RYA Pre-Entry Training Day in Poole

Focused preparation for sailors aged 16+ who want to feel ready before taking the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment. This one-day training session is designed to refresh advanced sailing skills, fine-tune techniques, and build confidence on the water in a supportive setting. Time is spent practising key manoeuvres and ironing out habits that often catch people out during assessment.

🧭 Key Details

• Course type: RYA Pre-Entry Training Day
• Duration: 1 day
• Ages: 16+
• Experience level: Advanced

⛵ Key Skills

• Refining advanced boat handling techniques
• Improving sail trim and boat balance
• Executing manoeuvres cleanly and consistently
• Building confidence under assessment-style conditions
• Recognising and correcting common faults

📘 Course Breakdown

The day begins with an onshore briefing to outline what the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment involves and which areas are most commonly assessed. Attention is given to expectations, standards, and how manoeuvres should look when performed confidently and under control. This sets a clear focus for the day and helps sailors understand where to concentrate their efforts.

Time on the water is practical and purposeful, working through manoeuvres at assessment level with coaching and feedback throughout. Instructors observe closely, offering tips to improve consistency, efficiency, and boat control. Sessions are adapted to conditions on the day, ensuring sailors experience realistic scenarios while having the chance to repeat and improve key skills.

📍 Location

Training takes place within Poole Harbour, an area well suited to advanced dinghy sailing practice. Sheltered waters allow focused skill work, while tidal influence provides realistic conditions similar to those used during assessments.

Easy access between shore and water supports regular pauses for feedback and discussion, helping sailors quickly apply improvements when heading back out.

✅ Prerequisites

Sailors should already be confident handling a dinghy independently and working at an advanced standard. This day is aimed at those planning to take the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment and is not suitable for beginners or improvers.

Completion of the training day does not replace the assessment itself but is designed to help sailors feel prepared and confident before taking it.

🌊 Why Choose Us

The centre regularly supports sailors progressing towards instructor qualifications and understands exactly what the RYA is looking for at pre-entry level. Coaching is direct, practical, and focused on helping sailors present their skills clearly and calmly.

Small group sizes ensure plenty of individual feedback, with time to ask questions and revisit manoeuvres until they feel right. The aim is to leave the day feeling prepared rather than pressured.