RYA Dinghy Instructor

About the course

The RYA Dinghy Instructor course is a widely recognised teaching qualification that will equip you to inspire and teach the next generation.

Taught by our own qualified instructors, you’ll cover the RYA method, the structure of RYA and how to teach sailing.

The standard qualification for anyone wanting to teach dinghy sailing, during your training, you’ll learn how to coach the RYA syllabus, the skills of being a successful instructor, effective communication styles and teaching methods.

PRE-REQUISITES

Prior to attending this course candidates must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certificate

• Hold a RYA approved valid FA certificate (please see the RYA website for approved certificates, alternatively QM offer the RYA First Aid 1-day course)

• Have completed a pre-assessment to demonstrate a suitable personal sailing ability within one year prior to the Instructor training course - details of what will be required from the pre-entry assessment can be found in the RYA Instructor Handbook (G14) and on the RYA website

• Completed the RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding course. Please visit the RYA website for more details.

Although not required, we would also advise you to complete the RYA Advanced Sailing courses, including RYA Seamanship Skills and RYA Sailing with Spinnakers. Training completed up to this level will be tested within the pre-entry assessment.

Syllabus

The course is run by an RYA Coach/Assessor, and covers the following areas:

• Teaching techniques, ashore & afloat

• The structure of the National Sailing Scheme and Youth Sailing Scheme

• Techniques for teaching adults, children, and those with special needs

• Preparation and presentation of a lesson

• Preparation and use of visual aids

• The assessment of students' abilities

• The use of powered craft in a teaching environment

During the training course you will be expected to deliver a presentation to the rest of the group on a topic chosen by the course coach. Prior to giving it, you will have had training input on how to deliver it.

The course is moderated by an RYA Coach/Assessor who has not been involved with the instructors training through the course. You will teach a group of students, and be assessed on the safe and effective running of the session. You may also be required to deliver a short presentation, possibly unprepared, on an aspect of sailing. More details of the moderation can be found in the RYA Instructor Handbook (G14).

By the end of the course you should be able to effectively teach safe, enjoyable and educational sessions to adults or children. Successful candidates (also satisfying the course pre-requisites) will qualify as RYA Dinghy Instructors, and be able to teach Levels 1, 2, 3 & Seamanship Skills from the National Sailing Scheme, and Stages 1 to 4 of the Youth Sailing Scheme. Sailing with Spinnakers can also be taught with the approval of the Principal.