Sailing
Achieve RYA qualifications from Youth Stages to advanced modules with expert instruction.
What's Involved?
We run a comprehensive range of RYA sailing courses for all ages from 8 upwards, all delivered by highly qualified and caring instructors.
Our courses operate with exceptionally high instructor ratios – typically 2-4 students per instructor – coupled with a wide selection of excellent training boats to ensure quality learning. Children's and teenage courses (ages 8-12 and 12-15) run within the RYA Youth Scheme, offering Stages 1-4. Adults can progress through the RYA scheme appropriate to their level.
We also offer specialist RYA Modules including Seamanship Skills, Day Sailing, Spinnakers, and Performance Sailing for those wanting to develop specific techniques.
Whether it's your first time on the water or you're honing racing skills in high-performance boats, we'll place you with others of similar experience and guide your progression to the next level in Chichester Harbour's beautiful and sheltered waters.
Gallery
No items found.
Events Calendar
Click on the events below to find out more or to book.
RYA Level 1 16 years +
Start date:
End date:
Age range:
RYA Level 1 16 years +
Calling all those 16+ to join us for RYA National Sailing Levels 1 and 2 at CYE! Our instructors deliver the full RYA Levels syllabus in engaging, hands-on sessions – building skills, safety awareness and confidence on the water. Following the RYA National Sailing Scheme will take you from complete beginner to confident helm in a safe and fun environment (please note each Level takes 2 days to complete).
RYA National Sailing Scheme – Level 1 (Start Sailing)
Take your first step into the world of sailing with our RYA Level 1 course. This beginner-friendly course will introduce you to the basics of sailing in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll learn how to rig and launch a dinghy, basic boat handling, steering, and essential safety knowledge. Perfect for adults (16+) looking to gain confidence on the water and start their sailing journey. No prior experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm!
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Level 1 - Level 2
Level 2 - Level 3
Level 3 - Advanced Modules (eg. Seamanship Skills)
RYA National Sailing Scheme – Level 1 (Start Sailing)
Take your first step into the world of sailing with our RYA Level 1 course. This beginner-friendly course will introduce you to the basics of sailing in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll learn how to rig and launch a dinghy, basic boat handling, steering, and essential safety knowledge. Perfect for adults (16+) looking to gain confidence on the water and start their sailing journey. No prior experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm!
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Level 1 - Level 2
Level 2 - Level 3
Level 3 - Advanced Modules (eg. Seamanship Skills)
RYA Stage 1 May (8-15)
Start date:
End date:
Age range:
RYA Stage 1 May (8-15)
Join us for RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages at CYE! Our instructors deliver the full RYA Stages syllabus in engaging, hands-on sessions – building skills, safety awareness and confidence on the water. Following RYA Stages 1,2,3 and 4 will take your young sailors from complete beginner to confident helm in a safe and fun environment (please note each Stage takes 2 days to complete).
Stage 1 – Start Sailing
A gentle introduction with no prior experience required. On this course you will learn the basics of sailing, parts of the boat and how to launch, recover and steer.
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
Stage 1 – Start Sailing
A gentle introduction with no prior experience required. On this course you will learn the basics of sailing, parts of the boat and how to launch, recover and steer.
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
RYA Stage 2 May (8-15)
Start date:
End date:
Age range:
RYA Stage 2 May (8-15)
Join us for RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages at CYE! Our instructors deliver the full RYA Stages syllabus in engaging, hands-on sessions – building skills, safety awareness and confidence on the water. Following RYA Stages 1,2,3 and 4 will take your young sailors from complete beginner to confident helm in a safe and fun environment (please note each Stage takes 2 days to complete).
Stage 2 – Basic Skills
Building on from Stage 1, sailors will continue to develop basic sailing skills, including taking and controlling a boats speed. This course will also include holistic sailing such as basic ropework and rules of the road. This course looks to grow a young sailors confidence sailing and is excellent preparation to progress to stage 3
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
Stage 2 – Basic Skills
Building on from Stage 1, sailors will continue to develop basic sailing skills, including taking and controlling a boats speed. This course will also include holistic sailing such as basic ropework and rules of the road. This course looks to grow a young sailors confidence sailing and is excellent preparation to progress to stage 3
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
RYA Stage 3/4 May (8-15)
Start date:
End date:
Age range:
RYA Stage 3/4 May (8-15)
Join us for RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages at CYE! Our instructors deliver the full RYA Stages syllabus in engaging, hands-on sessions – building skills, safety awareness and confidence on the water. Following RYA Stages 1,2,3 and 4 will take your young sailors from complete beginner to confident helm in a safe and fun environment (please note each Stage takes 2 days to complete).
Stage 3 and 4 - improver and advanced skills
Stage 3 and 4 will develop a sailors basic sailing skills to an improved or advanced level. This course will continue to cover rigging and sailing techniques, sailing theory, launching and recovery skills. Stage 4 applies all of the skills learnt up to and including Stage 3 but in double handed boats, allowing development as a helm or crew.
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
Stage 3 and 4 - improver and advanced skills
Stage 3 and 4 will develop a sailors basic sailing skills to an improved or advanced level. This course will continue to cover rigging and sailing techniques, sailing theory, launching and recovery skills. Stage 4 applies all of the skills learnt up to and including Stage 3 but in double handed boats, allowing development as a helm or crew.
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
RYA Stage 2 July (8-15)
Start date:
End date:
Age range:
RYA Stage 2 July (8-15)
Join us for RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages at CYE! Our instructors deliver the full RYA Stages syllabus in engaging, hands-on sessions – building skills, safety awareness and confidence on the water. Following RYA Stages 1,2,3 and 4 will take your young sailors from complete beginner to confident helm in a safe and fun environment (please note each Stage takes 2 days to complete).
Stage 2 – Basic Skills
Building on from Stage 1, sailors will continue to develop basic sailing skills, including taking and controlling a boats speed. This course will also include holistic sailing such as basic ropework and rules of the road. This course looks to grow a young sailors confidence sailing and is excellent preparation to progress to stage 3
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
Stage 2 – Basic Skills
Building on from Stage 1, sailors will continue to develop basic sailing skills, including taking and controlling a boats speed. This course will also include holistic sailing such as basic ropework and rules of the road. This course looks to grow a young sailors confidence sailing and is excellent preparation to progress to stage 3
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
RYA Stage 1 July (8-15)
Start date:
End date:
Age range:
RYA Stage 1 July (8-15)
Join us for RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages at CYE! Our instructors deliver the full RYA Stages syllabus in engaging, hands-on sessions – building skills, safety awareness and confidence on the water. Following RYA Stages 1,2,3 and 4 will take your young sailors from complete beginner to confident helm in a safe and fun environment (please note each Stage takes 2 days to complete).
Stage 1 – Start Sailing
A gentle introduction with no prior experience required. On this course you will learn the basics of sailing, parts of the boat and how to launch, recover and steer.
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4
Stage 1 – Start Sailing
A gentle introduction with no prior experience required. On this course you will learn the basics of sailing, parts of the boat and how to launch, recover and steer.
Progression Requirements
Please note, you must complete each stage before moving to the next – it’s a step-by-step journey.
Stage 1 - Stage 2
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Stage 3 - Stage 4