Finding the right venue
From clubs to training centres, find the best fit for you and your needs
With over 200 Sailability venues across the UK, and thousands more RYA affiliated clubs and training centres, the options for getting on the water are endless.
From exploring lakes and reservoirs, to experiencing the thrill of the open water or tranquillity of the inland waterways, there really is something for everyone.
Boats come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you choose to start on a sailboat or powerboat, each one offers a unique way to experience freedom and autonomy on the water.
With the right fit and the right support, learning how to sail can be empowering, exciting, and even life changing. Discover more about the different options and where you can get started.
Where can you go sailing?
RYA Sailability venues offer a safe and structured environment for you to learn how to sail and regularly get out on the water. All of our venues are part of an RYA affiliated club or recognised training centre.
RYA training centres
RYA recognised training centres are a great place to start. Every centre is inspected by the RYA to meet standards for safety, instruction and equipment, helping you feel supported from your very first session. Some training centres offer flexible “pay and play” sessions or courses, so you can try sailing without becoming a member, while others are based within local sailing clubs.
RYA affiliated clubs
Sailing clubs and organisations affiliated with the RYA welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, offering opportunities to be part of a friendly and supportive community. The RYA provides guidance on the policies and procedures we expect affiliated organisations to have in place, although each organisation manages these independently.
Sailability venues
Organisations part of the Sailability programme are committed to breaking down barriers and making sailing accessible for everyone. These venues become part of a network that shares knowledge, ideas and best practice to improve experiences on and off the water.
Staff and volunteers understand that everyone’s needs are different and work hard to provide the right support for each new sailor, helping you discover the freedom, confidence and enjoyment that sailing can bring.
Some organisations have a local focus, while others may choose a particular type of boating. Some will be a club or training centre welcoming everyone through the door, others will specifically be for disabled people.
Many will provide the boats and equipment you need.
How to choose?
Ask about the activities on offer, the days and times they happen and who else goes along. Find out what happens off the water as well as on it, and whether the facilities meet your needs. Do you have to join as a member or can you pay each time you attend?
Asking questions about sailing and how you will get on the water can reassure you:
- What support you can expect?
- What are the safety arrangements?
- Which boats are available?
- How experienced are the staff and volunteers?
- Who should you talk to if you are worried about anything you see during your visit?
All these are fair and valid questions that your venue will gladly answer.
Every club and training centre will provide a different offer and will have a different relationship with the RYA - so ask. You can learn and develop at both. With a training centre you have the reassurance that they are inspected each year, and can take part in accredited RYA courses. At an affiliated club you are more likely to learn with other members and volunteers. Of course, many organisations are both affiliated and recognised to teach RYA courses.
Do you want to sail on your own in a small dinghy, or get racing and put your skills to the test against others? Work as a team sailing a yacht or speed across the water in a powerboat? Look for a venue that can offer the activity you’re most interested in or find out more about the types of boats and options available.
Ask about the facilities on shore, how you will get around the venue, how you will get on and off boats, and have a conversation about any adaptations you think might be needed to fully participate
Join us on the water near you
Find a Sailability venue
Any questions
Everyone's different, so contact us if you have questions or want to find out more about how boating can be made to work for you.
Types of boats and adaptations
Take a closer look at some of the boats, opportunities and innovations you’re likely to see at Sailability sites across the UK.
Your first visit
Whether you’ve never sailed before or already know the ropes, you’ll feel welcome and have fun from the very first time you visit one of our RYA Sailability venues.