What is sailing?

Humans have been sailing boats for thousands of years, and to this day the thrill of setting sail, harnessing the wind, and gliding through sparkling waters hasn’t changed.

Today, sailing is a beloved pastime enjoyed by millions of people worldwide both competitively and non-competitively. Unlike motorised boats, modern sailboats still rely on the power of nature using wind caught in their sails to propel them forward.

Get started

From leisurely journeys across local lakes and rivers to adventures exploring the open ocean, sailing has never been more accessible.

Learning in a dinghy is a great way to start sailing. Single handers (boats sailed by one person) are a popular choice and can be the quickest way to learn. This is owed to their lightweight design, making them easy to rig and launch. 

If you don’t fancy being in a boat alone, keelboats or yachts may be for you. These are larger boats operated by multiple people or a crew, giving you the chance to socialise and learn from others. 

Sailing courses

Over 165,000 people take RYA courses each year to gain the skills needed to sail safely and competently. Instructors can teach you at any level and learning through a course is a brilliant way to dip your toe into the world of sailing.

RYA sailing courses are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide and can be used to prove your competence abroad. Most courses can also be taken either on your own or with friends and family. 

Publications

To accompany our practical courses, you can master the theory behind dinghy and yacht sailing with our range of publications. 

Where can I learn to sail? 

You don’t have to live near the sea to learn how to sail. The best place to get started is at your local sailing club or training centre. With more than 2,000 RYA affiliated clubs and training centres on inland lakes, rivers, and coastal areas there’s bound to be one near you.