Activity overview
Ready to take your sailing to the next level? Our 5 Day Development Sailing Week is the ultimate opportunity to develop your boat handling, performance, and technique through varied and challenging sessions. This immersive course is ideal for sailors looking to broaden their experience across a wide selection of dinghies and catamarans while fine-tuning their skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Throughout the week, you’ll explore key areas such as spinnaker handling, racing tactics, and seamanship skills, while rotating through high-performance single-handers, double-handers, and catamarans. The course is tailored to the group’s ability and goals, ensuring that every participant makes meaningful progress and builds confidence across multiple disciplines.
What to expect
- Varied boat handling practice in a mix of dinghies and catamarans.
- Focused sessions on spinnaker use, seamanship, and racing techniques.
- Advanced sailing drills to enhance speed, control, and decision-making.
- Bespoke coaching tailored to the group’s skill level and individual goals.
- Opportunities to refine techniques in challenging conditions.
- Expert guidance from experienced, qualified instructors.
- A fun, social learning environment with plenty of time on the water.
Prerequisites & course minimum requirements
Sailors aged 16+ must have completed their RYA Level 2 qualification to participate. We highly recommend completing this course before joining the RYA Level 3 to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
RYA Level 2
Available to those who already hold their RYA Level 1 certificate. Learn more boat handling skills in double and single-handed boats, working towards the RYA Level 2 certificate.
Key information
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
Helmet
What you need to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Nathan Bloss
“Portland offers consistent wind and a fantastic sailing venue all year round – for both beginners and elite sailors alike. Inspire your family and friends as they sail on the same waters as Olympians, excel at exciting new activities, make friends, and develop key life skills."
Where can this take you?
After completing the Adult Development Week, the following activities could be your next step:
RYA Sailing with Spinnakers (Adult)
Discover the thrill of sailing with a spinnaker on this exciting 2-day RYA Advanced Module. Learn how to rig, hoist, gybe, and recover both symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers while sailing…
RYA Seamanship Skills (Adult)
Build confidence and independence with this RYA Advanced Module. Learn seamanship techniques to handle your boat in a wide range of situations and conditions.
Why book with Andrew Simpson Centres?
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Top-Quality Equipment
Our fleet is well-maintained and regularly updated, ensuring you train with the best sailing gear available. -
Expert Coaching & Development
Our professional instructors follow a structured development programme, helping you progress at every level. -
Not-for-Profit Impact
Every booking supports our charitable mission to make sailing accessible to all, reinvesting in the sport and future sailors. -
Unforgettable Experience
Whether you're learning the basics or refining race tactics, you'll gain confidence, skills, and a love for the water. -
High Safety Standards
Safety is our top priority, with expertly trained staff, well-maintained equipment, and strict safety protocols in place. -
Flexible, Customised Courses
We tailor our courses to each participant, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water. -
Low Instructor-to-Sailor Ratios
Smaller group sizes mean more personalised coaching, helping you develop skills faster and with confidence. -
Accessible for All
We offer inclusive courses designed to support individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN), making sailing accessible to everyone.
Check availability & book
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touch for
availability
Please call our centres directly on 0300 124 0449 if you would like to book with childcare vouchers.