Activity overview
Becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor (DI) opens the door to an exciting career teaching and inspiring the next generation of sailors. This 5-day training course focuses on developing your teaching skills, communication styles, and practical coaching methods, both afloat and ashore.
Throughout the course, you will be guided by an experienced RYA Coach/Assessor and supported in learning how to deliver safe, enjoyable, and structured sessions. On the final day, a separate RYA Coach/Assessor will moderate the course to ensure consistent standards are met. By the end of the week, you will have gained the tools and confidence to run sessions, manage groups, and provide quality instruction under the RYA schemes.
What to expect
- Training in teaching techniques afloat and ashore
- Developing effective communication styles
- Course preparation, delivery, and session management
- Coaching to the RYA syllabus for youth and adult sailors
- Managing groups safely and efficiently
- Customer liaison and professionalism
- Continuous feedback, guidance, and final moderation
Before attending, you must hold:
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- RYA Safe and Fun
- RYA First Aid certificate
- RYA Pre-Assessment
Prerequisites & course minimum requirements
Sailors aged 16+ must have completed their RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Safe and Fun, RYA First Aid and RYA Pre-Assessment to participate.
Dinghy Instructor Package
A 9-day intensive course to achieve your RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification. It covers your RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA First Aid, RYA Pre-Assessment, RYA Safe + Fun and the RYA Dinghy Instructor course.
Key information
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top
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
- G14 RYA instructor handbook
- Notebook and pen
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
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
- G14 RYA instructor handbook
- Notebook and pen
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
- G14 RYA instructor handbook
- Notebook and pen
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
- G14 RYA instructor handbook
- Notebook and pen
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 Dinghy Instructor, the following activities could be your next step:
Adults (16+)
RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor
Step up to the next level of instructing. The RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor course develops experienced instructors into confident leaders capable of managing sailing courses and teams.
Adults (16+)
RYA Powerboat Instructor
Turn your passion for powerboating into a teaching career with the RYA Powerboat Instructor course. This 4-day course equips you with the skills and confidence to train the next generation…
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.
5 day instructor level course
from
£440
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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.
