Take your first steps to qualifying as an RYA Instructor. 

Role: Working with fully qualified RYA Instructors to support training sessions and courses ashore and afloat. 

Rewards: Gain hands-on experience and develop your skills while helping others to enjoy getting on the water. 

Challenges: Working as part of a team and with a variety of people of all ages – and it’s not always sunny! 

Personal skills: Competent dinghy sailor, reliable and enthusiastic. 

How to qualify: Must have completed at least one of the advanced modules in the RYA Sailing Scheme and have a recommendation from the Principal of a Recognised Training Centre, with approximately 20 hours of experience leading to a centre-specific certificate. 

Next steps: For those aged 16+, why not take your qualification to the next level and become an RYA Dinghy Instructor? 

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat & Multihull qualifications.

Share your passion for sailing and open doors to employment worldwide.  

Role: Inspire children and adults to get afloat with the RYA National Sailing Scheme, from the morning group briefing through to rigging and launching to steering a course.  

Rewards: Seeing the lightbulb ‘I can do it’ moments when someone helms a boat, sets their sails, tacks, gybes or recovers from a capsize for the first time. 

Challenges: Adapting to the different needs of students and keeping sessions meaningful and fun in both the best and worst of weather conditions. 

Personal skills:  Experienced sailor, including in strong winds, and a good communicator who enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. 

How to qualify: Five-day course, minimum age 16, with pre-requisites including Pre Assessment, RYA Powerboat Level 2, First Aid and Safe & Fun certificates. 

Next steps: Become an RYA Advanced Instructor to also teach Sailing with Spinnakers and Performance Sailing; or head to the next level as an RYA Senior Instructor; or add endorsements for teaching keelboat, multihull or foiling. 

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat and Multihull Instructor

Teach in small keelboats. 

Role: Plan practical sessions for beginners and improvers, including techniques afloat and onshore theory, for teaching RYA National Sailing Scheme courses. 

Rewards: Share something you enjoy and gain satisfaction from seeing people develop their confidence and know how to helm and crew in a small keelboat. 

Challenges: Maintaining good communication with a group of students to ensure a positive and productive learning experience where all on board have a chance to take on the different roles and practise manoeuvres.  

Personal skills:  A good sailor in all conditions who is able to make decisions, communicate clearly, stay calm and take responsibility. 

How to qualify: Either a two-day endorsement course for experienced RYA Dinghy Instructors wanting to also teach in keelboats, or a five-day course for those new to instructing. 

Next steps: Add other relevant instructor qualifications, or become an RYA Race Coach.  

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat & Multihull qualifications.

Share your love of fast and exciting sailing in multihulls. 

Role: Teaching multihull handling and techniques with safe, engaging and effective instruction within the RYA National Sailing Scheme. 

Rewards: Supporting learners and improvers to master how multihulls respond to different conditions, enabling them to become safe and capable sailors. 

Challenges: Taking responsibility for the welfare of students across all wind and wave conditions with excellent instructing and decision making. 

Personal skills: Confident, competent sailor who is a clear communicator with a strong understanding of multihull performance and safety, and a commitment to keeping up with best practice. 

How to qualify: Two day intensive course for experienced RYA Dinghy Instructors wanting to also teach in multihulls. 

Next steps: Gain additional instructor endorsements or develop your skillset as an RYA Senior Instructor or RYA Race Coach. 

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat & Multihull qualifications.

Help people take their first flights or advance their skills. 

Role: Delivering RYA SAILfoil courses enabling sailors to progress through three key stages: First Flights, Sustained Flights and Performance Flights. 

Rewards: Seeing competent sailors discover the thrill of foiling and supporting those who want to reach the next level, including achieving foiling tacks and gybes across a range of conditions. 

Challenges: Maintaining smiles and enthusiasm through the inevitable splashdowns and capsizes that are a part of the steep learning curve. 

Personal skills: Hands-on foiling experience plus excellent RIB handling, safety boat and communication skills. 

How to qualify: A four-day course for RYA Dinghy Instructors who are also able to foil up to RYA Sustained Flights level.  

Next steps: You may like to also explore the RYA’s WingFoiling training scheme. 

