Sailing courses
With our fantastic location, vast array of equipment and knowledgeable instructors, Calshot is the perfect venue to learn to sail.
Adult sailing scheme
Start sailing - RYA level 1
Designed for those who want a more in-depth introduction to dinghy sailing, this certificated course follows the RYA adult sailing scheme.
Over the course, participants will learn how to sail in all directions and gain an awareness of launching and recovery. We’ll cover the key skills required to get afloat under supervision in a singlehanded dinghy. Short theory sessions on the land will teach you about the basic equipment needed, tides and weather.
- Those aged 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a participating adult. If this is not possible, please look at our youth sailing scheme courses for those aged 11-16
- Already completed level 1 or have equivalent experience? Please look at our RYA basic skills - level two course.
Basic skills - RYA level 2
For those who have completed start sailing - RYA level 1, this next step will continue your progress through the RYA adult sailing scheme.
By the end of the two days, you should be able to sail efficiently and safely, including being able to recover a capsized craft. You’ll learn how to rig your boat according to the weather, be able to launch and recover in different wind directions and learn how to sail your boat on all points of sail most efficiently. In addition to the practical elements, you’ll also gain a wider background knowledge of sailing.
- Those aged 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a participating adult. If this is not possible, please look at our youth sailing scheme courses
- Already completed level 2 or have equivalent experience? Try our better sailing - crewed RYA level 3 course.
Better sailing - RYA level 3
This level 3 course aims to consolidate existing skills learnt in level 1 and 2, helping you to improve your sailing techniques and manoeuvres.
Over the two days you may also be introduced to basic seamanship skills, racing and sailing with spinnakers.
- Those aged 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a participating adult. If this is not possible, please look at our youth sailing scheme courses
- Looking for something more advanced? Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] to discuss your requirements or consider looking at our offering of private tuition
- Interested in becoming an instructor? Why not look at our watersports instructor courses?
Youth sailing scheme
Start sailing - RYA stage 1
Designed for those who want a more in-depth introduction to dinghy sailing, this certificated course follows the RYA youth sailing scheme.
During the course, participants will gain a basic understanding of how a boat sails, as well as experience steering and controlling the dinghy. We’ll cover how to rig the boat and sail a course across the wind as well as the basics of how to stay safe on the water.
No experience required - all you need is a sense of adventure!
- Already completed level 1 or have equivalent experience? Please look at our course titled, start sailing - RYA stage 2
- Aged 10 - 14 and looking for a longer course? Check out our sailing adventure weeks.
Start sailing - RYA stage 2
The second step in the RYA youth sailing scheme, this stage 2 course is for those who have completed stage 1 and wish to progress their knowledge and become more confident sailors.
Course content includes improving skills in controlling the boat, tacking and understanding basic principles including collision avoidance, ropework and sail controls.
- Already completed level 2 or have equivalent experience? Please look at our start sailing - RYA stage 3 course
- Aged 10 - 14 and looking for a longer course? Please look at our sailing adventure weeks.
Sailing - RYA stage 3
Following the RYA youth sailing scheme, this stage 3 course is for participants who have completed stage 2 and wish to become more independent in rigging, launching, and sailing in any direction.
Stage 3 is designed to bring the students skill to the equivalent level of the RYA adult level 2 course. Keep perfecting the skills learnt in the previous stages and develop these skills through learning additional sailing techniques along with capsize recovery.
- Aged 10 - 14 and looking for a longer course? Please look at our sailing adventure weeks
- Looking for something more advanced? Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] to discuss your requirements or consider looking at our offering of private tuition.
Sailing – RYA Stage 4
Following the RYA youth sailing scheme, this stage 4 course is for participants who have completed stage 3 and wish to become more independent in rigging, launching, and sailing in any direction.
Stage 4 is designed to bring the students skill to the equivalent level of the RYA adult level 3 course. Keep perfecting the skills learnt in the previous stages and develop these skills while sailing crewed boats.
Sailing adventure week
5 days | ages 10 – 14 | from £380
Calshot’s premier sailing adventure week - an exciting week for those who want to specialise in the ever-popular sport of sailing. Courses will give children the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of our experienced and qualified instructors.
Our dedicated team will provide full pastoral care and support, and ensure your child has the best week full of fun and adventure. Instruction takes place in small teaching groups on sheltered water with safety boats in attendance. This course is based on the RYA Young Sailors Scheme and certificates are provided free of charge.
In addition, there is also the equivalent of one shore-based day - with the opportunity to participate in land-based activities such as climbing, skiing and archery. Activities included are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Residential option - £490 per child
- Drop your child off with us at 8.45am Monday morning and collect at 5pm on Friday.
- All children will stay in one of our accommodation buildings right here on the stunning Calshot Spit.
- All meals are included in the price, starting with lunch on Monday followed by an evening meal. Then three meals a day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday.
Non-residential option - £380 per child
- Drop your child off with us each day at 8.45am and collect after they have had a delicious dinner at 6.30pm (daily lunch is included).
- Friday collection is at 5pm (no dinner is served on the Friday).
Looking for a shorter sailing course? Please look at our two day sailing courses.
