The RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is ideal for sailors who are passionate about sailing and want to develop their coaching and teaching skills.

The course is particularly suited to:

• Young sailors seeking gap-year opportunities or seasonal work in Australia or Europe
• Aspiring professionals looking to build a career in sailing instruction or watersports
• Experienced sailors wanting to share their knowledge and gain qualifications for part-time instructing at sailing schools and clubs

Course content

This course develops the practical coaching and instructional skills required to teach sailing safely and effectively, both on and off the water.

You’ll gain confidence using the RYA teaching system to coach beginners and more advanced sailors in both single- and two-handed dinghies.

The programme places a strong emphasis on practical experience, with regular opportunities to coach, brief, demonstrate, and instruct throughout the training.

The final assessment ensures you are fully prepared for real-world teaching situations.

Key topics include:

• The role and responsibilities of the instructor
• Instruction and coaching techniques
• The RYA training scheme and teaching methods
• Land drills for tacking and gybing
• Teaching afloat and safety management
• Teaching juniors and sailors with additional needs
• Session planning, risk assessment, and legal considerations

A fantastic sailing location

The course is based at Flying Fish Sailing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club — home to the Australian Sailing Team.

With reliable winds, sheltered water, nearby beaches, and world-class facilities, Sydney Harbour provides an outstanding environment for developing your teaching and sailing skills.

Expert training

Training is delivered by a highly experienced RYA Dinghy Coach Assessor, with a second Coach Assessor conducting the final assessment.

You’ll receive professional coaching, regular feedback, and plenty of support throughout the course.

Fleet and training resources

Our fleet includes RS Zests and Laser Bahias equipped with trapeze and asymmetric spinnakers, providing an excellent platform for instructor training.

We also operate several Rigid Inflatable rescue craft and a dedicated shore-based classroom for theory sessions and briefings.

Equipment, publications, tuition, and exam fees.

Qualifications

• RYA Safe and Fun online course
• RYA Dinghy Instructor

• You must have a recognized First Aid certificate and an RYA Powerboat Level 2  qualification. 
• You are a confident sailor comfortable sailing in stronger winds. 
• If you have less experience you should consider our Dinghy Sailing Instructor Fast-track course.

• As a qualified RYA instructor, you will be ready to enter your first job at one of the many RYA schools worldwide. 
• In Australia, your RYA certificate converts to the Australian Sailing Dinghy Instructor certification meaning you can work at an Australian Sailing accredited school. 

• Booking information
  • To secure your place on the course, please pay a 20% holding deposit via the links provided on our website. This deposit will reserve your spot until sixty days before the course start date, when the remaining course fees are due.
  • Please note that the deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be transferred to any other course or event offered by Flying Fish.
  • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as places are limited.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• How fit do I need to be?
  • You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and agility to move around the boat, demonstrate skills repeatedly, and assist students on the water.
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to learn, adapt, and teach are just as important as physical ability.
  • If you’re unsure whether this course is suitable for you, please contact us to discuss your sailing experience and fitness level.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
  • The course runs in a variety of wind and weather conditions to help you gain experience in adapting your teaching style.
  • In the unlikely event of extreme weather where it’s unsafe to sail, theory sessions, shore-based teaching techniques, and classroom modules will be covered instead.
• What should I bring with me?
  • Wetsuit or sailing gear appropriate for the season
  • Rash vest, swimwear, and quick-dry clothing
  • Non-slip footwear such as dinghy boots or old trainers
  • Hat, sunglasses with a strap, and high-factor sunscreen
  • A towel and a warm change of clothes for after sessions
  • Water bottle and lunch/snacks for the day
  • A positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to develop your coaching skills!
• What happens if I fail the course?
  • It’s rare for candidates to fail, as we provide plenty of coaching and support throughout the course. However, if you don’t meet the required standard, we’ll give you clear, constructive feedback and an action plan to help you reach the level needed to pass. You can then arrange further training or reassessment when you’re ready.
• What job opportunities are there after becoming an RYA qualified Dinghy Instructor?
  • Once qualified, you can work at sailing schools and watersports centres in the Mediterranean, the UK, and Australia, teaching dinghy sailing to beginners and improvers.
  • Many instructors combine their qualifications with travel, working seasonal roles at resorts, holiday companies, and beach clubs.
  • It’s also a great idea to add an RYA Windsurf Instructor qualification to broaden your employability and teach a wider range of activities at most centres.