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat & Multihull qualifications.

Introduce sailors to the fun of racing. 

Role: Support the development of sailors through racing either as part of the RYA National and Youth Sailing Schemes, or within the RYA Sailing Pathway programme. 

Rewards: The satisfaction of seeing your sailors developing winning ways by racing smarter and faster - and for top level coaches, opportunities to travel and support sailors nationally and internationally. 

Challenges: Long hours often at weekends and in school holidays to fit training for sailors around their work or studies, with sometimes prolonged periods away from home if coaching pre and during major events.  

Personal skills: Excellent racing and rules knowledge; competent powerboat handler for coaching and safety support; ability to adapt to different personalities, changing conditions and new venues.  

How to qualify: RYA Racing Coach courses, minimum age 16.  

Next steps: Start at Level 1 and progress through Levels 2 & 3 as you build your experience.  

Interested? Become a race coach.

Take the next step in your instructing journey. 

Role: Supervise, direct and assist a team of Instructors and Assistant Instructors.  Manage RYA training both ashore and afloat, ensuring that the work of the instructor team is safe, enjoyable and leads to valuable learning outcomes when delivering courses for all ages and abilities.  

Rewards: Building your skills or career pathway while being a part of the ongoing success of your commercial or volunteer-led RYA Recognised Training Centre.  

Challenges: A demanding and busy role requiring organisational and management skills as well as core sailing and instructor experience. 

Personal skills:  Leadership, communication, management and mentoring skills. 

How to qualify: Aged 18+ with at least two years of intermittent or one-year of full time instructing since qualifying as an RYA Dinghy/Keelboat/Multihull Instructor.  

Next steps: You may want to consider a move into watersports management. 

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat & Multihull qualifications.

Teach aspiring instructors the tools of the trade. 

Role: Running instructor courses in a friendly, practical and supportive way to enable participants to qualify for their certificate, or make good progress towards their goal with clear steps for ongoing development. 

Rewards: Supporting the next generation of instructors to get on the ladder. 

Challenges: Managing a group of sailors, who may have different skill sets both on the water and ashore, so everyone enjoys the learning process. 

Personal skills: Proven ability for running RYA National Sailing and Youth Sailing Scheme courses, with good communication, motivation and leadership skills, and a positive and enthusiastic mindset. 

How to apply: This is an appointment rather than a qualification, for experienced RYA Senior Instructors who also have an Advanced Instructor endorsement, with references from either a Regional Manager or other RYA Dinghy Trainers. 

Next steps: You may want to consider a move into watersports management. 

Interested? Visit RYA Dinghy, Keelboat & Multihull qualifications.

Assist with teaching windsurfing to beginners. 

Role: Work with qualified Windsurfing Instructors to teach Youth Stage 1 and adult Start Windsurfing courses. 

Rewards: Work is fully supervised so it’s a great way to gain the skills you need towards becoming an instructor. 

Challenges: Teaching often involves long days ashore and afloat and requires confidence for working with a variety of people and age groups. 

Personal skills: Competent windsurfer of intermediate level in the RYA Windsurfing Scheme, including beach starting and non-planing carve gybes.  

How to qualify: Recommendation from the Principal of your RYA Recognised Training Centre, and approximately 20 hours of experience encompassing RYA teaching for beginners. Minimum age 16. 

Next steps: Advance your skills to become an RYA Windsurfing Instructor. 

Interested? Visit Windsurfing Instructor.

Teach newcomers to the sport how to windsurf. 

Role: Teaching the RYA Start Windsurfing course and RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1 & 2 courses. 

Rewards: The beaming smiles of your students when their balance and forward momentum start to outstrip the time spent falling in and pulling up the sail. 

Challenges: Maintaining motivation and managing individual progress within a group – some find their feet and a feel for the wind quicker than others! 

Personal skills:  Love of windsurfing and a clear communicator who is able to keep sessions safe and fun while explaining unfamiliar ideas like points of sail. 

How to qualify: Five-day course for those aged 16+ with intermediate level skills, including beach starting and non-planing carve gybes; certificates including First Aid, Powerboat Level 2 and Safe & Fun. 

