Sunshine and teamwork make RYA Scotland’s Spring Senior Instructor Course a success

It was a week of smiles and sunshine throughout RYA Scotland’s Spring 2025 Senior Instructor Course, which concluded at Port Edgar Boat Station on Thursday 1 May.

With glamour conditions throughout, the 11 aspiring Senior Instructors brought positive attitudes to match, with a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie underpinning the week.

From morning briefings to on water exercises, candidates supported one another, shared knowledge generously, and worked seamlessly to overcome challenges - mirroring the very qualities they were there to develop.

Following discussions at the start of course around documenting some reflections along the way, David Sturrock of Royal Tay Yacht Club made a consistent and insightful effort to keep his friends up to date with his progress through regular updates and some cracking photos:

“Not a bad view for morning coffee. On day 2 of my Senior Instructor course at Port Edgar. Hoping the dolphins are joining the course again too today!

“It’s not all drinking coffee I should add. Knees aren’t too bad after a day in Zest yesterday.”

“Half way through my RYA Scotland SI course at Sea Cadets Port Edgar Boat Station, forecast today is pretty glam… sea breeze, and I'm asked to deliver something with asymmetrics in laser 2ks. Bit Greek for my non sailing pals I realise!”

“First good decision today as acting SI was to move the team briefings and discussion groups out to the sunshine.”

When asked to sum up his experience in three words, David chose: ‘Fab, Developed, and Team’ — a positive and uplifting reflection at the end of a busy week.

And so, with another strong new cohort of Senior Instructors ready to make a difference at their clubs, centres and communities – we can’t wait to see the impact they make.

Are you an aspiring Senior Instructor? RYA Scotland is running another course this Autumn (1 – 4 September).

Keep an eye on our Bookwhen page, with bookings set to go live very soon.