sylwia
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
Progression towards becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor starts here, with a formal assessment day focused on advanced sailing ability. The RYA Pre-Entry Assessment is a required step before joining the instructor course and is designed to confirm confidence, control, and consistency on the water. Sailors attending should already be comfortable sailing at an advanced level and ready to demonstrate their skills under assessment conditions.
Assessment day begins with an onshore briefing outlining how the day will run, what assessors are looking for, and how skills are judged. Expectations are clearly explained so sailors understand the standard required and how their sailing will be observed throughout the day.
Time on the water focuses on demonstrating advanced sailing techniques rather than coaching or practice. Sailors are asked to perform a range of manoeuvres that show control, awareness, and good decision-making. Seamanship skills form a key part of the assessment, with emphasis on calm handling, accuracy, and consistency rather than speed.
Sailing takes place within Poole Harbour, an ideal environment for advanced assessment sailing. Sheltered waters allow clear observation of technique, while tidal conditions provide a realistic setting for testing seamanship skills.
Shore facilities nearby support briefings and debriefs, ensuring the day runs smoothly and professionally.
Candidates must be aged 16 or over and already sailing to RYA Advanced standard, including completion of RYA Seamanship Skills. This assessment is mandatory before attending the RYA Dinghy Instructor course.
Anyone unsure whether they meet the required standard is strongly encouraged to complete a training day or preparation week beforehand.
The assessment is hosted by a centre with long-standing experience delivering instructor pathways and supporting sailors through RYA qualifications. Clear organisation and familiarity with RYA standards help ensure the day is fair, structured, and focused.
Experienced assessors understand the pressure candidates may feel and aim to create a professional but calm environment, allowing sailors to show their true ability on the water.
The car parking area at Rockley Point is owned and administered by Rockley Park and not ourselves. Charges are made for car parking (half price if you are taking a course with us) and do not apply if you are simply picking up or dropping off others on courses with Rockley Watersports.
Upon registration, you will receive a detailed kit list. Generally, you should bring comfortable, weather-appropriate sailing attire, sunscreen, a water bottle, and any personal sailing gear you prefer using, although standard equipment is provided.
The minimum age requirement is 16. There is no maximum age limit, but participants should be physically able to handle the demands of sailing and teaching on the water.
While accommodation is not included in the course fee, the centre located near a variety of lodging options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to more comfortable hotels. We can provide recommendations based on your preferences and budget. There is also on-site accommodation, subject to availability, at an additional fee.
It's highly recommended to have consistent sailing practice prior to the assessment. You can also take advantage of the practice day offered the Saturday before the assessment or join the Instructor Preparation Week for extensive preparation. Both can be booked at the bottom of this page.
If you do not pass the assessment, you can discuss your areas for improvement with the assessor and rebook the assessment for another date. Many candidates benefit from additional practice and training before re-attempting.
There is no set limit on the number of times you can attempt the assessment. However, it’s important to use feedback constructively and ensure adequate preparation between attempts.
If possible, scheduling the assessment immediately after a practice or training day is ideal as the skills and feedback are fresh. Otherwise, plan for no more than a few weeks later to maintain skill sharpness.
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!
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.
Operated by Rockley Watersports, a partner of adventuro.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £125