Next steps: With evidence of 50 hours logged as a Start Windsurfing Instructor, take a four-day course to become an RYA Intermediate Instructor who is able to teach to this level.  

Interested? Find all the info you need at Windsurfing Instructor. 

Take your ticket to the next level to manage courses and instructors. 

Role: Supervise, direct and assist a team of Instructors and Assistant Instructors. Manage RYA training both ashore and afloat, ensuring that the work of the instructor team is safe, enjoyable and leads to valuable learning outcomes when delivering courses for all ages and abilities. 

Rewards: Helping your team to grow their confidence and instructor skills, while developing your own expertise in mentoring and leadership. 

Challenges: Managing and adapting activities when conditions are less than ideal, and the demands of taking responsibility for the safety of both instructors and participants on shore and afloat. 

Personal skills:  Experienced windsurfer alongside organisational and interpersonal skills, and an enthusiasm for creating a thriving and inclusive learning environment.  

How to qualify: Four-day course for those with two seasons as a full-time RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor and a recommendation from the Principal of an RYA Recognised Training Centre. 

Next steps: You may want to consider a move into watersports management or become a Windsurfing Trainer. 

Interested? Visit Windsurfing Instructor.

Teach and inspire new windsurfing instructors. 

Role: Teach aspiring RYA Start Windsurfing instructors how to plan and manage a course involving sessions both ashore and afloat, including formal presentations and discussion sessions. 

Rewards: Playing a vital part in enabling the next generation of instructors to get on the ladder to support the future of windsurfing. 

Challenges: Managing different levels of experience and confidence to ensure future windsurfing instructors are equipped with the skills needed to qualify, or have positive feedback and goals for trying again if unsuccessful. Commitment to keeping up to date with innovations in the sport and best practice. 

Personal skills:  Windsurf competency on a range of equipment in a variety of conditions, with a positive and energetic approach encompassing good teaching, communication, motivational and leadership skills. 

How to apply: For experienced RYA Senior Instructors who also have an Intermediate Planing Instructor, with references from either your Regional Manager or other RYA Dinghy Trainers  

Next steps: You may want to consider a move into watersports management. 

Interested? Go to the Windsurfing Instructor hub.

Help windsurfers to take off with foiling! 

Role: Teach RYA WINDfoil courses from First Flights upwards, depending on your personal level of experience, to aspiring windfoilers. 

Rewards: Inspiring fellow windsurfers to discover the exhilaration and freedom of foiling above the waves. 

Challenges: Building confidence and keeping it fun for students who may find it tricky to manage the kit and adapt their skills when starting their foiling journey. 

Personal skills: Competent and enthusiastic windsurfer and foiler with strong technical and communication skills for giving clear explanations, and the patience to support beginners to learn at their own pace. 

How to qualify: Four-day course. Pre-requisites including RYA Intermediate Windsurfing Instructor certificate and foiling experience to RYA Sustained Flights level.  

Next steps: Help to develop the next generation of WINDfoil Instructors as an RYA Trainer. 

Interested? Visit Windsurfing Instructor qualifications.

Introduce recreational windsurfers to competitive racing.  

Role: Teach essential skills such as starting sequences, basic rules, course layouts and efficient mark roundings, tactics and using wind shifts. 

Rewards: Inspiring leisure windsurfers to learn new skills which will advance their board handling and transform their time on the water, including giving young people a pathway to keep them engaged in the sport for life 

Challenges: Explaining rules and tactics to windsurfers who may previously have been more dedicated to simply aiming for straight-line speed. 

Personal skills: You will have competed at club or regional level (windsurfing or dinghy sailing) and have knowledge of competitive windsurfing, including a practical understanding of running simple race training exercises.  

How to qualify: Two-day course to qualify as an RYA Race Coach Level 1 / Racing Instructor, requiring Powerboat Level 2, First Aid and Safe & Fun certificates. 

Next steps: Advance to RYA Race Coach Level 2 & 3 courses.  

Interested? Find out more at our Windsurfing Instructor hub.

Start your journey towards becoming a winging instructor! 

