The RYA Sailing Schemes
What is the RYA?
The RYA stands for the Royal Yachting Association. They are the governing body for all small craft watersports in the UK – but their qualifications and influence goes far further afield.
The Lyme Regis Sea School is an RYA Training Centre, which means we can deliver RYA tuition, and certify RYA qualifications. No other organisation can do this, and we are the only RYA Training Centre offering both Dinghy Sailing and Powerboating in Lyme Regis!
To maintain our Training Centre status, we are inspected annually and have to adhere to strict operating procedures, laid down by the RYA, and informed by their institutional experience. That means that you can guarantee you’re in safe hands when you come out on the water with us.
Youth Sailing Scheme
Our youth courses are run in groups of a similar ability, with some mixing between levels. They are generally led directly by a Senior Instructor (if not led directly, they will be supervised by one), and supported by Dinghy Instructors and Assistant Instructors, with our target ratio being 1:3.
The youth stages will generally take about four-five weeks to complete. In particular, Stage 3 is quite a step up from Stage 2.
Stage 1
Teaches the foundations of crewing and boat handling.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors, supported by Assistant Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-5 days
Stage 2
Introduces gybing and sailing on all points of sail.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors, supported by Assistant Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-5 days
Stage 3
Teaches the key manoeuvres of independent sailing, such as coming alongside a mooring.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors, supported by Assistant Instructors
Length of course: Generally 5-8 days
Stage 4
Introduces students to doublehanded dinghies and the theory of larger craft.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors,
Length of course: Generally 3-5 days
National (Adult) Sailing Scheme
Our adult courses run in small groups (up to 6) with a Senior Instructor in direct charge of activities. We have supporting Dinghy Instructors, who will be in the boat with you until you reach a level of confidence and ability where they can then let you sail independently.
On a standard intensive week, many of our adults will achieve both Level 1 and 2, although this is not guaranteed.
Level 1
Builds the foundations of crewing and helming dinghies, with some theoretical elements.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Level 2
Teaches the student to the level generally required before taking charge of a dinghy, independent of an instructor.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Level 3
Introduces the Advanced Modules, with a mix of activities trialled
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Advanced Modules - youth and adult
Our advanced modules are for both youth and adult sailors – the syllabus is the same. Often we’ll run them separately, though. You’ll see that the advanced modules are run by differing levels of instructors, who have real experience and expertise in their area.
We usually aim to achieve two advanced modules in a standard intensive week.
Seamanship skills
Teaches advanced manoeuvres for more serious independent sailing.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Sailing with Spinnakers
Teaches the basics of rigging, using and troubleshooting spinnakers.
Taught by: Dinghy Instructors, Advanced Instructors
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Racing Modules
Introduces and refines racing techniques and strategies.
Taught by: Race Instructor/Coach
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Day Sailing
Our most theory-heavy course, to teach skills to navigate coastal cruises.
Taught by: Senior Instructor
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Performance Sailing
Introduces techniques for sailing in high-intensity scenarios and vessels
Taught by: Advanced Instructor
Length of course: Generally 2-3 days
Assistant Instructor
Introduces teaching techniques and working as part of the LRSS Team
Taught by: LRSS Principal or Chief Instructor
Length of course: 2.5 days