RYA Senior Instructor Course in Poole

Progressing beyond Dinghy Instructor, this RYA Senior Instructor course focuses on leadership, organisation, and delivering high-quality sailing sessions within a busy training environment. Over four full days, you’ll build the skills needed to supervise instructors, manage courses, and take responsibility for safe, effective activity delivery on the water.

🧭 Key Details

• Qualification: RYA Senior Instructor
• Duration: 4 days
• Ages: 18+
• Experience level: Advanced instructor pathway

⛵ Key Skills

• Planning and delivering structured sailing sessions
• Supervising instructors and managing groups afloat
• Powerboat handling in a teaching environment
• Applying RYA Sailing Schemes in real settings
• Decision-making and leadership within a centre

📘 Course Breakdown

Early stages of the course focus on understanding the role of a Senior Instructor within a training centre. Sessions cover how courses are planned, how instructors are supported, and how standards are maintained across multiple groups on the water. Time is spent discussing best practice, communication, and how to manage varied abilities within a single programme.

As the course progresses, candidates take a more active role in running water-based sessions. You’ll be assessed continuously while organising activities, supervising instructors, and responding to real-time challenges. Powerboat handling is developed further, with emphasis on positioning, safety oversight, and supporting learning rather than simply driving skills.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the four days rather than concentrated into a single test. Feedback is given regularly, allowing you to adjust, improve, and demonstrate consistency in leadership, judgement, and delivery by the end of the course.

📍 Location

Training takes place in Poole Harbour, offering a practical setting for leadership-focused sailing courses. The sheltered water allows multiple groups to operate safely at once, making it ideal for developing supervision and management skills.

Onshore facilities support planning sessions, briefings, and debriefs, giving space to reflect on delivery and discuss centre-wide decision-making.

✅ Prerequisites

Candidates must be aged 18 or over and already hold the RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification and RYA Safety Boat. A valid First Aid certificate and RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding are also required before attending.

This course is aimed at experienced instructors with significant background knowledge, typically gained through at least two years of part-time instructing or one year full-time. Confidence working within a busy centre environment is expected.

🌊 Why Choose Us

Instruction is delivered by highly experienced trainers who understand the realities of running active watersports centres. The course goes beyond theory, focusing on practical leadership skills that translate directly into real-world instructing roles.

Small groups ensure everyone has time to take responsibility, receive feedback, and develop at a steady pace. The supportive environment encourages open discussion, reflection, and steady progression into senior instructional roles.