Role: Support and work under the supervision of qualified RYA Wingsurfing Instructors to help beginners and improvers learn the fundamentals of winging. 

Rewards: Sharing your winging knowhow while developing your instructing skills.  

Challenges: Long days teaching while you are also learning! 

Personal skills:  A confident winging enthusiast with good people and communications skills, who is a reliable member of the team. 

How to qualify: Competent wingsurfer or wingfoiler recommended for the role by the Principal of the training centre where you will be instructing. Approximately 20 hours leading to a centre-specific certificate. 

Next steps: For those aged 16+, why not take your qualification to the next level and become an RYA Wingsurfing or Wingfoiling Instructor? 

Interested? Visit Wingsurfing Instructors.

Recruit new converts to this fast-growing watersport. 

Role: Teach the RYA Learn to Wingsurf and Improve Your Wingsurfing courses spanning the fundamentals of flying a wing ashore and then afloat, holding ground upwind, gybing and returning to a start point. 

Rewards: Seeing participants with no previous experience quickly mastering the basics of this accessible and exciting watersport. 

Challenges: Breaking down the learning into simple steps to meet the needs of different learners with varying degrees of water confidence. 

Personal skills: Experienced winger with a friendly and personable outlook, who is able to help beginners have fun navigating the learning curve. 

How to qualify: Three course for competent wingsurfer or wingfoiler, minimum age 16, with First Aid, Powerboat and Safe & Fun certificates.  

Next steps: Take off as a Wingfoiling Instructor. 

Interested? Find out more at Wingsurfing Instructors 

Teach wingers how to take off with foiling. 

Role: Introducing wingsurfers to the concept of foiling and the equipment needed for it by teaching the RYA First Flights course, and supporting progression with the Sustained Flights course for developing steering, good stance and ride height.  

Rewards: The smiles generated by the exhilaration of the ride becoming quieter and faster! Feedback from those taking their first flights has the same recurring theme, with most likening it to their first planing experience on a boat or board.  

Challenges: Creating a positive learning environment through a combination of good coaching and equipment set-up to increase the likelihood of success.   

Personal skills:  Excellent wingfoiler with good communication and people skills. 

How to qualify: Personal wing ability to RYA Sustained Flights level. Two day course for RYA Wingsurfing Instructors, plus First Aid, Powerboat and Safe & Fun certificates.  

Next steps: Teach future instructors by becoming an RYA Wingsurfing Trainer. 

Interested? Find out more at Wingsurfing Instructors.

Take your ticket to the next level to manage courses and instructors. 

Role: Supervise, direct and assist a team of Instructors and Assistant Instructors. Manage RYA training both ashore and afloat, ensuring that the work of the instructor team is safe, enjoyable and leads to valuable learning outcomes when delivering courses for all ages and abilities. 

Rewards: Helping your team to grow their confidence and instructor skills, while developing your own expertise in mentoring and leadership. 

Challenges: Managing and adapting activities when conditions are less than ideal, and the demands of taking responsibility for the safety of both instructors and participants on shore and afloat. 

Personal skills:  Experienced winger alongside organisational and interpersonal skills, and an enthusiasm for creating a thriving and inclusive learning environment.  

How to qualify: Four day course for those with two seasons as a full time RYA  Wingsurfing Instructor and a recommendation from the Principal of an RYA Recognised Training Centre. 

Next steps: You may want to consider a move into watersports management or become a Wing Trainer. 

Interested? Visit Wingsurfing Instructors

Give winging enthusiasts the skills to become an instructor. 

Rewards: Inspiring the next generation of winging instructors to share their passion for this new discipline and knowing you’ve played a key part in helping to grow participation in watersports. 

Challenges: Teaching a group of would-be instructors who may have different personal skillsets or levels of winging experience. 

Personal skills:  Competent wingsurfer with motivational and leadership skills, who is positive, enthusiastic and tactful. 

How to qualify: Must be an RYA Wingfoiling Instructor, minimum age 18, with proven teaching and coaching skills. 

Next steps: You may want to consider a move into watersports management or racing coaching. 

Interested? Visit Wingsurfing Instructors.

Boost helm/crew skills aboard small cruisers, narrowboats and wide-beams. 

