RYA Training & Qualifications

We are proud to be able to deliver Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training courses as part of our membership with the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) and as a recognised Royal Yachting Association training centre, delivering accredited qualifications as part of our voyages aboard Helen Mary R.

Our approach to RYA training is grounded in experience and participation. Learning happens naturally through daily life aboard Helen Mary R, where young people develop skills by taking real responsibility within the crew. Navigation, sail handling, watch-keeping, teamwork, and decision-making are practised in genuine situations at sea, supported throughout by experienced volunteers who guide, coach, and encourage each young person as they progress.

This means that every qualification reflects not just what has been taught, but what has been truly experienced.

We currently offer the following RYA courses to young people taking part in our Sail Training voyages:

Start Yachting - Course Content
An introduction to life on board and the fundamentals of sailing. This course is ideal for those with little or no previous experience. Young people begin to understand how a yacht works, take part in basic sail handling, and start to build confidence on the water.

Competent Crew - Course Content
A practical course focused on becoming an active and capable crew member. Participants develop skills in seamanship, helming, sail handling, lookout, and safety. They become confident in contributing to the safe running of the vessel as part of a team.

Watch Leader
A leadership-focused programme for those ready to take the next step. This qualification supports young people in leading others, managing a watch, and taking responsibility for decision-making under guidance. It builds confidence, communication, and leadership in a real and meaningful environment.

Every voyage is different, and so is every young person. The table below provides a guide to what participants typically achieve based on voyage length and prior experience. It is not a guarantee, but a helpful way to understand how learning develops over time.

This reflects our structured but flexible approach, where progression is based on experience, confidence, and demonstrated ability rather than fixed timelines. We are open and honest about what can be achieved during a voyage.

Because Sail Training takes place in a dynamic environment:

• Not all participants will complete a full course in one voyage
• Many will achieve elements of a qualification
• All will make meaningful and recognised progress

Certification is awarded based on demonstrated competence, with final validation overseen by our Training Standards Lead to ensure consistency and alignment with RYA standards

If you would like to explore how RYA training fits into a voyage, or what qualification might be right for your young person, we would be very happy to talk.

Every voyage is an opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve something meaningful at sea.