Activity overview
Learn the ropes with our youth beginner sailing courses for ages 8 and over. No experience needed. Book onto our 2 day RYA stage 1 course to start your journey, once completed you can take part in the RYA stage 2 course. If you would like, you can learn to sail by taking part in a whole week of beginner sailing activity over the school holidays!
What to expect
- The RYA Stage 1 course will cover launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning around, steering and basic parts of the boat
- The RYA Stage 2 course will cover improved sailing skills on all points of sail. Tacking, gybing, ropework and collision avoidance
- When you attend the week long course, you get a BONUS extra day of sailing to improve on the skills learned throughout the week.
- We accept childcare vouchers for this course! To pay with childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare, please contact your chosen centre to reserve your place before booking.
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
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
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 Beginner Sailing Week, the following activities could be your next step:
Ages 8 - 15
Improver Sailing Week
The next step for young sailors ages 8 and above who have achieved their RYA Stage 2 and want to progress on to the next level! A refresher of skills…
Ages 8 - 15
Intermediate Sailing Week
Take your sailing skills to the next level! This week-long course is perfect for young sailors aged 8 and above who have completed their RYA Stage 3. Gain confidence in…
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 beginner course
from
£145.8
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Beginner Sailing Week
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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.
