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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.

Activity overview

The Senior Instructor (SI) is an experienced instructor assessed as competent to organise and manage courses within the RYA Sailing Scheme. This 4-day course covers all aspects of the SI role, including centre management, on-water session oversight, and effective delivery of sailing tuition.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Organise and manage RYA National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme sailing courses.
  • Organise and control group sailing tuition of all ages and abilities.
  • Supervise, direct and assist a team of Instructors and Assistant Instructors.

What to expect

  • Planning, organising, and managing RYA National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme courses
  • Delivering group sailing tuition for all ages and abilities
  • Supervising, directing, and supporting a team of Instructors and Assistant Instructors
  • On-water management and safety procedures
  • Centre administration, communication, and leadership skills
  • Practical and theoretical assessments throughout the course

Prerequisites & course minimum requirements

Participants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold RYA Safety Boat qualification
  • Minimum of 2 years part-time or 1 year full-time experience as an RYA Dinghy Instructor
  • Valid First Aid certificate recognised by the RYA
  • Recommendation from an RYA Principal
  • RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding Certificate
  • Aged 18 years or older
  • Current RYA Membership Number

RYA Dinghy Instructor

A 5-day instructor training course – you will learn and practice effective communication styles and teaching methods. Guided throughout and assessed by RYA trainers, you will be well on your way to becoming an excellent instructor.

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
  • G14 RYA Dinghy Instructor Handbook with a recommendation from an RYA Principal
  • RYA Membership Number
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

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 Dinghy Instructor Handbook with a recommendation from an RYA Principal
  • RYA Membership Number
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

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 Dinghy Instructor Handbook with a recommendation from an RYA Principal
  • RYA Membership Number
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

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 Dinghy Instructor Handbook with a recommendation from an RYA Principal
  • RYA Membership Number
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 Senior Dinghy Instructor, the following activities could be your next step:

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RYA Powerboat Instructor

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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.
4 day instructor level course
from £430

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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.