Southampton Water Activities Centre - Chieftain Training

⛵ Start Your Child's Sailing Adventure with the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme! ⛵

At Southampton Water Activities Centre, our RYA Youth Sailing Scheme provides a fun, safe, and progressive pathway for young sailors aged 8–15 to develop their confidence and skills on the water.

Whether they're stepping into a sailing dinghy for the very first time or looking to build on existing experience, our RYA-qualified instructors will guide them through each stage of their sailing journey.

🌊 RYA Stage 1 – Start Sailing
Perfect for complete beginners, Stage 1 introduces young sailors to:

⚓ Parts of the boat
⚓ Basic sailing principles
⚓ Steering and boat control
⚓ Launching and recovery
⚓ Sailing across the wind and turning the boat

By the end of the course, sailors will be able to steer a dinghy and understand the fundamental principles of sailing.

⛵ Progress Through the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme

Stage 2 – Develop basic sailing skills, ropework, and collision avoidance, while learning to tack and control boat speed.

Stage 3 – Learn rigging, capsize recovery, sailing theory, and how to sail a triangular course independently in moderate conditions.

Stage 4 – Put all those skills into practice in double-handed boats, learning to helm, crew, and solve problems afloat as part of a team.

Our Youth Sailing courses are designed to build confidence, independence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of being on the water.

Find out more: https://chieftain.training/dinghy-sailing/

Last week's RYA Dinghy Instructor Course at SWAC. The Pre Entry assessment was delivered by John, the course was taught by Gareth and the moderation day completed by Doug. (Interestingly all three trainers worked together at SWAC full time in the 1990s).

⛵ Ready to take the next step in your sailing journey? ⛵

The RYA Dinghy Level 2 course at Southampton Water Activities Centre is designed for sailors who have completed Level 1 and want to become more confident and capable on the water.

As part of the RYA National Sailing Scheme, Dinghy Level 2 develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to sail a dinghy independently in light to moderate conditions.

During the course you'll learn:

⚓ Rigging and launching a dinghy safely
⚓ Sailing on all points of sail
⚓ Tacking and gybing with confidence
⚓ Improving boat handling and control
⚓ Man overboard recovery techniques
⚓ Essential ropework and seamanship skills
⚓ Basic sailing theory and safety awareness

Based on the River Itchen, SWAC offers an excellent training environment with direct access to tidal waters, allowing you to develop real-world sailing skills under the guidance of our experienced RYA instructors.

Find out more: https://chieftain.training/rya-dinghy-level-2-basic-skills/

🌊⛵ Sailability at SWAC ⛵🌊

Everyone deserves the chance to experience the freedom, independence, and enjoyment of being out on the water.

SWAC Sailability is dedicated to making sailing accessible for people with disabilities, providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where sailors can develop new skills, build confidence, enjoy time on the water, and become part of a fantastic community.

Our Sailability sessions run every Wednesday evening from 17:30–19:30 throughout the sailing season, and we're always excited to welcome new sailors along. Whether you're completely new to sailing or have experience on the water, our friendly volunteers and accessible facilities help ensure everyone can get involved and enjoy the experience.

Find out more: https://chieftain.training/swac-sailability-club/

⛵ Discover the Joy of Sailing at SWAC ⛵

Have you ever wanted to learn to sail? The RYA Level 1 Start Sailing Course at Southampton Water Activities Centre is the perfect introduction for complete beginners.

Part of the RYA National Sailing Scheme, this course is designed to get you afloat and teach you the fundamental skills needed to sail a dinghy safely under supervision. No previous experience is required.

During the course you'll learn:

⚓ How a sailing dinghy works and the parts of the boat
⚓ How to rig and prepare a boat for sailing
⚓ Steering and basic boat handling skills
⚓ How to sail in all directions
⚓ Tacking and turning the boat safely
⚓ Launching and recovering a dinghy
⚓ Essential safety awareness

By the end of the course, you'll have a basic understanding of sailing techniques and be able to sail a dinghy under supervision with growing confidence.

Whether you're looking for a new hobby, want to spend more time on the water, or are beginning a journey towards advanced sailing qualifications, Level 1 is where it all starts.

Find out more: https://chieftain.training/dinghy-sailing/

Another fantastic few days on the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course with Alex. Lots of time on the water, plenty of sun cream, and a few ice creams to keep everyone going!

A busy and warm evening yesterday, with the Team welcoming 20 Cubs from Romsey who took part in Canoeing and Mega SUP activities, alongside 20 Cubs from Chandlers Ford who enjoyed a sailing session. Great to see so many young people out on the water making the most of the fantastic weather.

⛵ Start Your Child's Sailing Adventure with the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme! ⛵

At Southampton Water Activities Centre, our RYA Youth Sailing Scheme provides a fun, safe, and progressive pathway for young sailors aged 8–15 to develop their confidence and skills on the water.

Whether they're stepping into a sailing dinghy for the very first time or looking to build on existing experience, our RYA-qualified instructors will guide them through each stage of their sailing journey.

🌊 RYA Stage 1 – Start Sailing
Perfect for complete beginners, Stage 1 introduces young sailors to:

⚓ Parts of the boat
⚓ Basic sailing principles
⚓ Steering and boat control
⚓ Launching and recovery
⚓ Sailing across the wind and turning the boat

By the end of the course, sailors will be able to steer a dinghy and understand the fundamental principles of sailing.

⛵ Progress Through the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme

Stage 2 – Develop basic sailing skills, ropework, and collision avoidance, while learning to tack and control boat speed.

Stage 3 – Learn rigging, capsize recovery, sailing theory, and how to sail a triangular course independently in moderate conditions.

Stage 4 – Put all those skills into practice in double-handed boats, learning to helm, crew, and solve problems afloat as part of a team.

Our Youth Sailing courses are designed to build confidence, independence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of being on the water.

Find out more: https://chieftain.training/youth-sailing/