1. Get the tickets
Before the instructor course you need a valid first aid certificate, RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the RYA Safe and Fun safeguarding course. You can do all three at Wirral Watersports. See staff courses.
2. The pre-entry assessment
You need to show your own sailing is up to the RYA standard, including sailing in strong winds. The assessment must be within a year of your instructor course.
3. The instructor course
Five days of training and assessment with an RYA Trainer. You must be at least 16.
4. Start teaching
As a Dinghy Instructor you can teach the RYA National and Youth Sailing Schemes. With two part-time seasons or one full-time season of teaching, and aged 18 or over, you can work towards Senior Instructor.
Not ready for the full course?
The RYA Dinghy Assistant Instructor award is a first step, by recommendation of a centre’s Principal, after about 20 hours of training.
See instructor courses. We’ll be recruiting instructors for the 2027 season.