RYA NI Regional Instructor Training Day 2026

A Day to Connect, Refresh and Get Ready for the Season Ahead

If you’re an RYA Instructor in Northern Ireland, this is one date worth locking into the diary early.

The RYA NI Regional Instructor Training Day returns on Saturday 21 March 2026, bringing instructors together from across the region for a practical, welcoming and energising day of learning, connection and on-the-water time.

Held at Carrickfergus Sailing Club, the day is designed to help instructors head into the new season feeling confident, supported and inspired—whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience behind you.

A Day Built Around Instructors

At its core, the Regional Training Day is about people.

It’s a chance to step away from your usual club or centre, reconnect with the wider instructor community, share experiences, and pick up fresh ideas from trainers who are actively shaping RYA instruction.

Sessions will run in parallel for:

• Powerboat Instructors

• Sailing Instructors

• Training Centre Principals

• Race Coaches

And importantly, this isn’t just a day spent indoors. There will be opportunities to get on the water, revisit practical skills, explore new session ideas and fine-tune delivery ahead of a busy season.

Experienced Speakers, Practical Focus

We’re delighted to confirm an excellent line-up of speakers and trainers, with more to be announced soon:

• Mary Martin – RYA NI Workforce Development Officer
  RYA Senior Instructor and Race Coach with over 20 years’ experience across RYA training and development.

• Rachel Andrews – RYA Chief Instructor (Power)

• Simon Exley – RYA NI Powerboat Trainer
  RYA Recognised Training Centre owner and one of RYA NI’s newest Powerboat Trainers.

• Jane Campbell Morrison – RYA Sail & Power Trainer
  Based in Findhorn, Jane runs her own RYA Training Centre and brings extensive experience across both disciplines.

Rachel Andrews and Simon Exley will work closely with Powerboat Instructors, with a particular focus on Safety Boat and Intermediate Powerboat courses.

Jane Campbell Morrison will lead sessions for Sailing Instructors, drawing on learning from the RYA OnBoard programme to develop fun, engaging and high-quality sessions that help sailing schemes really shine.

Additional speakers will be announced closer to the event, adding even more depth and variety to the day.

Dedicated Sessions for Young Instructors (Aged 16–22)

New for 2026, the day will include a dedicated strand for young instructors, aged 16–22.

These sessions will focus on:

• Refreshing core powerboat skills

• Sailing a range of different dinghies

• Building confidence across disciplines

It’s a supportive environment designed to help young instructors broaden their experience and feel more confident stepping into their roles this season.
The fleet for the day will be announced shortly.

Great Value, All Taken Care Of

The Regional Training Day offers excellent value and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere:

• £10 per person

• Tea and coffee available from 0900

• Sessions start at 0930

• Finish at 1600

• Lunch included

Attendees will also benefit from an exclusive RYA Publications offer on the day:

• 40% off RYA Books (print and eBook)

• 30% off other publishers’ items

A Day Worth Making Time For

Whether you’re looking to refresh your skills, pick up new ideas, or simply reconnect with fellow instructors from across Northern Ireland, the RYA NI Regional Instructor Training Day is about starting the season feeling prepared, motivated and part of something bigger.

📍 Carrickfergus Sailing Club
📅 Saturday 21 March 2026
⏰ 0900–1600
💷 £10 per person (includes lunch)

Places will be limited. Booking details will be released shortly—so keep an eye out and make sure you’re part of a day focused on strengthening instruction and supporting instructors across Northern Ireland.