For adults
- RYA Level 1 Start Sailing. For complete beginners. About two days. You’ll learn to rig a boat, steer and sail in all directions in light winds.
- RYA Level 2 Basic Skills. Two days, after Level 1. Launching, landing, capsize recovery and the safety knowledge to sail on your own in good conditions.
- RYA Level 3 Better Sailing. For improvers. Sharpen your skills in a wider range of conditions, with tasters of the advanced modules.
For juniors
Young sailors usually follow the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme, Stages 1 to 4, starting from around age 8. Each stage is about two days. The RYA notes that under-16s may prefer the youth scheme to the adult levels.
After that
Once you’re at Level 2 or Stage 3, the advanced modules open up: Day Sailing, Seamanship Skills, Sailing with Spinnakers and Start Racing.
Not sure yet?
Book a taster first. A short session with an instructor is the easiest way to find out if sailing is for you before committing to a full course.
See all our sailing courses. Wirral Watersports is an RYA Recognised Training Centre.