RYA Sailing Level 1 in Brighton

We are located at Brighton Marina. You will be sent the full address and postcode upon booking, but here is a guide to finding us:

• By Car: Approaching the marina from the A27 take the B2123. Turn right at first set of traffic lights, signposted Brighton Town Centre, Racecourse and Marina Village. Turn left at second set of traffic lights, pass the Racecourse and follow the signs for the Marina Village where there is free parking for 1500 cars in the multi-storey car park. From the car park you can either go across a linking bridge on level 6 or from the ground floor of the car park towards all the waterfront cafes and bars. Walk to the end of the boarded walk way where there will be a large ramp heading down towards the pontoons. We are the first set of pontoons on the right. Pontoon 6.
• By Bike: Brighton Marina has a bike share station which is either pay per minute or a yearly membership. For your own bike, racks are available on the main concourses of the pontoons. You must use the racks and not leave bikes on the pontoons otherwise Premier Marina will take them away.
• By Bus: Brighton and Hove bus service operates a number 7 bus approximately every 15 minutes 24 hours a day, from Brighton Town Centre (North Street or Queens Road), to the Marina Village.
• On Foot: Brighton Marina is a pleasant walk along the seafront from the centre of Brighton, it is 20 minutes walk from the main West Pier. During the summer you will also find the Volks electric railway operates along the front.
• By Train: The nearest main line station is Brighton with regular connections to Chichester, Portsmouth and London is under an hour away.
• By Air: Brighton is within easy reach of Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. Follow the A23 from Gatwick to Brighton. Shoreham airport is also available for private light aircraft.

• Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
• Quick-drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
• Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
• Non-slip deck shoes, wetsuit shoes or trainers that don’t mark
• If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, or you can hire ours
• If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
• Packed lunch top have onboard

No previous sailing experience is required. The RYA Level 1 course is designed for complete beginners and covers everything you need to get started on the water. You’ll learn all the fundamental skills and gain a solid foundation in sailing.

The course covers the basics of sailing, including rigging, crewing, helming, and essential safety procedures. You’ll also learn how to handle the boat under sail, sail in all directions, and practice docking and coming alongside. Additionally, we introduce you to basic sailing theory and yacht handling under sail.

The RYA Level 1 course is two days long. Each day typically runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving you plenty of time for both practical sailing and theory. The exact schedule can vary depending on weather conditions, but expect a mix of hands-on sailing, boat handling, and some time onshore for brief theory sessions.

You will be sailing on our cruiser/racer yachts, such as the Beneteau 36.7 or Beneteau First 35, which offer great performance while being stable and comfortable for learning. These yachts are commercially coded and equipped with high-standard safety gear. For smaller groups or different conditions, we may also use our Delphia 24 keelboats, which are highly responsive and ideal for day sailing and racing practice.

We aim to sail in most weather conditions, but safety is our priority. If conditions are deemed unsafe, such as high winds or storms, we may adjust the schedule or reschedule the course. In light rain or moderate winds, the course will proceed as planned, so be sure to bring waterproof clothing.

The course takes place at Brighton Marina, an excellent location with a mix of sheltered and open waters. Brighton Marina offers great facilities for both beginners and experienced sailors, and the nearby city of Brighton makes it convenient for travel and accommodation.

RYA Level 1 is an introductory course for complete beginners, teaching the basics of crewing, helming, and yacht handling. After completing Level 1, you can move on to RYA Level 2, which builds on these foundations and teaches more advanced skills, such as independent sailing and additional boat handling techniques. Many people progress to RYA Level 2 to become more confident and competent sailors.

No, accommodation is not included in the course fee. This course is non-residential, so participants are responsible for their own accommodation. However, Brighton offers a range of accommodation options, from budget stays to more luxurious hotels, all close to the marina.

We keep our class sizes small, typically around 4-5 participants per instructor. This ensures you receive plenty of individual attention and hands-on practice time on the boat.

Yes, the RYA Level 1 course is open to children aged 12 and over, but parental consent is required for those under 18. The course is tailored to be enjoyable for both adults and younger participants, making it a great family activity or introduction to sailing for teenagers.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive the RYA Level 1 certificate. This certificate confirms that you have acquired basic sailing skills and are ready to progress to further sailing qualifications, such as RYA Level 2 or Competent Crew.

After finishing the RYA Level 1 course, most people move on to the RYA Level 2 course, where you’ll develop more advanced sailing skills and gain greater independence on the water. You may also want to take part in our Sailing Clinics or join one of our racing events to continue practicing and improving your sailing abilities.