Training
Members benefit from our status as an RYA Accredited Training Centre (RTC) running a range of courses for dinghy sailing. Tentative dates for 2026 are shown below (note that these are yet to be confirmed by the Sailing Committee)::
23-24 May 2026: RYA Adult Level 1, RYA Level 2, RYA Youth Stages 1 - 3
20-21 June 2026: RYA Adult Level 1, RYA Level 2, RYA Youth Stages 1 - 3
25-26 July 2026: RYA Adult Level 1, RYA Level 2, RYA Youth Stages 1 - 3
29-30 August 2026: RYA Adult Level 1, RYA Level 2, RYA Youth Stages 1 - 3
26-27 September 2026: RYA Adult Level 1, RYA Level 2, RYA Youth Stages 1 - 3
End-October 2026 (to coincide with local schools half-term week): RYA Youth Stages 1 - 4
Please note that all adult courses are of 2 days duration: RYA Levels 1 & 2 cannot be completed in a single weekend as both courses require 16 hours tuition to comply with the RYA syllabus and certification policies.
The RYA syllabus for Youth Stages 1 through 4 stipulates a minimum course duration of 16 hours. Stage 1 is the beginner level and Stage 4 is the advanced level. We will assess students based on the information provided at booking and also during the first 1-2 hours of training to establish their level of competency. Our experience in running the RTC has shown that new sailors can easily achieve Stage 1 & 2 during a single weekend. Intermediate level sailors who already hold an RYA Stage 2 certificate, or have two or more years' sailing experience can realistically expect to complete the Stage 3 course during a single weekend. Advanced sailors with five or more years' experience will be able to achieve Stages 3 & 4 over a single (intensive) weekend.
Courses will only be able to run subject to minimum uptake; should a course not have sufficient uptake then we will do our best to find alternative dates, although this cannot be guaranteed. Additional courses including RYA Adult Level 3 and some of the RYA advanced modules (e.g., seamanship Skills, Sailing with Spinnakers, Performance Sailing, etc.) can be taught subject to demand and instructor availability.
For youth courses, a parent or guardian is required to be on site at all times. In exceptional circumstances they may complete Annex E of the South Cerney Sailing Club's Child Protection Policy to nominate and authorise one of the RTC site staff to act as 'guardian' for the course duration. Please note that the minimum age is 8 at time of course.
All of our RYA training courses are taught by RYA qualified dinghy instructors including Senior Instructors (SIs), Dinghy Instructors (DIs) and Assistant Instructors (AIs). One SI will be designated with overall course responsbility on each of the specified course dates and will be responsible for allocating the otehr instructors to their respective student groups.
Dinghy Course Fees 2026
Members: £140 for adult courses, £125 for youth courses
Non-members: £165 for adult courses, £150 for youth courses.
Members should make sure they are logged on to their account to book tickets at the member rate. Non-members will need to set up a website account to book tickets. Following the course, non-members will be offered a £25 discount on membership, and the joining fee waved.
To book an RYA course go to the calendar and click on the required course.
If you have any queries please contact training@southcerneysailingclub.org.uk
Informal Training
We also run informal member coaching sessions during the year. These can be tailored at individual or group level using club boats or member's boats as required. Ocassionally we may organise training at fleet level with RYA accredited race coaches to support specific requirements. Most importantly, time on the water is key to learning and improvement.
Whilst our lake is open to members all year round please be aware of your capabilities and sail safely at all times. Ideally only go afloat if there is a manned safety boat launched and manned ready for use.
For terms and conditions of training courses please click on this link
Additional training resources can also be found by clicking this link
Last updated 13:09 on 6 November 2025