Sailing and Windsurfing

Getting started in sailing and windsurfing

Sailing and windsurfing are great sports for getting active and energetic, outside in the fresh air. They’re quick and easy to learn - with the right tuition you’ll have great fun and you’ll be speeding along in no time!

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK’s National Governing Body for  all forms of recreational and competitive boating. They represent sailing, motor-cruising, sports-boats, windsurfing, inland boating and personal watercraft coordinating competition and development of these sports.

Visit the RYA Start Boating pages for advice and information on finding courses, tuition and training centres to help you get out on the water, under sail or power. The RYA has specific advice on yachting, dinghies and windsurfing.

Find a Sailing or Windsurf Club

Joining a club will open up new opportunities and you can enjoy the social side of the sport by making friends and improving your skills on the water with other enthusiastic sailors. Make sure you find an RYA affiliated sailing / windsurfing club.

Find a club using the Sport Hampshire & IOW Find a Club page, or the RYA ‘Where’s My Nearest’ pages which gives information on local clubs and facilities.

Young Sailors

The RYA’s OnBoard programme has been developed especially for young people – whatever your ability or needs. Look out for OnBoard events near you or contact Samantha Jones for more information.

Coaching and Teaching Sailing

Teaching sailing or windsurfing can be a rewarding and challenging career or hobby. The RYA instructor training schemes are progressive - you can develop your skills and qualifications at your own pace by taking endorsement courses, working towards Senior Instructor level and, in the case of sailing, ultimately becoming a Coach/Assessor. Visit the RYA Coaches, Trainers and Instructors pages for more information.

Try volunteering!

A great way of getting involved with sailing and windsurfing is to volunteer at your local club. Volunteering can help you help others, share your skills, make new friends, take a new direction in life, learn to do something new. Visit the RYA Volunteering pages for information.