Role: Teach one-day RYA Inland Waterways Crew and two-day Helm courses to boat owners and leisure boaters to develop boat-handling and lockwork skills. 

Rewards: Knowing that you have supported all ages to make their time afloat safer and more enjoyable. 

Challenges: Engaging learners with a wide variety of experience and competence with clear communication, patience and adaptability. 

Personal skills: Experience and knowledge of helming on inland waters, ideally on a variety of craft and for a minimum of five seasons, or one year full-time.  

How to qualify: Three-day course on a canal or a river, aboard a narrowboat or cruiser. Requirements include First Aid and RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman certificates. 

Next steps: You may want to add relevant shorebased instructor certificates to your skillset such as Engine Maintenance. 

Interested? Visit Inland Waterways Instructor.

Teach riders how to pilot their PWC confidently and safely. 

Role: Running the practical one-day RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course, and the Introduction to Personal Watercraft Safety course (for guests on superyachts).   

Rewards: Knowing that you have supported riders to get the best from these fast and fun craft while learning how to handle them with care, including power control, precision manoeuvring and riding in company. 

Challenges: Maintaining a fun and safe learning environment for riders aged 12 upwards while some in the group may be nervous and others boisterous. 

Personal skills: Good communicator with a professional and reassuring manner and at least two years’ personal experience of riding personal watercraft, including an understanding of engine maintenance and troubleshooting. 

How to qualify: Three-day course with pre-requisites including First Aid and RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency certificates. 

Next steps: You may want to add relevant shorebased instructor certificates to your skillset such as First Aid, SRC Marine Radio, Essential Navigation and Seamanship. 

Interested? Visit Personal Watercraft Instructor.

Help beginners learn safe powerboat handling and seamanship  

Role: Teach up to and including RYA Powerboat Level 2 in a variety of small open powerboats such as RIBs, dories and sportsboats, and if you have a Safety Boat Certificate, you may also teach the RYA Safety Boat Course. 

Rewards: Knowing that you are supporting a variety of users to take their first competent and safe steps into powerboating 

Challenges: Balancing safety and enjoyment while teaching essential powerboat skills to those who may have no previous experience. 

Personal skills:  Good communicator with extensive practical knowledge of driving a variety of powerboats in different conditions and situations.  

How to qualify: A one-day pre-assessment followed by a three-day course for candidates aged 18+ with five seasons’ logged experience of powerboating or one season for those using powerboats as part of a full-time occupation. Must have First Aid & RYA Powerboat Level 2. 

Next steps: Become an RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor to also teach Tender Operator, Intermediate and Advanced powerboat courses. 

Interested? Find out more about the Powerboat Instructor Scheme. 

Train and support aspiring powerboat instructors.  

Role: This is an appointment, rather than a qualification, to be able to train and assess instructors at all levels within the RYA Powerboat Scheme. 

Rewards: Knowing that you are enabling future powerboat instructors to have the confidence and expertise to deliver RYA courses safely and effectively. 

Challenges: Supporting instructor candidates to identify and address any gaps in their practical skills or knowledge base. 

Personal skills:  Must have mentoring abilities and strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and tact.  

How to apply: Experienced Powerboat Instructor aged 18+ with a strong knowledge of all RYA Powerboat Scheme courses; nomination by RYA Regional Manager and four-day course after Powerboat Trainer Selection Day.  

Next steps: Become an RYA Advanced Powerboat Trainer. 

Interested? Visit the Powerboat Instructor Scheme.

Build skills for beginners wanting to safely enjoy sail or motor cruising. 

Role: Delivering RYA sail and motor cruising courses, from basic terminology and safety tips up to the level of Day Skipper. 

Rewards: Sharing your love of blue spaces by working on the water and developing your own skills, while gaining satisfaction from watching participants grow their confidence and knowhow for confidently handling a boat. 

Challenges: Taking charge of a group of people afloat who may vary in age and experience, making decisions that keep everyone safe while creating a positive  

and enjoyable learning environment for all. 

Personal skills:  Ability to stay calm across different conditions and when problem-solving, and to encourage teamwork on board. 

