sylwia
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
This intensive week is designed for sailors preparing for the RYA Dinghy Instructor pre-entry assessment. Focus is on refining advanced sailing techniques, coaching skills, and consolidating theory knowledge, giving candidates confidence for the assessment. Open to adults and older youth, the course is aimed at those who already hold RYA Advanced Sailing modules, including Seamanship Skills.
The week begins with focused on-water practice, revisiting advanced sailing manoeuvres and seamanship techniques to ensure confidence and consistency. Candidates refine skills such as sail trim, boat handling under varied conditions, and manoeuvres commonly assessed in the Pre-Entry Assessment.
Midweek sessions introduce coaching scenarios, helping candidates develop their ability to give clear instruction and feedback. Theory knowledge is reviewed onshore, linking practical skills with teaching points. Instructors provide personalised feedback, ensuring candidates understand both technique and how to communicate it effectively.
The final day is dedicated to the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment. By this point, candidates have spent four days practising manoeuvres, consolidating theory, and rehearsing coaching techniques, allowing them to approach the assessment prepared and confident.
Sessions take place on Poole Harbour, offering sheltered waters for instruction while still providing tidal challenges that replicate typical assessment conditions. This environment allows candidates to practise manoeuvres with confidence while experiencing realistic sailing scenarios.
Nearby shore facilities support on-water sessions with space for briefings, debriefs, and theory discussions. Candidates can review techniques off the water and prepare for the assessment in a focused and structured setting.
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and hold the RYA Advanced Sailing modules, including Seamanship Skills. Prior experience sailing independently and confidently in varied conditions is essential.
The course is designed for those ready to progress toward instructor-level qualifications. Anyone unsure about readiness should contact the centre before booking.
Instruction is delivered by highly experienced RYA-qualified coaches familiar with assessment requirements. Small group sizes ensure candidates receive individual guidance on technique, coaching approach, and theory knowledge.
Structured practice combined with personalised feedback creates an environment where candidates can refine skills efficiently, build confidence, and approach the Pre-Entry Assessment fully prepared.
This week is designed for sailors who already hold RYA Advanced Sailing modules, including Seamanship Skills, and want to prepare for the RYA Dinghy Instructor Pre-Entry Assessment. It is ideal for candidates ready to consolidate advanced techniques and start applying coaching skills in practical scenarios.
Candidates must be at least 16 years old, and the course is generally best suited to older youth, teenagers, and adults who have strong independent sailing experience and are comfortable performing manoeuvres under instruction.
On-water sessions focus on refining advanced sailing manoeuvres such as boat handling under varied conditions, sail trim, tacking, gybing, anchoring, and steering without a rudder. These exercises mirror the requirements of the Pre-Entry Assessment, giving candidates the chance to build consistency and confidence.
Off the water, theory is revisited and coaching techniques are practised. Candidates learn to communicate clearly, manage a small group, and give constructive feedback, ensuring they can demonstrate both technical ability and teaching competence.
Four days are dedicated to practising the skills assessed in the Pre-Entry Assessment, including manoeuvres, seamanship, and on-water decision-making. Instructors provide individual guidance, identify areas for improvement, and help candidates apply skills effectively.
On the final day, candidates undertake the Pre-Entry Assessment with an RYA examiner. By that point, they have repeated manoeuvres, rehearsed coaching scenarios, and consolidated theory knowledge, making them confident and well-prepared for the assessment.
Previous coaching experience is not required. The course introduces coaching techniques progressively, starting with guidance on giving instructions, giving feedback, and managing small groups. Candidates practise these skills during on-water exercises alongside technical sailing practice.
The aim is to build both competence and confidence in a practical environment. Even candidates new to coaching can leave the course feeling capable of guiding others under the RYA framework.
Accommodation is not included. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own stays if travelling from further afield. The surrounding area offers a range of options, from guesthouses and hotels to self-catering properties, making it easy to find suitable arrangements.
Nearby accommodation supports easy access to the harbour for early starts, while allowing candidates to rest and review techniques in the evenings. Many participants choose to stay close to maximise on-water time and minimise travel each day.
Buoyancy aids are provided, and there are some waterproof jackets and trousers available if the weather is wet. Candidates are encouraged to bring their own waterproof kit, suitable footwear, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle.
Personal equipment such as hats, gloves, or wetsuits may also improve comfort during longer on-water sessions. Having reliable kit ensures candidates can focus on skills rather than discomfort.
Yes. The course is open to both adults and older teenagers who meet the prerequisites. Age is less important than experience and confidence, so groups may include a mix of ages.
Small group sizes allow instructors to tailor guidance individually, ensuring everyone receives feedback appropriate to their experience and skill level.
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
An excellent practical and well explained course - Fin is very knowledgeable and experienced and this was evidenced through both days.
Had a fantastic time. Our instructor Steve was brilliant. We learnt so much. Would absolutely recommend.
it was a very exciting experience in a nice group of people☺️ I recommend it to everyone!
Good trainer, learn more than I expected
Operated by Rockley Watersports, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £150
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £780
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £780
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £780
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £450
