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    • RYA Sailing and Powerboat Courses

    The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK's gold standard for boating qualifications. Our expert-led courses at Trafford Water Sports Centre will give you the skills and confidence to get on the water safely, whether you're learning to sail or drive a powerboat.

    Discover RYA courses

    Find your course

    Showing 5 of 5 results

    • RYA Sailing - Dinghy Level 1 (16+)

      This two-day beginner course covers all basics of dinghy sailing, including sailing directions and launch recovery awareness. No prior experience is required for Level 1. Lower qualifications are needed for Level 2. Courses are certified by the Royal Yachting Association.

      Participants do not need wetsuits.

      • £175 per 2 day course.
      • Suitable for ages 16+
      • 16 hours
      View more info

      Locations

      • Trafford Water Sports Centre at Sale Water Park
      • Astbury Water Sports Centre

      Availability

      • Weekdays

      Suitability

      • Minimum age: 16
      • Minimum height: 1m / 3 ft 3 in

      Good for

      • Individuals

      What's included

      • Instruction
      • Safety Equipment
      • 2 day course, 9am - 5pm

      Not included

      • Food & Drink
      • Wetsuits
      Check availability

    • RYA Sailing - Dinghy Level 2 (16+)

      This two-day course, for those who've completed Dinghy Level 1, develops your sailing skills and confidence. It covers rigging, launching, sailing in all directions, capsize recovery, and safety knowledge. You'll be competent in light winds by the end. All courses are accredited by the Royal Yachting Association.

      Participants do not need wetsuits.

      • £175 per 2 day course.
      • Suitable for ages 16+
      • 16 hours
      View more info

      Locations

      • Trafford Water Sports Centre at Sale Water Park

      Availability

      • Weekdays

      Suitability

      • Minimum age: 16
      • Minimum height: 1m / 3 ft 3 in

      Good for

      • Individuals

      What's included

      • Instruction
      • Safety Equipment
      • 2 day course, 9am - 5pm

      Not included

      • Food & Drink
      • Wetsuits
      Check availability

    • RYA Sailing - Dinghy Level 3 (16+)

      This two-day course, suitable for those who have completed Dinghy Level 2, aims to enhance your sailing skills in a variety of conditions. It includes further coaching from Levels 1 and 2, along with introductions to advanced modules such as Day Sailing and Seamanship skills. All courses are accredited by the Royal Yachting Association.

      Participants do not need wetsuits.

      • £175 per 2 day course.
      • Suitable for ages 16+
      View more info

      Locations

      • Trafford Water Sports Centre at Sale Water Park

      Availability

      • Weekdays

      Suitability

      • Minimum age: 16
      • Minimum height: 1m / 3 ft 3 in

      Good for

      • Individuals

      What's included

      • Instruction
      • Safety Equipment
      • 2 day course, 9am - 5pm

      Not included

      • Food & Drink
      • Wetsuits
      Check availability

    • RYA Powerboat Level 2

      This TWO-DAY entry-level award equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive a powerboat. The course emphasises low-speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery techniques, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulation.

      PLEASE NOTE: This course is for two consecutive days.

      • £200 per 2 day course
      • Suitable for ages 16+
      • 16 hours
      View more info

      Locations

      • Trafford Water Sports Centre at Sale Water Park

      Availability

      • Weekdays

      Suitability

      • Minimum age: 16
      • Minimum height: 1m / 3 ft 3 in
      • All courses run 9am to 5pm for 2 days

      Good for

      • Individuals

      What's included

      • Full Instruction
      • All Safety Equipment

      Not included

      • Food & Drink
      Check availability

    • RYA Safety Boat

      Participants must hold RYA Power Boat Level 2 qualification and should have basic knowledge of sailing boats & windsurfing.

      This course provides the skills required to act as an escort craft, safety boat e.g. open-water swimming, or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers, or canoes, or racing and training activities. It also includes rescue techniques and elements of race management.

      • Suitable for ages 16+
      • 16 hours
      View more info

      Locations

      • Trafford Water Sports Centre at Sale Water Park

      Availability

      • Weekdays

      Suitability

      • Minimum age: 16
      • Minimum height: 1m / 3 ft 3 in
      • Courses from 9am - 5pm

      Good for

      • Individuals

      What's included

      • Full Instruction
      • All Safety Equipment

      Not included

      • Food & Drinks
      Check availability

    The RYA Qualification

    • Expert Instruction

      Learn from the best. All our courses are taught by experienced, RYA-certified instructors who are passionate about helping you succeed.

    • A National Standard

      Gain a formal, nationally recognised qualification that is respected at water sports centres across the UK and beyond.

    • Practical, Hands-On Skills

      These aren't classroom courses. You'll be out on the water from day one, learning practical skills in a real-world environment.

    Our RYA Training Centre

    All our RYA courses are run from the Trafford Water Sports Centre, also known as Sale Water Park. It's the perfect, safe location to learn, with modern facilities and dedicated training areas.

    Find out more

    RYA Courses: Your Questions

    • I've never sailed before. Which course is for me?

      Our RYA Sailing Level 1 course is the perfect starting point. It's designed for complete beginners and will teach you all the basics of sailing in a safe and supportive environment.

    • How long does each sailing course take?

      Each RYA Sailing Level (1, 2, and 3) is typically delivered as a 2-day (16-hour) course, usually over a full weekend.

    • Do I need to complete all three levels?

      Not at all! Level 1 will give you a great foundation. Many people choose to progress to Level 2 to become a more independent sailor, while Level 3 is for those wanting to master advanced techniques.