Sailing News

All the latest news from the world of sailing and stories from experienced sailors.

    Each year the Round the Island Race attracts thousands of sailors and spectators. The event goes around the island once, in an anti-clockwise direction.   But just how far is the Round the Island Race?   The Round the Island Race as the sea gull flies is approximately 50 nautical miles long around Read more

RYA Yachtmaster First Aid Requirements

    One of the prerequisites for taking the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is having a valid first aid certificate. First aid at sea is an essential skill, as in the unlikely event of a medical emergency, prompt action and first aid knowledge can save lives.   So, which first aid certificates Read more

What is Considered Tidal Water for a Yachtmaster Qualification?

    To take the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exams you need to have successfully sailed specific miles, of which half should be in tidal waters. Offshore requires experience of 2,500 miles, and Coastal requires 800 miles, therefore tidal miles of 1,250 and 400 should have been logged respectively.   The Yachtmaster scheme is Read more

Day Skipper on Your Own Boat: How it Works

Whilst most sailors will take our RYA courses on boats belonging to First Class Sailing, it is also possible to take Day Skipper on your own boat with our instructors. There are some things to consider including the safety equipment you have on board: here’s how it works. Doing Day Skipper on your own boat Read more

10 Reasons to Try Sailing for the First Time

If you’ve never set foot on a sailing yacht, you might be missing out on an incredible adventure that combines the thrill of the open water with escapism at its finest. In this article, we’ll explore 10 reasons to try sailing for the first time and join us on a Sailing Experience Day.

Day Skipper Theory and Practical Combined (Fast Track)

We are often asked whether it’s possible to take RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical combined. In effect, a fast track version of Day Skipper. The simple is, yes, we can. If you have browsed our list of RYA courses, you won’t see it a Day Skipper Fast Track (Theory and Practical combined) course, as Read more

Day Skipper Requirements & Prerequisites

Before you take the RYA Day Skipper course, there are certain requirements you must meet. The Day Skipper prerequisites are as follows. Requirements for starting RYA Day Skipper include having logged at least 5 days and 100 sailing miles of which no fewer than 4 hours should have been completed at night. For the Day Read more

How Long is Day Skipper Valid For?

First Class Sailing is one of the UK’s leading sailing schools, offering the range of RYA courses, including Day Skipper practical and theory. A common question we get asked is just how long the RYA Day Skipper qualification is valid for. Your Day Skipper qualification is valid forever. There is no expiry date on it. Read more

Day Skipper Weekend Courses Available with First Class Sailing

First Class Sailing is one of the UK’s leading sailing schools offering the full range of RYA Courses. One of our most popular is the Day Skipper Practical course which teaches basic pilotage, boat handling, seamanship, and navigation over five consecutive days. However, we understand that it’s not possible for everyone to commit to spending Read more

Sailing Health Benefits: Exercise & Muscle Strength

Sailing is a fun way in which you can get into shape, but that doesn’t mean it has to be physically demanding all the time. You can sail at different levels and start off slowly and at a pace to suit you. Sailing truly is an excellent way to improve your health. As you can Read more