RYA Level 1 Dinghy Sailing at Upton Warren, Worcestershire

No prior sailing experience is required to join the course. It is designed specifically for beginners, and instructors will guide you through all the basics, from understanding wind direction to handling the dinghy.

All practical exercises are done under supervision, so you can learn at your own pace. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation to continue learning or progress to higher-level RYA courses.

You should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing. A long-sleeved top, trousers, and waterproof jacket are recommended, along with footwear suitable for water, such as trainers or sailing shoes.

Participants should also bring a change of clothes, a towel, and sun protection if applicable. Personal items should be kept in a dry bag or left in a secure location, as the course involves practical time on the water.

Participants need to be water confident rather than expert swimmers. Instructors provide full support and safety briefings to ensure you feel secure on and around the water.

All dinghies are fitted with buoyancy aids, and instructors maintain close supervision throughout the course. Safety is the top priority, and you will not be asked to attempt anything beyond your comfort level.

The maximum group size is 6 participants per instructor. This ratio ensures that everyone receives individual attention and guidance when learning to sail.

Small group sizes also allow for practical exercises to be completed efficiently, so each student gets enough time handling the dinghy and practising manoeuvres under supervision.

Day one focuses on equipment familiarisation, basic sailing skills, and understanding wind and water dynamics. Initial exercises are completed in sheltered areas to build confidence.

Day two progresses to more advanced skills, including tacking, gybing, and sailing in multiple directions. By the end of the course, students apply all their skills to sail independently in light winds and achieve the RYA Level 1 certificate.

Yes, successful participants receive an RYA Level 1 certificate. This nationally recognised qualification demonstrates you can handle a dinghy in light winds under supervision.

The certificate also acts as a stepping stone for further RYA courses, such as Level 2 or intermediate sailing skills, allowing you to progress confidently.

Rain does not affect your session; you will still be able to take part. Since you will get wet anyway, it can even be more fun in the rain!

If the weather becomes unsafe, such as lightning or thunder, the session will pause until conditions improve. You’ll be given options to rebook or request a refund if a session is cancelled.

Should Aztec Adventure Ltd, for reasons beyond their control (including high winds, lightning storms and icy conditions*), feel it is necessary to close the activity once your party have already commenced participation, you will be offered alternative activities, times or dates to return within one year and rescheduled free of charge.

Alternatively, you may opt to receive a gift card for the full value of your booking, which can be used to rebook at a date and time that suits your group within 12 months.

In such circumstances, you will not be entitled to a refund, in part or whole.

*In all other weather conditions, we operate as normal and standard conditions apply.