Sailing Courses in Southampton & London with First Class Sailing
Take the helm with a leading sailing school in Southampton and London. First Class Sailing delivers professional training, mile building trips, and unforgettable sailing adventures.
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5.0 based on 601 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 5.0 based on 356 Happy Customers On Google Reviews RYA Sailing Courses
Build your sailing skills with internationally recognised RYA training delivered by experienced instructors. Our practical courses run from Southampton in the heart of the Solent, while classroom theory courses are available in both Southampton and London — supporting sailors from beginner to Yachtmaster level. Explore our full range of RYA sailing courses in the UK
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.
Learn MoreRYA Day Skipper Theory CourseRYA Yachtmaster Theory Course
Master navigation, passage planning, COLREGs and meteorology with the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course in Southampton and London classrooms.
Learn MoreRYA Yachtmaster Theory CourseYachtmaster 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.
Learn MoreYachtmaster Ocean Theory CourseWant more time at sea?
Join a First Class Sailing experience designed to take your confidence, knowledge, and enjoyment to the next level.
Whether working towards qualifications, building real offshore miles, or simply enjoying life under sail, every trip offers hands-on learning in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Sailing builds confidence, reconnects people with nature, and brings together like-minded adventurers — all while developing seamanship skills.
Great Experience
"Really good experience, learned a great deal and feel more confident onboard. The instructor was especially good, calm, confident and knowledgeable."
Robert G
Verified Customer
More Sailing Adventures
From weekend sailing breaks to offshore mile building, global sailing holidays, and competitive yacht racing, discover unforgettable sailing experiences for every level of sailor. Join the crew for hands-on sailing, build real experience, and develop your skills alongside professional instructors and skippers.
Sail to Weymouth and back in a weekend
'Weekend mile building sailing passages to Weymouth and back '
Learn MoreSail to Weymouth and back in a weekendChannel Hop to France or the Channel Islands
'Sail to France and back. Weekend Channel Hops'
Learn MoreChannel Hop to France or the Channel IslandsBoat Handling Weekend
Practice handling a yacht in confined spaces under power and sail
Learn MoreBoat Handling WeekendWhat Our Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 601 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 5.0 based on 356 Happy Customers On Google ReviewsExcellent!
I cannot recommend First Class Sailing enough and their DofE Gold Residential Course. Excellent customer service, course content and great instructors.
Lindsay S
Verified Customer
Productive Learning
“I had a great time on my Sea Survival Course. The
morning session, thinking/discussing, the concepts of the training are an excellent compliment to the afternoon pool session.”
Craig M
Verified Customer
RYA First Aid course
“Clear, structured instruction, good hands on exercises. It's worrying to see how much you've forgotten in 5 years, so this course is not only required by the RYA, it is also utterly necessary when you're not using this on a daily basis.”
Harmen R
Verified Customer
The First Class Sailing ‘Triple S’ Guarantee
We pride ourselves on the quality of our courses and personal approach. That means:
- Service: Unlimited help, support, and advice FOREVER!
- Satisfaction: We guarantee the best sailing experience possible
- Success: If you don’t pass a course, retake it (for free) until you do*
(*Please see the complete details of our guarantee here).
Above all, we put your needs and enjoyment first. You can choose First Class Sailing confident you’re making an excellent decision.
The First Class Sailing ‘Triple S’ Guarantee
Passionate About Sharing Our Love For Sailing
Join us for unforgettable experiences that inspire confidence and a lifelong passion for the open water.
- Suitable for all experience levels
- Choose from a few hours to a week or more of sailing
- Explore incredible destinations from the Channel to the Norwegian Fjords
- Experience the thrill of adventure, 360-degree horizons, and true freedom at sea
Whether learning new skills or embarking on your next great voyage, every journey with First Class Sailing is designed to be memorable.
Excellent Competent Crew Practical Course
"The training was perfect for me. Care was taken to fulfil the syllabus. Everyone had plenty of opportunity to practise everything. The organisation of the course and communication with the office was excellent. As a German, I also appreciate the German sailing training. However, as I sail internationally, RYA gives me a better starting point for further training in different places later on."
Philip P
Verified Customer
Passionate About Sharing Our Love For Sailing