RYA Cruising Instructor Sail Course

Become a Qualified RYA Cruising Instructor.                                                                                                       Take the first step into teaching within the practical cruising scheme with the Cruising Instructor Sail Course.                                                                                                                              This qualification is the entry point for experienced Yachtmaster Offshore holders who want to begin instructing within the RYA cruising scheme. Once qualified, you will be able to teach practical courses up to Day Skipper level at an RYA Training Centre.                                          The course combines instructor development with assessment, helping you build the skills needed to coach, instruct, observe and deliver effective feedback while maintaining RYA training standards.

Course Overview

The Cruising Instructor qualification enables successful candidates to teach:

• Competent Crew practical courses
• Day Skipper practical courses

This qualification applies to sail cruising instruction and can later provide a pathway toward becoming a Yachtmaster Instructor.

Due to the intensive nature of the programme, candidates are expected to arrive with strong practical experience and extensive underpinning knowledge beyond Yachtmaster Offshore level.

Course Duration

• 5 days of tuition
  • Includes 1 moderation day

What the Course Covers

During the course you will receive:

• A structured introduction to instructional techniques
• Guidance on coaching and student development
• Training in observation and constructive feedback
• Full information on course and lesson planning
• Daily feedback from instructor trainers
• A personalised action plan for future development

The course is designed not only to assess your existing skills, but also to develop your confidence and effectiveness as an instructor.

Pre-Course Knowledge Check

Before attending the course, candidates must complete and pass an online pre-course knowledge module.

This assessment ensures candidates have the required theoretical understanding before joining the practical instructor programme.

Required Certificates

Candidates must hold:

• A valid First Aid certificate
• / MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• A valid commercial endorsement
• Successful completion of the online pre-course knowledge check

Please note: RYA membership is required for instructor qualifications.

Experience Required

Candidates should be:

• Experienced skippers
• Confident handling and managing yachts in a wide range of conditions
• In possession of theoretical and practical knowledge well beyond Yachtmaster Offshore standard

Successful instructors are expected to demonstrate strong credibility, professionalism and enthusiasm for sailing and instruction.

Students will often ask questions outside the core syllabus, so broad practical experience and in-depth knowledge are essential.

Minimum Age

• 18 years old

Qualification Gained

Successful candidates will be qualified to teach:

• practical sailing courses up to Day Skipper level

This qualification applies specifically to the Sail Cruising Scheme.

Instructor Validity & Revalidation

Due to the physical demands of practical afloat instruction:

• Instructor certificates obtained or revalidated after the age of 67 will require revalidation from age 72
• Certificates obtained or revalidated after age 70 are valid for two years before update training is required

Is This Course Right for You?

This course is ideal for experienced sailors who:

• Hold Yachtmaster Offshore certification
• Want to begin teaching professionally
• Enjoy coaching and mentoring others
• Are looking to work within an RYA Training Centre
• Wish to progress toward higher instructor qualifications

Book Your Place

Ready to start your journey as a sailing instructor?

Contact us today to discuss course dates, availability and pre-course requirements.