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Sailing
Learn to sail on 52 acres of flat, shallow water behind the West Kirby wall, at any state of tide. Start with a taster, follow the RYA courses at your own pace, then take it out onto the Dee.
Sailing courses.
Every course includes the boat, wetsuit and buoyancy aid. RYA courses finish with an RYA certificate. Wirral Watersports is an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
Adults
Sailing taster
A short first go with an instructor to see if it’s for you. No experience needed.
Anyone · 1–2 hoursRYA Level 1 Start Sailing
For complete beginners. Rig a boat, steer, and sail in all directions in light winds.
Beginners · about 2 daysRYA Level 2 Basic Skills
Launching, landing, capsize recovery and the safety knowledge to sail on your own in good conditions.
After Level 1 · 2 daysRYA Level 3 Better Sailing
Sharpen your skills in a wider range of conditions, with tasters of the advanced modules.
ImproversJuniors
RYA Youth Sailing Stages 1–4
The RYA’s four-stage scheme for young sailors, from first time afloat to sailing confidently on their own.
Usually from age 8 · about 2 days eachNext steps
RYA advanced modules
Day Sailing, Seamanship Skills, Sailing with Spinnakers and Start Racing, for adults and juniors.
Level 2 / Stage 3 sailorsCourse dates and prices go on sale before we open in spring 2027. Opening-news subscribers hear first.
Why learn here.
- No tide to plan around
- The marine lake is held behind a sea wall built in 1899, so you can sail at any state of tide.
- Shallow and enclosed
- You can stand up in much of the lake, and there’s no swell or boat traffic. It’s about as gentle as a first sail gets.
- Room to grow
- When you’re ready for more, the Dee Estuary is on the other side of the wall.
- Warm up after
- Hot showers, the sauna and a coffee upstairs with the lake in the window.
Good to know.
Do I need any experience?
No. The taster and RYA Level 1 Start Sailing are for complete beginners, with all the kit included.
What age can children start?
Most young sailors start the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme from around age 8. See our kids and families page for holiday courses and camps.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. We provide the wetsuit, buoyancy aid and boat.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. RYA courses finish with an RYA certificate that’s recognised at sailing centres across the UK.
Can I sail my own boat on the lake?
Yes, with a lake membership or a day launch pass once you’re sailing on your own.
Be first on the water.
Sailing dates and prices go on sale before we open. Sign up and we’ll tell you the day they’re out.