Training

Chichester Yacht Club is an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Centre offering a comprehensive training programme throughout the year. We now welcome both members and non members.

A range of Training is on offer, from RYA Dinghy, Powerboat and Navigation Courses, to regular Club Training, Race Training and Shore Based Sessions. Training is managed by Alfie our Chief Instructor who oversees a team of RYA qualified instructors and together they will teach you the skills you need to enjoy being on the water. Non members are also welcome.

Club Coaching

A comprehensive programme of Club training is offered for both junior and adult members and non members.. These sessions provide training for any skill or confidence level.  Coaching is either in group sessions and camps or by private tuition.

Club Training will help give you the confidence to enjoy sailing in the harbour, either alone or in company. For those interested in competition, Race Coaching sessions are available for sailors of all levels, from basic race skills to advanced techniques. These are not formal courses, and activities can be tailored to meet the needs of the group.

For juniors there are Fun on the Water sessions aimed at getting our younger members out sailing in a controlled but enjoyable way, as well as Fun Start to race sessions for those who want to get started in racing and race development sessions for those looking to enhance their skills. Many of our juniors have gone on to join RYA Regional Training Groups as well as the RYA Keelboat Academy, aimed at developing the most talented young sailors.

How To Book

Both Members and Non Members can now book by using the ‘Member Portal’ Option from this website. Non members will need to create an account to book. 
Select ‘What’s On, Find the Event you would like to book onto, scroll down to Tickets/Book, add a Ticket, proceed to checkout. Non members will also need to enter date of birth for all participants please.

Our booking conditions can be viewed here.

RYA Dinghy Courses

CYC is an RYA Training CentreAs a Recognised RYA Training Centre, CYC provides a range of formal training courses leading to internationally recognised RYA qualifications.  All our training is run from the Club in the beautiful surroundings of Chichester Harbour.

Our RYA Dinghy Courses are a great way for beginners to learn the basics of sailing and progress to being a self-sufficient sailor, and as an RYA Onboard Club we promote the Onboard Mission and Values.

 

Powerboat Training

As an RYA training centre, CYC offers the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course and RYA Safety Boat Course, as well as a variety of other training options to improve your boat handling skills.

Full details of our 2024 RYA training dates are shown below:

 

 

RYA Youth courses

RYA OnBoard

As an RYA OnBoard Club, CYC follows and promotes the OnBoard Mission and Values, and provides a clear pathway for juniors to get involved in sailing.

Run by the RYA, OnBoard is a hugely successful grass roots programme which seeks to make sailing and windsurfing easier to access for 8-18 year olds. Launched in 2005, the programme has helped to introduce over 900,000 people across the country to sailing and windsurfing.

 

Shore Based Training

As an RYA Recognised Training Centre, CYC offers the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course, the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course, as well as a range of Club Theory Sessions on subjects such as tidal heights, tidal streams, pilotage and passage planning.

Talks, lectures or peer-to-peer advice sessions are scheduled or available on a variety of subjects throughout the year; boat electrics, plumbing, communications, radio and charts.  Our Yacht and Motor sections benefit from a wealth of experienced members who are always happy to provide informal coaching.

Yacht and Motorboat Training

Alongside our formal RYA Shore based Courses and Club Theory Sessions, a range of informal talks and lectures are on offer which cover all aspects of boating. Previous talks have covered Solo Circumnavigation, Cruising in Europe, talks from the National Coastwatch Institution and much more.

There are lots of local companies that are able to offer practical Yacht and Motorboat Training locally, as well as members who are happy to help each other.

The Club Fleet

The Club has a range of single and double handed sailing dinghies, suitable for adults and children, from beginners to those starting to race.  Dinghies are provided for all water based RYA dinghy courses and can also be hired by Club members for coaching sessions, racing and casual sailing.