Sailing News
All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.
The Coastal Skipper RYA qualification is your next step toward confident coastal cruising and night sailing. Learn what’s involved, who it’s for, and how to earn your certificate.
Competent Crew in Autumn and Winter – Why It’s the Perfect Time to Learn to Sail
Competent Crew in Autumn offers a completely different kind of sailing experience. The Solent is quieter, the winds are steadier, and there’s more room to learn without the summer rush. With smaller crews, expert instructors, and the chance to experience night sailing, autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to take your RYA Competent Crew Course and discover the real joy of sailing.
Why RYA Sailing Courses Are the Best Way to Learn to Sail
RYA sailing courses offer a hands-on, structured way to learn to sail with expert instructors on the Solent, in Southampton and London. Build real confidence, earn internationally recognised qualifications, and discover why RYA training is trusted worldwide.
What to Expect on an RYA Competent Crew Course | First Class Sailing
What to Expect on an RYA Competent Crew Course: A Day-by-Day Guide Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to live aboard a yacht while learning to sail? Whether you’re completely new to sailing or just looking to build confidence on the water, the RYA Competent Crew course is your gateway to the world… Read more
FAQs about Sailing Courses
This blog answers some of the FAQS about Sailing Courses that you might have….. but might be too embarrassed to ask. Like.. How do I go to the toilet on board a yacht? What are the cabins like? Will I have to share a cabin? If you are new to sailing or considering taking a… Read more
Dreaming of Chartering a Boat & Sailing to France for the Weekend?
Are you ready to upgrade your sailing skills? If you’re already a Day Skipper (or similar) and are looking to improve then the Coastal Skipper course is an ideal step towards your dreams of becoming a confident Yachtmaster. This summer we are running a number of Coastal Skipper courses and you could… Read more
VHF Radio Course: Sign Up & What to Expect
Sailors need to know how to use a VHF radio. Not only is it essential for safety, it’s also the law – if your yacht is fitted with a VHF radio, someone on board needs to hold a licence. That’s where the RYA VHF Radio Course comes in. Whether you’re skippering your own… Read more
Online Day Skipper Theory Course: Learn at Your Own Pace
If you’re ready to take the next step in your sailing journey, but you need something that fits around a busy schedule, the Online RYA Day Skipper Theory course is the best place to start. It’s a flexible and thorough online sailing course which has been designed to build your understanding of navigation,… Read more
Day Skipper Course: What to Expect
If you already have some experience of sailing under your belt and you’re ready to take things to the next level, the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course should be your next move. On the Day Skipper Course you will go from crewing to skippering so you can eventually be the one giving instructions… Read more
Sailing Through History: The Beaulieu River’s WW2 Legacy
First Class Sailing tutors will often sail on the Beaulieu River, and you could too when you sign up to one of our RYA sailing courses. But did you know about the river’s wartime history? The Beaulieu River is not just known for its natural beauty and fantastic sailing opportunities, but it… Read more


