Our RYA Sailing Level 1 course is the perfect introduction to the world of sailing. Whether you're a complete beginner or have limited experience, this course will teach you the fundamental skills needed to get afloat and sail in all directions. Over two days, you’ll gain confidence on the water, covering key techniques such as crewing, helming, and basic yacht handling. It’s an enjoyable, hands-on course designed to build your knowledge and give you a solid foundation for continuing your sailing journey, including progression to RYA Level 2, Competent Crew, and beyond.
The RYA Sailing Level 1 course is designed to provide a complete introduction to yacht sailing. You’ll spend two days learning on one of our well-equipped cruiser/racer yachts, focusing on the basics of boat handling and safety.
Our RYA Sailing Level 1 course is held at Brighton Marina, a fantastic location with easy access to both sheltered and open waters, making it ideal for learning. The marina is well-equipped, with ample facilities and convenient access to the vibrant city of Brighton.
There are no prerequisites for this course. It’s designed for complete beginners or those with minimal experience. Children aged 12+ are welcome, with parental consent for those under 18.
We are committed to delivering high-quality sailing instruction in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. With experienced RYA instructors, small class sizes, and excellent equipment, we ensure that each participant gets plenty of individual attention and time on the water. Our fleet of cruiser/racer yachts, including the Beneteau 36.7 and First 35, provide a fantastic balance of performance and comfort, making them ideal for both learning and practice. For those looking to continue their sailing journey, we offer a range of further training, including RYA Level 2, Sailing Clinics, and racing opportunities.
Join us and take the first step in your sailing adventure – book your RYA Sailing Level 1 course today!
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:
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.
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About the centre
Brighton
Operated by Brighton Boating, a partner of adventuro.
