INSTRUCTOR COURSES: Sailing

Further Information

Dinghy, keelboat & multihull instructors

This section is for all instructors teaching, or wanting to teach, the RYA Sailing Scheme. This scheme can be taught in dinghies, small keelboats and multihulls, and the instructor qualifications endorsed accordingly.

For simplicity, we will generally use the term 'dinghy instructor' here, but there is also specific information below about qualifying as a keelboat or multihull instructor.

Teaching within the RYA Sailing Scheme is progressive - you can develop your skills and qualifications by taking endorsement courses, working towards Senior Instructor level or, ultimately, becoming a Coach/Assessor. Details on all our instructor qualifications are shown below.

Read more about the different types of instructor qualification on the RYA website

Assistant intructor training
Dinghy, keelboat and multihull instructor training
Advanced instructor training
Racing instructor training
Senior instructor training

These are all the courses available but we just do the following

Assistant instructor training Sailing

The assistant instructor (AI) award provides recognition for the 'in-house' training given to experienced sailors intending to qualify as RYA dinghy, keelboat or multihull instructors.

The AI is a competent small boat sailor who has been trained to assist instructors in teaching sailing up to the standard of the Level 2 or Stage 3 courses. They must work under the supervision of an RYA senior instructor (SI) or the chief instructor of a keelboat training centre.

As the AI's training is limited to assisting qualified instructors and does not include first aid or powerboat handling, AIs must never be allowed to work without direct supervision.

Eligibility
Candidates must hold one of the RYA Sailing Scheme advanced modules and have the recommendation of their centre's Principal.

Training
Training and assessment are conducted by the Principal or chief instructor of the training centre who holds a valid RYA SI certificate. The training may be based on a 20 hour course covering the RYA teaching methods for beginners (from RYA book G14). Candidates will be assessed on their teaching ability with beginners. Successful candidates will have their logbook signed and will be awarded the AI certificate by their Principal.

Certificate Validity
The AI certificate is valid only at that centre for five years.

To find out more about becoming an Assistant Instructor, please contact us.

Dinghy, keelboat & multihull instructor training

Instructors teaching the National Sailing Scheme need to be qualified for the type of boat in which they teach, ie dinghies, small keelboats or multihulls. In addition the instructor certificate is endorsed to show whether you are qualified to teach on inland or coastal waters.

Role
The instructor is a competent, experienced sailor capable of sailing a training boat in strong winds and handling small powerboats. The instructor has been assessed as competent to teach adults and children, beginners and improvers. See the 'who teaches what' link for exact details.

Although responsible for teaching individuals and small groups, the instructor has not been assessed as competent in running a sailing centre, and should always work under the supervision of an RYA Senior instructor (for dinghy and multihull courses) or the chief instructor of a keelboat training centre.

Eligibility
Prior to the course candidates must fulfil the following requirements:

Minimum age 16;
Valid first aid certificate: either the RYA first aid course or one recognised by the Health and Safety Executive, covering the treatment of hypothermia and a minimum of six hours course length;
RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate;
Pre-entry sailing assessment completed within 1 year prior to the instructor training course.

Training
Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore is provided during the instructor training course, which is staffed by RYA Coach/Assessors. The course will be based on a five-day week or 50 hours, but may take the form of a number of weekends, single days or sessions. Courses run on a protracted basis may take slightly longer than 50 hours to allow for revision time.

Moderation/Assessment
The moderation will usually take place on the final day of the course and will be carried out by a Coach/Assessor who has not been involved in training the candidate. Candidates will be required to demonstrate competence in course preparation, delivery and management, as well as customer liaison.

Certificate validity
Instructor certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.

Keelboat/Multihull endorsements
Candidates who complete their instructor course in dinghies, but who want to teach in small keelboats or multihulls should obtain the relevant endorsement. Endorsement courses are run over two days by Coach/Assessors with the relevant experience who have been appointed by the RYA. During the course, candidates must demonstrate their pre-entry test skills and teaching techniques. Candidates will be assessed on a continuous basis afloat and successful completion the course organiser will sign their logbook.

Upcoming Courses

For details of upcoming instructor courses view the listings at the bottom of our whats on page.