RYA Stage 1

An introduction to the parts of the boat and the basic principles of how to get a boat sailing

We have stage 1 courses available in different age ranges of :

  • Under eights

  • 8 to 12 year olds

  • 11 to 16 years olds

Please ensure to check the age range of the course you are booking.

We invite parents/ guardians to join us for the last ten minutes of their child's course each day to hear what the children have achieved and their next steps.

Course lengths are 15 hours, over 3 days.

It is important to keep sailing between taking your next stage course to keep the skills you have learnt fresh. You can do this by taking part in the RYA's onboard scheme that runs at WFYC on Saturdays.

Course requirements: Water confident and can fit in a club buoyancy aid.

What you will need:

  • You are taking part in a watersport and you are likely to get wet, so always remember a change of clothes and a towel.Clothing for training – wetsuits are ideal, but if not, lightweight stuff that dries easily, with a couple of layers if it is cold, plus waterproofs.

  • Trainers or dinghy boots for the feet

  • Hats- always a wooly hat! remember it will always feel colder on the water. AND a wide brimmed hat if sunny

  • Sun bloc - helps prevent windburn and sunburn

  • Packed lunch + water or other drink

  • Medication- if required- clearly labelled with instructions and name. please make instructor aware

  • Optional extras: knee pads, sailing gloves

Buoyancy aids will be provided by the club.

Please arrive at the clubhouse 15 mins before the start time, changed and ready for training. Students will be met by an instructor at the front of the clubhouse on the benches.

If you have any questions, please see our FAQ or contact heidi@wfyc.co.uk

2026 Course Dates

  • 8-16 year olds

    Thursday 28th May to Saturday 30th May

    Thursday 28th 0730-1230

    Friday 29th 0800-1300

    Saturday 30th 0830-1330

    parents/ guardians/ grandparents and siblings- join us for paddle boarding during the course

    Friday 29th 0930-1130

  • Under 8's

    Monday 27th July- Wednesday 29th July

    Monday 27th 0800-1300

    Tuesday 28th 0830-1330

    Wednesday 29th 0930-1430

    parents/ guardians/ grandparents and siblings- join us for paddle boarding during the course

    Tuesday 28th 1000-1200

    Wednesday 29th 1030-1230

  • 8-12's

    Monday 27th July- Wednesday 29th July

    Monday 27th 0800-1300

    Tuesday 28th 0830-1330

    Wednesday 29th 0930-1430

    parents/ guardians/ grandparents and siblings- join us for paddle boarding during the course

    Tuesday 28th 1000-1200

    Wednesday 29th 1030-1230

  • 11 to 16's

    Thursday 30th July -Saturday 1st August

    Thursday 30th 0730-1230

    Friday 31st 0800-1300

    Saturday 1st 0830-1330

    parents/ guardians/ grandparents and siblings- join us for paddle boarding during the course

    Friday 31st 1100-1300

    Saturday 1st 1230-1430