Improver Adult - RYA Level 3 and Start Racing
Improver Adult Sailing, RYA Level 3 and Start Racing
If you've completed RYA Level 2 and want to sharpen your skills, sail more confidently and dip your toes into racing, this is the natural next step. Our Improver Adult course builds your technique, expands your understanding of boat handling and introduces you to simple, friendly club racing in a supportive way.
It is for members only and offers excellent value for money, giving you structured coaching across the season at a fraction of the cost of a commercial centre. With 13 Thursday evenings on the water, you will experience a wide range of wind and weather, helping you become a far more capable and confident sailor.
What this course is about
RYA Level 3 develops your practical skills beyond the basics. You will refine everything you learned at Levels 1 and 2 while adding new techniques that make sailing smoother, safer and more enjoyable. From efficient tacks and gybes to better balance and trim, this course focuses on sailing your boat well, not just managing to get around a course.
You'll also learn the fundamentals of racing, including starting, course shapes, simple tactics and how to sail efficiently round a racecourse. By the end of the programme you will be comfortable sailing in light to medium winds, ready to take part in club racing with confidence.
A flexible weekly outline
Weather and wind vary a lot, so we adapt sessions to make the best of each evening. Expect a mix of skills training, longer courses, mini races and structured coaching. A typical progression might look like this:
Level 3 skills development
- Boat control and balance in a wider range of conditions
- Refining tacks and gybes for efficiency
- Upwind technique, sail setting and the Five Essentials
- Sailing a variety of courses with confidence
- Coming alongside and controlled landings
- Enhanced rigging, tuning and preparation
Start Racing
- How a start line works and how to position yourself
- Basic racing rules and keeping clear
- Simple tactics upwind and downwind
- Mark rounding and sailing the shortest sensible route
- Short, coached races to build confidence and decision making
- Understanding results, penalties and how a race is run
How a typical evening runs
6.00 to 6.30 pm rigging and setup
6.45 pm briefing with goals for the session
7.00 to 8.20 pm skills coaching or short races on the water
8.20 to 8.45 pm de-rig and change
8.45 to 9.15 pm debrief, tips and next steps
There is a clear plan each week so you always know what we are working on and why.
Equipment and what to bring
We provide safety cover and you may use club boats if you do not yet own one. Club wetsuits and buoyancy aids are available to borrow. Bring warm layers, a waterproof top and shoes that can get wet.
Safety and support
All sessions follow RYA standards, with qualified instructors and a safety boat on the water. Coaching is friendly, encouraging and rooted in helping you enjoy your sailing while progressing at a steady pace.
After the course
Graduates often move straight into regular club racing, improver coaching or our friendly weekend sessions. You will leave with the confidence to sail more independently and get stuck into the life of the club.
How to book
This course is for members only and places are limited. To join the Improver Adult RYA Level 3 and Start Racing programme, become a member, then contact the training team to secure your place and receive joining instructions.
Downloads
Last updated 11:04am on 2 January 2026