Under 16s

Find out more about RYA courses and opportunities for young people to get afloat

Dinghy sailing and windsurfing

Our dedicated Youth Sailing and Windsurfing schemes offer a safe and fun environment for children to learn and challenge themselves.

Dinghy courses

Learning to sail in a dinghy is a great way to get started on the water. The Youth Sailing scheme courses will see children quickly progress from beginners to confident sailors in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Windsurfing Kids Oscar Shaw National Windsurfing Champs Rutland

Windsurfing courses

Our Youth Windsurfing scheme is an easy and accessible way for children and young people to get started and progress in windsurfing. They'll be hooked from their first session and blasting across the water in no time.

three young girls smiling during an onboard sailing session

RYA OnBoard

RYA OnBoard Run through RYA recognised training centres, the RYA’s OnBoard programme aims to provide safe, fun and equal access to sailing and windsurfing for anyone aged 8-18.

Two young people laughing over a capsized boat

A sense of achievement

Certificates in the Youth Sailing and Windsurfing schemes are significant achievements. Instructors sign off each new skill learned and, once completed, certificates can be used in other areas of study or activities such as PE at school or the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

children on a topper wearing winter hats

Youth and junior racing

Children and young people can develop their racing skills in the RYA's junior and youth classes. Learn more about racing pathways, training and events.

Sailing and windsurfing reinstated for GCSE and A-level PE

Sailing and windsurfing, are now able to be taught and will be assessed in 2021 for AS-level and 2022 for GCSE and A-level.

Students wishing to take PE at GCSE, AS or A-level and to have sailing or windsurfing assessed as one of the activities, should speak directly to their school to determine which Awarding Body they use and the criteria, assessment and evidence required.

Two children sailing on double handed dinghy

Other courses

Boating is great fun for all ages and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Find out more about our courses and minimum age recommendations...

Kids and their instructor on a powerboat

Powerboating courses

A powerboating course can be a great introduction for young boaters, teaching them valuable seamanship, navigation and boat handling skills. Our two entry-level powerboat courses, Level 1 and Level 2, are suitable for children from 8 and 12-years-old respectively.

mother and son looking over the side of a canal boat

Inland Waterways courses

The inland waterways are perfect for cruising with children, there’s so much to see and do. Our Crew course is suitable for children as young as 8. And children aged 12 and up can take the Helmsman course.

Youth sailors enjoying a session the water learning about rope work

Sail Cruising courses

Sail cruising is a great way for the whole family to learn to sail and enjoy time on the water together. Our Start Yachting and Competent Crew courses are suitable for children aged 8 and 12 respectively. The minimum age to do the RYA Day Skipper course is 16.

Motor Cruising courses

Our Start Motor Cruising course is a brilliant introduction to motor cruising for children aged 8 and above. For those ready for more responsibility, the Helmsman and Day Skipper courses are suitable for 12 and 16 year-olds respectively.

Personal Watercraft courses

Our Proficiency course is suitable for anyone aged 12 and up. Riders aged between 12-16 should always ride under the supervision of an adult.