Activity overview
The RYA Seamanship Skills (Adult) course is ideal for sailors who want to take greater control of their boat and develop advanced handling skills. Over two days, you’ll focus on seamanship manoeuvres such as anchoring, picking up a mooring, sailing backwards, and recovering a man overboard. You’ll also gain valuable experience in launching and recovering in varied conditions, as well as learning how to adapt sail and boat trim to suit the situation.
This course gives you the confidence to sail more independently, helping you make informed decisions on the water and preparing you for further advanced RYA modules.
What to expect
- Launching and recovering in different circumstances
- Stopping and controlling the boat with precision
- Reefing and reducing sail to manage changing conditions
- Man overboard recovery techniques
- Picking up a mooring under sail
- Anchoring with confidence
- Sailing backwards and advanced boat handling
Prerequisites & course minimum requirements
Participants must have successfully completed the RYA Level 2 (Dinghy Sailing) course or equivalent experience. This ensures you have the essential boat handling skills to progress to advanced seamanship techniques.
RYA Level 2
Take the next step in your sailing journey with the RYA Level 2 course. Build confidence and improve your boat handling skills in both single-handed and double-handed dinghies.
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
“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
“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
“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
“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 Seamanship Skills (Adult), 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 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?
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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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booked
touch for
availability
Please call our centres directly on 0300 124 0449 if you would like to book with childcare vouchers.