Southampton Sailing Courses on the Solent
Since 2000, First Class Sailing has been a leading sailing school in Southampton, offering expert tuition on the iconic waters of the Solent. From complete beginners to experienced sailors, our sailing lessons from Southampton cater to all levels and take place both on the water and in our shore-based classrooms. Explore our full range of Southampton sailing courses below and find the perfect option to build your skills and confidence.
RYA Competent Crew Course
The RYA Competent Crew practical course is an excellent introduction for beginners. The perfect starting point if you have done no sailing before.
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RYA Day Skipper Practical Course
This 5-day course (weekdays or weekends) is excellent for aspiring skippers and is taught on the Solent by friendly skippers with bags of experience
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RYA Coastal Skipper Course
An advanced sailing course that teaches skippering techniques for those wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.
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Yachtmaster Ocean
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean courses. Preparatrion for Yachmaster Ocean exam and certification.
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Cruising Instructor Course
> RYA Cruising Instructor Course. The entry course for those wishing to teach RYA courses in the RYA Cruising Scheme
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RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
Learn how to navigate on the RYA Day Skipper Theory course in the classroom at our London or Southampton locations.
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Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory courses from First Class Sailing in Southampton and London. Classroom training for Yachtmasters looking to advance their navigation skills.
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RYA VHF Radio Course
This course teaches you how to operate a VHF Radio. You need to take the RYA VHF Radio Course before you can take a VHF Radio Assessment.
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Sea Survival Course
'This is a one day course held in a classroom and a swimming pool. You will learn about and handle safety equipment. You will learn how to use it in an emergency. An important part of the course is a practical session in a swimming pool where you get to experience first hand the problems of entering an uncooperative liferaft and assisting others whilst fully clothed and with a lifejacket on. Courses are held in London and Southampton.'
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RYA/World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival Course
> The RYA/ISAF Offshore Safety Course satisfies the training required by RYA/ISAF Offshore Special Regulation 6.01 for category 0, 1 and some category 2 offshore races.
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RYA First Aid Course
First Class Sailing offers the RYA First Aid at Sea Course. Learn emergency marine first aid and ensure your safety on your next sailing experience. Held in London or Southampton.
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RYA Diesel Engine Course
Learn how to maintain a diesel engine with this one day RYA course held in either London or Southampton. Ideally suited to both sail and powerboat users.
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Radar Course
RYA Radar Course from First Class Sailing. Learn radar navigation and radar use for sailing and cruisers from RYA certified trainers.
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Yacht Electrical and Marine Systems Course
Yacht Electrical and Marine Systems Course
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Yacht Rigging and Rope Splicing Course
Yacht Rigging & Rope Splicing Course in Southampton
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Learn to sail on a classic boat
Take an RYA Competent Crew course on board a classic boat
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RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course
You'll be taught by very experienced and friendly sailing instructors from this RYA accredited school. Courses in London or Southampton.
Learn MoreSouthampton Sailing Courses in the Solent with First Class Sailing
At our Southampton sailing school, we offer the full range of RYA Practical Sailing Courses, including Competent Crew, Day Skipper, and Yachtmaster in the Solent.
Operating from Shamrock Quay, our long-established base in Southampton, First Class Sailing provides expert instruction on the UK’s central South Coast. The Solent’s unique combination of sheltered waters and tidal challenges makes it an ideal location for both beginners and advanced sailors to hone their skills.
Scroll down to explore our Southampton sailing courses, and check available dates when you select a specific course. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for Yachtmaster certification, sailing lessons in the Solent are the perfect way and place to learn.
One of the best sailing areas in the world!
Great sailing school with excellent trainers and good boat in one of the best sailing areas in the world. Would recommend without hesitation.
N G Heyson
Verified Customer
Our Yachts
Our RYA Practical Courses are held on a range of yachts, from 32ft to 46ft. Makes of yacht include Jeanneau, Bavaria, Beneteau, and Westerly yachts to name just a few. Whichever RYA sailing course you are considering, you'll be learning aboard vessels perfectly suited to the task.
Our modern yachts are generally high-performance cruising yachts built for comfort and designed for those looking for a relaxed way of getting away from it all. They are all ideal boats for those wishing to learn the ropes on an RYA practical course. They’re the type of yacht you might charter in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
On-board, you’ll find top-quality equipment, and of course, modern electronic chart plotters and radars plus traditional paper charts. The yachts are equipped and maintained to the high standard required for teaching by the RYA and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Below deck, our yachts have fully equipped galleys and heating in each cabin, ensuring a comfortable experience while you learn.
All of them are:
- Clean and comfy
- Equipped and maintained to the highest standard
- Much loved by our instructors and sailors
As part of the build up to your RYA Practical Sailing Courses, a few days before we will let you know which yacht you’ll be sailing on.
Our Yachts
