Beginner Adult - RYA Level 1 & 2
Beginner adult sailing, RYA Level 1 & 2
Find your sea legs on Wednesday evenings at Pennine SC. This friendly 13 week course starts in the first week of May and takes you from complete novice to a competent sailor in light winds, ready to enjoy the water with confidence, awarding RYA Level 1 and Level 2 on successful completion. It's for members only, offering exceptional value for money, much cheaper than commercial centres, and gives you the chance to experience sailing in a wide range of conditions over the season.
We keep things welcoming, safe and structured, with a big smile and plenty of support.
Key details
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When: every Wednesday evening for 13 weeks, starting the first week of May
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Time: arrive from 6.00 pm, on the water by 7.00 pm, wrap up by 9.15 pm
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Who: adult members who are new to sailing or want a thorough restart
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Qualification: RYA Level 1 and Level 2, subject to meeting the syllabus outcomes
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Coaching approach: safety, enjoyment and progression at the heart of every session
What you will learn
Across the course you'll cover the full RYA Level 1 and Level 2 syllabuses, including boat setup, launching and recovery, steering, tacking and gybing, sailing upwind and downwind, capsize basics, coming alongside, simple rules of the road and sailing a set course independently. We tailor delivery to the group and the conditions, so you progress at your own pace with clear goals each week.
A flexible weekly outline
Sailing is wonderfully unpredictable and so is the British weather, so treat this as a flexible framework. If its too windy or not windy enough we may shuffle the running order or switch some practical time for onshore skills and theory. You'll still reach the same destination.
Weeks 1 to 7 RYA Level 1: Start Sailing
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Introduction, safety kit, wind awareness, parts of the boat.
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Assisted rigging, launching, first steering on a reach.
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Stopping and starting, tacking on reaches, basic speed control.
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Upwind and downwind sailing, getting out of irons.
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Gybing on a short reach and refining landings.
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Short triangular course, capsize theory.
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Consolidation plus a no wind option for knots and core theory.
Weeks 8 to 13 RYA Level 2: Basic Skills
8. Rigging to suit the weather, points of sailing, the Five Essentials.
9. Leaving and returning to shore independently.
10. Sailing a longer course, balance and trim, coming alongside.
11. Independent sailing around a set course, simple racing basics.
12. No wind option for knots and theory to Level 2 standard.
13. Capsize and man overboard practice plus personal sign off.
How a typical evening runs
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6.00 to 6.30 pm rigging with instructor help
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6.45 pm briefing, plan for the evening and safety points
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7.00 to 8.15 pm coached time on the water with clear exercises
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8.15 to 8.45 pm de-rig and change
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8.45 to 9.15 pm group debrief and individual feedback
Our instructor team follows a consistent, professional format so you always know what's happening and why.
Equipment, boats and what to bring
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We provide training boats and safety cover.
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We can provide club wetsuits & buoyancy aids if you don't have your own.
Bring old trainers (not boots) that can get wet, and a towel.
Safety, inclusion and safeguarding
Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Sessions are planned and risk assessed to RYA standards, with qualified instructors and a dedicated safety boat on the water. We foster a welcoming culture where every learner can thrive, and we follow club safeguarding policies for changing rooms and on-site conduct. If you have any accessibility needs, let us know and well work with you to make sensible adjustments.
Weather and catch-up options
If conditions are unsuitable, we switch to high value onshore learning such as ropework, land drills, rigging to suit the weather and rules of the road. These sessions keep you moving forward so you're ready to make the most of the next breeze.
After the course
Most new sailors choose to keep sailing on club nights, join improver coaching or try our friendly racing. We'll help you plan your next steps so you keep building confidence and having fun on the water.
How to book
Places are limited so everyone gets quality coaching and time on the helm. To secure your spot on the Wednesday Beginner Adult Course starting the first week of May, contact training@pennine-sc.co.uk.
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Last updated 11:04am on 2 January 2026