Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential
Starting from: £850
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As an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award we are able to offer our modern yachts for young people seeking to complete the DofE Sailing Residential expedition element of the Gold Award. We are based in Southampton, which offers ideal access into the Solent waters and beyond to help you embark on your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential adventure!
- Perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and skill development.
- Make new friends and have lots of fun!
- Obtain your RYA Competent Crew certificate.
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Great D of E Residential Experience
My son completed a Competent Crew D of E Gold residential course . He loved learning new skills, meeting people, putting into port and exploring new places. He described it as the best residential he has had. He had never sailed before , but through excellent instruction loved learning how to sail and he liked being given responsibility. He is keen to do more sailing and gain further qualifications. Organisation and communication were excellent with useful info. about parking and a handy kit list. It was a great way for him to learn new skills whilst having fun and I was reassured that he was well looked after.
Venture44
Verified Customer
To achieve your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award you need to complete the Residential aspect of the award. This involves spending 5 days and 4 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you have never met before.
What better way to achieve the Gold Award than a DofE sailing expedition where you embark on an adventure with others on a sailing boat.
A yacht is a fantastic choice for Duke of Edinburgh residential sailing and those seeking to complete their Gold Award. They require plenty of a team work and are lovely environments to spend time in whilst chat to your fellow crew mates and newfound friends.
If the weather is not ideal in the evenings, then you can take shelter below deck in the cosy saloon, sit back, relax, and talk with others about how far you’ve come so far on your Duke of Edinburgh sailing residential.
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More Info on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential
All meals included on-board: Enjoy hassle-free trips with all meals provided on-board. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners. Crew can focus on the experience without worrying about extra expenses.
Wet weather gear included: Be prepared for any conditions with the use of our wet weather gear. Whether it’s rain or wind, stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities with quality gear provided at no additional cost.
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for crew of all skill levels.
Take an RYA course: Depending on how much sailing you have done you can do the RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper course at the same time as doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
Key Trip Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential:
Required Experience
- You don't need to have done any sailing before to take part on this Duke of Edinburgh Award sailing expedition.
- DofE sailing is an educational activity for participants aged 16 and over, and those of all abilities.
Course Duration
- The Gold DofE sailing residential on takes place over 5 days and 4 nights.
Experience Gained
- The Duke of Edinburgh residential sailing expedition is a lot of fun, and gives you brilliant experience of team work and sailing skills!
- Gain RYA Competent Crew Qualification at the same time
- Plus you get your Gold Residential Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Building Confidence
- Character building whilst living and working together on the sea building resilience and instilling a sense of responsibility.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make going on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential easy
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Turn Up
Join the boat to meet you fellow crew mates and get stuck on for a week of fun!
Become A First Class Sailor!
You will have completed your DofE Gold Residential and got your RYA Competent Crew certificate along the way.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing Gold Residential -
Complete Breakdown
Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential
What’s included:
- 5 days/4 nights
- Accommodation on-board
- All food on-board
- Sailing instruction & certificate
- RYA Competent Crew qualification
- Mooring fees, fuel & gas
- Use of wet weather gear
Not included - Insurance. You will want to get some personal insurance and you can get this from somewhere like TopSail Insurance.
We will provide healthy food. You will take it in turns doing the cooking. Think bacon and eggs for breakfast, easy to make sandwiches at lunch and hearty evening meals. We can cater for most dietary requirements, eg veggie, vegan, wheat free etc – just let us know on your booking form when you book.
You will be involved in all aspects of sailing the boat, from raising and lowering the sails and steering, to cooking food for your fellow crew mates and new friends. Our instructors are experienced and friendly.
At First Class Sailing we understand the importance of providing students with diverse and challenging experiences that not only contribute to their personal growth but also align with the values of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our residential at sea programme offers a perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and skill development.
The DofE sailing Residential trips will be mixed gender.
RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper
During the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Sailing week you can take the RYA Competent Crew Course. This is a beginner sailing course and you get a certificate at the end of it. Over the 5 days you are on board for the DofE sailing residential you will learn plenty of nautical jargon, several sailing knots, how to raise and lower the sails, how to steer, what to do if someone falls overboard and lots more. All of this is completed and learned under the safe and friendly instruction of an experienced skipper.
If you have already done a fair bit of sailing on a gaff rig and have done the RYA Day Skipper Theory course, then you can even do the Day Skipper practical course. This course will teach you how to be a skipper.
Then on one evening and into the night you will do some night sailing with us. Other evenings you will be either an anchor or alongside in a marina or on a buoy. There will be opportunities to have a look around ashore as part of your DofE Award sailing residential expedition.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 561 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 323 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Excellent
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
Fantastic Week
Fantastic week, would highly recommend this school and the Solent. Very knowledgeable and friendly instructor who was able to tailor learning to suit each person (challenging you when you could do the basic skills). Boat was in good condition, food provisioning was excellent. Wish I could do it again this week!
Eleanor P
Verified Customer
Gold DofE residential 5 Day Solent Trip
The whole experience was a great one. Both instructors had a wealth of knowledge and passed this onto the group meaning we all had the confidence to pretty much sail all by ourselves on the final day. The activities we did and independence they gave us during our down time really added to my enjoyment. This experience was an amazing choice for what to do for my residential and would highly recommend to anyone looking to do something a bit different and maybe put themselves out of their comfort zone.
Samuel Y
Verified Customer
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to go on a Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential
- Develop skills and confidence
- Have lots of fun!
- Get your RYA Competent Crew at the same time
Excellent customer service
Fantastic company. Great staff, lovely boats and location and really excellent customer service. Will definitely be booking with them again.
Stephen P
Verified Customer
Ready to go on a Duke of Edinburgh Awards Sailing - Gold Residential
