Step into the world of sailing instruction with this practical Assistant Dinghy Instructor course. Designed for young sailors considering a future RYA instructor pathway, the course provides hands-on experience supporting sessions both on the water and ashore. You’ll build confidence, understand session delivery, and begin developing essential communication and safety skills.
You will spend the day alongside qualified RYA instructors, observing and assisting with both on-water and shore-based teaching activities. Practical involvement will include helping set up sessions, briefing sailors, supporting safety procedures, and providing guided assistance during sailing exercises.
The course emphasises learning by doing and observing, giving insight into how instructors manage groups, maintain safety, and adapt their delivery to meet the needs of different learners. You’ll gain a strong understanding of session structure, timing, and the RYA teaching method.
By the end of the day, you will have developed a foundation of instructing knowledge and practical skills that prepares you to support sailing sessions effectively and progress towards the full RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification.
Based at Forest Row in East Sussex, the course operates on a calm and sheltered area of the reservoir ideal for learning instructing techniques safely. The site includes designated zones for beginner and intermediate sailing sessions, along with accessible shore facilities to support practical and observational learning.
Nearby woodland paths and scenic views offer a pleasant environment for breaks and reflection, while the reservoir’s layout provides clear boundaries to ensure both safety and structured session management.
Applicants should be confident sailors with experience in dinghy sailing. No formal prior instructing qualifications are required, but an interest in teaching and supporting others is essential. The course is ideal for those considering a pathway to becoming a full RYA Dinghy Instructor.
Candidates should be able to follow instructions carefully, communicate effectively with peers, and demonstrate responsibility and safety awareness while assisting during sessions. This course is structured to allow observation and practical involvement without independent instruction.
The centre provides a safe, structured, and welcoming environment to explore a future in sailing instruction. With qualified RYA instructors guiding the course, you’ll receive professional mentoring and clear insight into session delivery, group management, and teaching principles.
You will benefit from being in a natural reservoir setting with dedicated areas for instructional activity, allowing focused learning without distractions. The emphasis on hands-on involvement, observation, and supportive coaching ensures a realistic and practical introduction to the instructor pathway.
No, this course does not provide a formal qualification to teach sailing independently. It is designed as a preparatory step, giving you hands-on experience and an understanding of session delivery, group management, and safety supervision under the guidance of qualified RYA instructors. You will observe real teaching situations, assist with on-water and shore-based activities, and participate in exercises that simulate instructing scenarios without taking full responsibility for the group.
This approach ensures that you gain insight into the skills, behaviours, and safety awareness required to instruct, without being expected to lead sessions on your own. Completing the course will give you confidence and practical knowledge, helping you assess whether pursuing the full RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is the right step for you.
Candidates should be confident sailors with practical experience handling dinghies in a variety of conditions. You do not need formal instructor qualifications, but you should feel comfortable rigging, launching, and handling a boat safely. Familiarity with basic sailing techniques and understanding water safety principles will help you get the most from the day.
This course also expects a level of personal responsibility and the ability to support others safely. Those attending should be prepared to observe carefully, follow instructor directions precisely, and engage in practical exercises that build foundational instructing skills. The emphasis is on observation, assistance, and reflection rather than independent decision-making at this stage.
Practical involvement is central to the course, though always under the supervision of experienced RYA instructors. You will assist with rigging, help brief sailors on tasks, support safety checks, and participate in on-water exercises where you can guide sailors in basic manoeuvres, always with instructor oversight. This allows you to experience the flow of a full sailing session from start to finish.
Observation is equally important: you will see how instructors manage groups, maintain engagement, adapt teaching to different learners, and respond to safety concerns. The combination of observation and guided practical work ensures you develop a clear understanding of instructor responsibilities before progressing further.
Qualified RYA instructors supervise every session and ensure all safety protocols are followed rigorously. You will learn about risk assessment, group management, emergency procedures, and how to maintain a safe environment for beginners on the water. Safety demonstrations will illustrate what to do in common scenarios such as capsizes, overboard situations, and equipment issues.
The course setting in a calm, sheltered area of the reservoir minimises risk while providing realistic conditions for observation and assisted participation. You will be introduced to safety equipment usage, communication systems, and contingency planning, which are all essential skills for anyone aiming to instruct in a professional capacity.
Yes, this course is an established stepping-stone toward the RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification. By completing it, you will gain insight into the teaching method, instructor responsibilities, session structure, and safety standards required for full instructor training. The experience also helps you understand the time commitment, skill level, and professionalism expected of a qualified instructor.
The skills and knowledge gained here will make transitioning to the full instructor course smoother, as you will already be familiar with the processes for planning, delivering, and supporting sessions. Instructors can provide guidance on next steps, making this an invaluable foundation for anyone aiming for a professional instructing pathway.
No personal equipment is required for this course; all necessary gear, including safety equipment and instructional tools, is provided. However, you should wear suitable clothing that can get wet and is appropriate for current weather conditions, and footwear that allows safe movement on wet surfaces.
Bringing a water bottle, snacks, and sun protection is also recommended, especially if conditions are warm or sunny. Being properly prepared ensures you can fully focus on the practical learning aspects and make the most of your day assisting with sailing sessions.
About the centre
Weir Wood Reservoir, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5HT
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