several afternoons or school holiday sessions. Check details when booking through adventuro’s sailing course listings — we cover a wide range of options across the UK.
Once a student has completed Stage 2, they can move on to Stage 3. This next step builds on the foundations by introducing more advanced sailing techniques, including sailing in different wind conditions and more precise boat handling. It’s ideal for those keen to become fully independent sailors.