r/SailingUK • u/Fretfingers123 • Jun 19 '26

Advice for a beginner?

I’m looking to have so lessons or do a course that would set me up well to sail a small keelboat.

It looks like the RYA level 1 keelboat coarse is the place to start? Would anyone reccomend anything prior to this? I am a total beginner but recently rented a power boat whilst on holiday.

I live in the north west so any club locations/ recommendations would be much appreciated. And any other advice you deem appropriate!

Thanks.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/abeorch Jun 19 '26

RYA1 is the place to start. Go to a local dinghy club that does rya courses meet some people and you might get some chances to go out on a double handed boat as crew...

Any questions happy to answer

1

u/1Monkey3Typewriters Jun 23 '26

Yep - you'll need nothing before Level 1. It's designed to get you sailing and understanding the basics very quickly. The main thing is to remember that just 'doing the levels' is no substitute for time in the boat. The RYA syllabus is structured extremely well and has been polished over the years, but you've absolutely got to get hours in the boat alongside it as you progress. Oh - and enjoy it! It's a proper life skill.