RYA Dinghy Sailing Instructor Course in Poole

Stepping into instructing starts here for confident sailors aged 16+. This RYA Dinghy Instructor course focuses on how to teach sailing effectively, manage groups safely, and deliver sessions that are clear, engaging, and well structured. Over five full days, time is split between practical teaching afloat and shore-based sessions that build confidence as an instructor rather than just a sailor.

🧭 Key Details

• Qualification: RYA Dinghy Instructor
• Duration: 5 days
• Ages: 16+
• Group size: Small groups
• Experience level: Advanced

⛵ Key Skills

• Delivering the RYA teaching method afloat and ashore
• Managing groups and maintaining safety on the water
• Demonstrating and explaining sailing manoeuvres clearly
• Giving effective feedback and adapting sessions to learners
• Understanding session structure, planning, and progression

📘 Course Breakdown

Focus during the early part of the week is on understanding how the RYA approach to teaching works in practice. Sessions cover lesson structure, communication styles, and how to break skills down so they make sense to beginners. Time on the water is spent practising demonstrations, improving personal sailing to instructor standard, and learning how to spot and correct common mistakes.

As the week progresses, emphasis shifts towards real teaching scenarios. Candidates take turns leading sessions, managing groups, and responding to changing conditions while being supported with detailed feedback from instructors. Shore-based sessions cover safety management, risk awareness, and the responsibilities that come with teaching others. The course is practical, hands-on, and designed to build confidence in front of a group.

📍 Location

Training takes place within Poole Harbour, an area well known for its mix of sheltered water and tidal influence. Conditions allow instructors-in-training to practise teaching in environments that reflect real-world sailing centres, from calm introductory sessions to more demanding scenarios.

Onshore facilities support the course with space for briefings, lesson planning, and group discussions. Easy access between shore and water allows sessions to flow naturally between theory and practice throughout the day.

✅ Prerequisites

Candidates must be confident sailors with experience equivalent to the RYA Advanced Sailing modules, including RYA Seamanship Skills. Before attending the course, the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment must be completed, along with RYA Powerboat Level 2, a valid First Aid certificate, and RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding.

Anyone unsure about readiness or required qualifications is encouraged to check before booking, as the course moves at a steady pace and assumes a strong foundation on the water.

🌊 Why Choose Us

The centre has a long history of training instructors who go on to work in watersports centres and sailing schools around the world. Courses are delivered by experienced RYA Trainer Instructors who understand what employers look for and how to support candidates through the jump from sailor to instructor.

Small group sizes mean plenty of time for individual feedback, coaching, and confidence building. Emphasis is placed on supportive development, helping each candidate find their own teaching style while meeting the RYA standard.