How to qualify: Five-day (sail) or four-day (motor) course for experienced skippers aged 18+ with First Aid and theoretical and practical knowledge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. 

Next steps: Advance your career as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.  

Interested? Visit Yachtmaster Instructors

Teach sailors and boaters this globally recognised qualification. 

Role: Instruct, coach, observe and give constructive feedback to deliver practical RYA Sail or Motor Cruising courses up to RYA Yachtmaster. 

Rewards: Supporting candidates to refine and polish their existing skills to help them build confidence and progress to a higher standard, while providing an appropriate safety net throughout the learning process. 

Challenges: Delivering practical training afloat can be arduous and students will often stray outside the core syllabus - seeking advice about equipment or difficult situations - so a genuine interest, enthusiasm and depth of knowledge for the subject is essential. 

Personal skills:  Experienced skipper with more than 7,000 logged miles at sea, alongside theoretical and practical knowledge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. 

How to qualify: Five-day (sail) or three-day (motor) course, minimum age 18 with First Aid and RYA Cruising Instructor certificates for sail or power, and at least two years part-time or one season full-time as an RYA Cruising Instructor.  

Next steps: You may want to add associated shorebased instructor courses to your repertoire of teaching skills. 

Interested? Visit Yachtmaster Instructors

Teach the principles of navigation, passage planning and meteorology in a classroom setting, turning theory into practical knowledge that helps boaters make safe, informed decisions on the water. 

Role: Teaching RYA Shorebased Navigation courses up to and including Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. 

Rewards: Share your expertise and passion for navigation while helping people become safer and more confident on the water. 

Challenges:  Students often ask questions that go beyond the core syllabus, drawing on your experience to help them understand specific situations and overcome areas of uncertainty. 

Personal skills:  Extensive practical experience, combined with genuine enthusiasm and knowledge that goes well beyond the course syllabus. 

How to qualify: You’ll need to hold an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence or RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor qualification, Teaching in the Classroom, and the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased certificates. You must also pass the pre-course knowledge checks. The two-day instructor course assesses your knowledge and instructing ability, while ensuring you understand the required course structure and standards. 

Interested? For more details visit: Shorebased Navigation Instructor. 

Next steps: Why not add other Shorebased Instructor qualifications to your CV? Find out more at: Shorebased specialist short course instructors.

Deliver shorebased specialist RYA courses. 

Role: Give people the practical knowledge, skills and confidence in specific topics they need to be competent and safe on the water. RYA Specialist Short Courses include:  

• Basic Sea Survival 
• Diesel Engine 
• First Aid 
• Marine Radio SRC Assessor 
• RYA/World Sailing Offshore Personal Survival 
• Radar 

Rewards: Helping people to become safer, more capable boaters while maintaining and expanding your own expertise to develop your career. 

Challenges: Students often ask questions that extend beyond the core syllabus, seeking advice about equipment, real-world situations and how to apply their knowledge in practice.  

Personal skills: Genuine passion for the specialist subject, with a depth of knowledge and experience that goes well beyond the RYA syllabus. Ability to impart and assess knowledge in a structured, engaging, and adaptable manner.  

How to qualify: You’ll need to hold the relevant RYA qualifications, Teaching in the Classroom, and have extensive practical experience in your specialist subject. You’ll then complete a one or two-day shorebased specialist instructor course, depending on the subject. 

Next steps: For more details visit: Shorebased specialist short courses instructor.

You must be at least 16 years old with RYA Powerboat Level 2, First Aid and Safe and Fun certificates, and complete a pre-entry assessment of your sailing skills, then a five-day RYA Dinghy Instructor course. Find out more about Dinghy, Keelboat and Multihull Instructor qualifications.

RYA Instructor qualifications are internationally recognised and desirable for those wanting to teach abroad. Visit the RYA Instructor hub for lots of information about courses and how to qualify. You also need to check the passport and visa requirements.

Instructor course details can be found on the following pages:

• Dinghy, keelboat and multihull instructors
• Powerboat instructor

Discover the instructor qualifications required for teaching RYA courses by exploring Who Teaches What.

Find out more about how to revalidate your qualification.