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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.

Activity overview

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is the most popular powerboat qualification, designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to take charge of a powerboat in coastal waters. Across two days, you’ll develop both practical skills and essential theory, including navigation, passage planning, and collision regulations.

Led by our experienced RYA instructors, you will spend plenty of time on the water practicing key skills such as close quarters manoeuvring, man overboard recovery, and high-speed handling. By the end of the course, you will feel confident in operating a powerboat safely and responsibly in a variety of situations.

This course is also a pre-requisite for the RYA Dinghy Instructor course, making it an excellent stepping stone if you are looking to pursue instructing qualifications.

What to expect

  • Launching and recovery from a slipway or beach
  • Close quarters boat handling
  • High-speed manoeuvres and handling at planing speed
  • Man overboard recovery techniques
  • Collision regulations and rules of the road
  • Basic navigation and passage planning
  • Safety equipment and best practice afloat

Key information

Timings

9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday

What's included

Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
 

What you need to bring
  • Drinks
  • Suncream
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Water bottle
Emma Bannister
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

Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers

What you need to bring
  • Drinks
  • Suncream
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Water bottle
Tayla Donovan
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

Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers

What you need to bring
  • Drinks
  • Suncream
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Water bottle
Nathan Bloss
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

Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers

What you need to bring
  • Drinks
  • Suncream
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Water bottle
Ross Dixon
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 Powerboat Level 2, the following activities could be your next step:

Adults (16+)
RYA Safety Boat

Take your powerboating to the next level with the RYA Safety Boat course. Learn advanced safety skills and rescue techniques, ideal for providing club safety cover or progressing towards your…

Adults (16+)
RYA First Aid

A one-day course teaching essential first aid skills with a focus on the boating environment.

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.
2 day beginner course
from £345

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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.