Race Coach Level 2 and 3 courses 

What is Race Coach Level 1? 

A Race Coach Level 1 is a qualified sailing instructor within the RYA training scheme who has some racing experience either prior to becoming qualified as an instructor or has attended some race training and a racing endorsement since. They are familiar with the basic racing rules and race organisation. 

The focus of a Race Coach Level 1 is to give new sailors a taste of what racing is about whilst still helping them to improve and practice their basic sailing skills. They can deliver Start racing at an RYA recognised training centre. Race coach Level 1 courses are run by RYA National Sailing Scheme Trainers rather than RYA Race Coach tutors. 

What is Race Coach Level 2? 

A race coach with this qualification is someone with racing experience who can help others learn racing skills or improve their existing skills. They will do this by creating simple exercises, such as races, games, or drills, that allow sailors to practise a specific racing skill. This will usually be done within a framework of “Plan-Do-Review”. A Race Coach Level 2 can coach Start, Club and Regional awards under the RYA Racing Scheme. (A Race Coach Level 2 or Level 3 does not need to hold any other instructional awards). 

What is the Race Coach Level 2 course? 

This intensive two-day course looks at different areas of coaching and how to apply coaching skills in a practical series of on-the-water exercises. Each candidate will be expected to run complete sessions including a briefing, on-the-water exercises, and review. The aim of the course is to provide candidates with techniques to safely coach racing to youth and adult sailors. Our courses comply with RYA and club guidelines. 

What experience do I need? 

If you would like to become a Race Coach Level 2 you must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be an RYA member
• Be a minimum age of 16 - Level 2 coaches aged under 18 should be appropriately supervised
• Hold a RYA Level 2 powerboat handling certificate
• Have an approved and valid first aid certificate
• Should be a good club racer - see the RYA Racing Scheme: Club Racing award for more details
• Have completed the RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding Awareness Course. This online course can be completed as part of the Race Coach Level 2 if required at no additional cost.

Note: If you are missing Powerboat Level 2, First Aid or Safe and Fun you may still attend the course, but these credentials must be completed within 6 months of the end of the course. 

How to book

To view or book upcoming Race Coach Level 2 courses please go to the RYA Events page where you can search using the filters on the left hand side, by "event audience (coaches)" and your region. 

You may find that the course you are interested in states "Club members only" rather than "Open to all RYA members". This status may change nearer to the start date if places are still available. Generally, if this is the case, courses are opened up to all RYA members about a month to six weeks prior to the course. 

If you don't see a suitable course in your region, or the course is full, please do pop your name on our waiting list. We consult this list if there are any last minute cancellations and it also gives us an idea of where we need to ensure more courses are run.