Cruising Instructor Course
Starting from: £1047 (4-1 ratio)
Safe & Secure Checkout
The RYA Cruising Instructor course is the qualification you need to start teaching RYA Yachting courses. It is the entry level for instructors in the RYA Cruising Scheme and takes place from our Southampton base and on the Solent.
Safe & Secure Checkout
True and inspiring role models as teachers. Great patience.
I took part in a Cruising Instructor (sail) course led by instructor Rob and moderated by instructor Andy. They both make an amazing team that helped me a lot to understand the RYA pedagogical framework and its practical application in day-to-day nautical teaching. True and inspiring role models as teachers, Rob and Andy showed great patience and incredible communication skills even with someone whose first language is not English like me. Personally I would repeat the experience at any time without hesitation.
Miguel P
Verified Customer
Once you have successfully completed the RYA Cruising Instructor Course and hold the qualification, you will be able to teach Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.
You should be an experienced Yachtmaster Offshore with a thorough knowledge to that level. The RYA Cruising Instructor course focuses on how to teach, instruct, coach, observe and deliver constructive feedback. Candidates must therefore ensure they have sufficient underpinning knowledge prior to attending.
To ensure credibility with students a depth of knowledge far above the RYA syllabus is necessary. Without enthusiasm and extensive practical experience candidates are unlikely to be successful on a Cruising Instructor course.
The course is taught by one Trainer and moderated on the final day by another one.
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
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More Info on the RYA Cruising Instructor Course
Low student to instructor ratios: Our low student to instructor ratios mean that each student receives ample guidance and support during their sailing experience.
All meals included on-board: Enjoy hassle-free trips with all meals provided on-board. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners. Students 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 instructor trainers: Instructor courses are often considered to be a daunting experience but when it comes to it many find the experience to be constructive and helpful. The Instructor Trainers are extremely experienced and have a lot of knowledge to impart.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the RYA Cruising Instructor course:
Required Experience
- You need to be an experienced skipper.
- You need theoretical and practical knowledge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
Course Duration
- 5 days of high level instruction, coaching and assessment
- The final day involves a moderator coming on board
Course Content
The course is about learning to instruct. Topics covered include:
- Teaching and learning theory
- Structuring feedback
- Planning, delivery and review of lessons
- Instructional techniques
- Interpersonal skills
- RYA orientation
Skills Gained
- Valuable teaching, briefing and debriefing skills
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make learning to be a Cruising Instructor easy.
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming course dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Take The Course
Learn and enjoy the experience,
Become An Instructor
With your newfound knowledge, you’re ready to teach Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses. Make sure you have a conversation with our office team about this. We may well have some opportunities for you.
RYA Cruising Instructor Course -
Complete Breakdown
Prerequisites for the Cruising Instructor Course
Minimum Age: 18+
Required Certificates:
- 1st Aid Certificate
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence with commercial endorsement
- You need to be a current RYA Member
Experience:
- Experienced skipper with theoretical and practical knowledge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
Pre Entry:
- Candidates are required to pass an online pre-course knowledge check module prior to being eligible to attend the course. This is designed to help you identify any subject areas where you may need to refresh or increase your knowledge
What's Included
Everything below is what is included in your course fee, the only thing not included in the price are mooring fees. It depends on where you end up each night but they are usually about £40 per person for 5 days.
Included:
- 5 days high level instruction and including 1 day moderation
- Online pre-course knowledge check
- Thorough teaching on course and lesson planning
- Accommodation on board
- All food on board
- Use of waterproof clothing if required
- Use of personal safety equipment
- Any incurred fuel costs
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 572 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 337 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
Incredible Communication Skills
The First Class sailing school team lives up to its name: they are first class professionals who run the school like a perfectly oiled machine. Very clear communications and timely instructions made the process of booking the course, setting it up and getting to the boat as easy and enjoyable as a walk in the park.
I took part in a Cruising Instructor (sail) course led by instructor Rob and moderated by instructor Andy. They both make an amazing team that helped me a lot to understand the RYA pedagogical framework and its practical application in day-to-day nautical teaching. True and inspiring role models as teachers, Rob and Andy showed great patience and incredible communication skills even with someone whose first language is not English like me. Personally I would repeat the experience at any time without hesitation.
The boat where the course took place deserves a special mention: the Cascadeur is a noble and highly reliable sailing vessel that is perfectly cared for. The meticulousness with which all the elements aboard are labeled, its equipment and distribution make the Cascadeur a perfect educational platform to enjoy, learn and gain sailing experience.
Miguel P
Verified Customer
Great team, helped me improve my sailing.
Well organised, and thoroughly knowledgeable team. Would really recommend using First Class to move your RYA knowledge along.
Mr J Robson
Verified Customer
Put a trip together in under a week
Managed to book put together a sailing trip to depart in under a week in the height of summer with a great skipper for a first time sailing trip. Service and competence were absolutely perfect - would recommend and use again.
Lutz G
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
See how internationally recognised RYA courses progress alongside your sailing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? Look no further.
Ready to Earn your RYA Cruising Instructor
If you share our passion for sailing, the Cruising Instructor will help you impart your knowledge to others.
- Learn how to teach, instruct, coach, observe and deliver constructive feedback
- 5 days high level instruction and including 1 day moderation
- The start of your Cruising Instructor journey
Enthusiastic
The Instructor Trainer was enthusiastic and very experienced at teaching and I was particularly pleased that the effort put in by the Trainer, and was rewarded with all the candidates passing the independent assessment at the end of the course. First Class Sailing get a big thumbs up from me.
Angus S
Verified Customer
Ready to Earn your RYA Cruising Instructor
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