Chart a course
How to create your own RYA Dinghy Trail
If you’ve ever spent a day exploring a hidden creek, hopping between lakeside beaches, or navigating a scenic stretch of coastline in your dinghy, you’ve already done the hard part.
Now, the RYA wants to help you share that magic with the rest of the sailing community.
The RYA Dinghy Trails programme is all about opening up our waters. These trails are curated experiences that highlight slipways, points of interest, places to eat, and essential safety information.
The best trails come from you – the sailors who know these waters best. Here is how you can get involved and put your favourite local spot on the map.
1. Scout your route
A great trail is more than just a line from A to B. When choosing a trail, consider what makes it special. Does it have a historic lighthouse? A perfect spot for a picnic? A reliable pub with a jetty? A welcoming sailing club?
Key ingredients for a trail include:
- Accessibility: A clear starting point with a public slipway or club access
- Distance: Ideally between five and ten miles (suitable for a half or full day of sailing)
- Amenities: Toilets, cafes, and places to tie up safely
2. Gather the knowledge
Once you have a route in mind, it’s time to play "local expert." The RYA provides a standardised template to ensure all trails are easy to follow. You’ll need to note:
- Launch and recovery: Details on tide times, trailer parking, and any fees
- Waypoints: Specific GPS coordinates or visual landmarks (e.g., "The red buoy off the spit")
- Safety hazards: Notable currents, sandbars, or busy shipping lanes to avoid
3. Capture the vibe
People sail with their eyes first! Take high-quality photos of the scenery, the launch point, and any tricky navigation markers. If you have a GPS tracking app (like Strava or a dedicated marine plotter), record your track to help us design the official map.
4. Submit your trail
The RYA team is eager to work with individuals and clubs. You don’t need to be a professional cartographer; you just need the data. You can reach out to the RYA Dinghy Trails team to submit your idea/proposal and they will help verify the safety details and polish the layout into the official RYA Dinghy Trail format.
Why get involved?
By creating a trail, you’re helping to grow the sport. You’re giving a less confident sailor the knowledge to explore somewhere new, and helping local coastal communities thrive. Plus, there’s a certain pride in seeing your local patch featured on a national platform.
Top Tip: The best trails include 'Plan B' options. If the wind picks up or the crew gets tired, note down places where a dinghy can safely beach or find shelter early.
Discover more about creating dinghy trails.
