Activity overview
The Assistant Dinghy Instructor course is aimed at enthusiastic young sailors aged 14+ who want to develop the skills needed to help deliver sailing sessions. Over the course, you will learn the foundations of teaching both on and off the water, gaining experience in land drills, afloat exercises, and understanding the RYA Double Hander Method.
You will also become familiar with centre operating procedures, safe practice, and what it means to be a responsible and supportive member of the instructor team. This course is an excellent introduction to instructing and a stepping stone towards becoming a qualified RYA Dinghy Instructor in the future.
After completing the course, you will be able to assist on sailing courses up to RYA Sailing Scheme Level 2 or Youth Sailing Scheme Stage 3, always under the supervision of an RYA Senior Instructor. The Assistant Instructor qualification is valid for 5 years and is only recognised at the centre where the training took place.
What to expect
- Delivering land drills, including tacking and gybing
- Assisting with on-water sessions using the RYA Double Hander Method
- Learning and applying basic teaching principles
- Understanding centre Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Becoming familiar with the RYA Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme syllabuses
- Building teamwork, communication, and safety awareness
Prerequisites & course minimum requirements
Sailors aged 14+ must have completed their RYA Seamanship Skills qualification to participate, or have similar experience. They also need to have a recommendation from the centre Principal or Chief Instructor.
RYA Seamanship Skills
This RYA Advanced Module, covers your on boat handling skills such as man overboard recovery, picking up a mooring and sailing backwards. Get a deeper knowledge of sailing theory become completely independent in your sailing.
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
Emma Bannister
Centre Manager
“We build our programmes around each individual’s requirements, with consideration to their needs, aspirations and strengths. Seeing the impact that a visit to ASC Reading can have on young people is incredibly rewarding, whether they’re here for a few hours to decompress, or for a week packed with adventure and new experiences.”
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
Tayla Donovan
Centre Manager
“Close to major transport links and the city centre, our centre at Bartley Reservoir is a safe, inland watersports venue. With a range of activities available, including sailing, Swim Safe, raft building, team games, and soft archery, our programmes encourage the development of key life skills such as communication, teamwork, problemsolving and resilience, in a classroom like no other.”
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
Centre Manager
“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."
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
Ross Dixon
Chief Instructor
“At ASC Portsmouth, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities that cater to all. Our range of activities, from sailing and kayaking to climbing and sustainability workshops, ensures an engaging experience for everyone. As a team, we are committed to creating inclusive programmes that adapt to different learning styles and abilities, ensuring every participant can challenge themselves and grow. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping each individual discover their potential in our unique outdoor classroom.”
Where can this take you?
After completing the RYA Assistant Dinghy Instructor, the following activities could be your next step:
Ages 16 - Adult
RYA Dinghy Instructor
Take the next step in your sailing journey and qualify as an RYA Dinghy Instructor, gaining the skills and confidence to teach and inspire others on the water.
Ages 12 - Adult
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Gain the skills and confidence to handle a powerboat safely with the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. A practical 2-day course covering everything from close quarters handling to high-speed manoeuvres.
Why book with Andrew Simpson Centres?
-
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.
3 day instructor level course
from
£190
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RYA Assistant Dinghy Instructor
For participants at ASC
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To book with childcare vouchers call 0300 124 0449
Want to pay with childcare vouchers?
Please call our centres directly on 0300 124 0449 if you would like to book with childcare vouchers.
