Practical Course Dates

Sunset To qualify for RYA certification for Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper you must complete 5 days aboard an RYA training yacht. These days can be split across weekends or five days straight but must include living aboard.

Our practical courses run all year from January to December. You choose the dates that suit you then contact us to book your preferred dates.

Practical Sailing Days run throughout the year, usually on weekdays from 09:30 to 16:00. The cost is £110 per person and includes light refreshments and lunch. One day courses generally include:

  • Boat handling under sail and power
  • Helming
  • Sail handling and sail trimming
  • Anchoring, mooring buoys and berthing
  • Safety

Evening Sailing Sessions on the river, all summer from May to August. 16:30 to 20:30 every Tuesday and Thursday. Each session costs just £40 per person and provides an ideal "taster" for beginners plus a chance for experienced sailors to get out on the water and brush up their skills.

Two Day Courses usually start on Fridays 19:00 to Sunday 16:30. The cost is £210 per person and includes light refreshments, breakfasts and lunches. Two and five day courses generally include all the above plus:

  • Pilotage
  • Navigation
  • Night sailing
  • Living aboard (our yachts have heating)

Five Day Courses
These run throughout the year and start on Sundays at 19:00 to Friday at 16:00. The cost is £525 per person for Competent Crew level and £549 for Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper levels. Prices include light refreshments, breakfasts, lunches and two evening meals.

Power Boat Levels 1 & 2 and Safety Boat Courses
Power boat courses are run most weekends throughout the year. The Level 1 course lasts one day. The Level 2 and Safety Boat courses are each two days. They can be on our RIB from Burnham or on your own boat from your base. Please call for availability.

In addition to our regular courses, we also have places available for the following racing days and special cruises.

Burnham Week Racing 2009: 29th August to 5th September. £110 per day.

Winter Sailing: See our Winter Sailing page for details of other sailing days between November and February.

Non-Tidal RYA courses in the Mediterranean are also now available aboard our superbly equipped 46ft Bavaria which is also available for crewed charter holidays. Please call for more information.

Also see details of our winter Shorebased courses.

To get answers to your questions or to book courses, please call Des or Sandra on

01621 786324 or 07885 333922.