Dinghy Sailing - adult

Westminster Boating Base provides a range of Royal Yachting Association dinghy sailing sessions and courses from beginner to advanced including racing. Courses include RYA Level 1 Start Sailing, RYA Level 2 Basic Skills and RYA Level 3 Better Sailing.

WBB issues RYA dinghy sailing certificates and is a Royal Yachting Association Training Centre.

Where could sailing take you? See progression pathways

COVID-19: It's good news! Subject to changes in government restrictions, we're aiming to begin running RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses from mid-April with other activities to follow.

In the meantime, join our mailing list and you'll receive the activity dates as soon as we're on our feet.

Age 10-23yrs?

See Youth Programme

Go Sailing "taster" sessions. (RYA Discover Sailing)

Taster sessions suitable for adults and children (age 10yrs+) who want to give sailing a try. Suitable for families. Emphasis on fun! Must be booked in advance.

2021 dates:

Adult Courses

RYA level 1 dinghy sailing

As someone with little or no experience in a sailing dinghy, the RYA Level 1 course is the ideal place to start.

2021 dates:

See activities schedule on this page

RYA level 2 dinghy sailing

Setting the foundation for you to be able to sail without an instructor onboard. After completion of this course you'll be able to join our sessions for 'proficient sailors'.

2021 dates:

See activities schedule on this page

Adult Sessions

If you're a beginner, you will need to attend a course as listed above.

As a proficient sailor you will be reasonably competent at sailing a dinghy without an Instructor onboard and preferably hold the RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing certificate.

If you have not sailed with us before, due to the strong tidal flows of the river Thames, you will need to undergo a period of familiarisation with another of our experienced sailors in a crewed dinghy before you can sail alone.

All of our sessions are run under the supervision of a safety boat and a RYA Senior Instructor who will provide assistance as required.

2021 sessions:

n/a

YOU MUST ARRIVE FOR THE START TIME OF THE SESSION. TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO ONE!

How to attend

Create a log-in on this website which will provide us with your contact details.
Print and sign this consent form to bring with you on the day.
There is no booking required for the sessions. Just turn up at the advertised start time of the session.
From within the MY ACCOUNT section, you can purchase adult season tickets

Please note that if you are late, you may be turned away. Time and tide wait for no one!

You will need to bring:

A full change of clothes (appropriate for the weather) including soft-soled shoes and a towel.
Consent form
A small padlock to secure your valuables in one of our lockers (optional).

Nobody will be allowed on the water without these.

Currently in winter season

The season begins on 01st May 2021. Kayaking and sailing continues throughout the winter on Sundays. Winter clothing regulations apply.