Overview
Chichester Yacht Club is a RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Centre with a comprehensive training programme throughout the year.
Our 2025 training dates can be seen here. Select the category of interest from RYA training for youth or adults, RYA Powerboat training or Club training and you will see a month by month view of our courses.
Our booking conditions can be viewed here CYC Booking Conditions
RYA Dinghy Courses
As 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.
All our RYA courses include boat hire. However, you will need to bring the following:
- Buoyancy aid rated at least 50 Newtons. We do not supply buoyancy aids for our courses.
- Appropriate clothing, including wetsuit, sailing boots, sailing gloves and hat. In warm weather a light waterproof jacket, rash vest, t-shirt, shorts, cap and trainers may be sufficient.
- For PB2, a warm jumper and/or coat as most of the teaching will be outside
- Water bottle to take afloat.
- Sun cream, towel, wash-bag and change of clothing.
- Glasses and hat cord/retainer
- Any medication you need, ensuring that your instructor is informed and details are completed on the Booking and Medical Form.
- Packed lunch and snacks. The bar and restaurant will be open for snacks and meals for any parents or guardians wishing to stay at the Club during the course.
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.
Club Coaching
At CYC we offer a varied programme of club training for both youth and adult who are both members and non-members.
These sessions provide training for all skill and confidence levels. Our coaching sessions are either in groups, or as camps or private tuition if you prefer a one to one session.
Club Training is structured and will develop confidence and skills enabling you to enjoy sailing in the harbour. For those who enjoy a spot of competition, we offer a Race Pathway for both youth and adults. All sessions are structured and can be tailored to the skills and needs of the group.
For more details on Junior Sailing, click here or for Adult Sailing, follow this link
But it's not all about racing ; anyone can join us for a Sail Away a sail around the harbour moving away from CYC and this may even include an ice cream stop.
We have something for everyone and we look forward to being able to welcome you and your friends to sail at CYC.
Shore Based Training
As an RYA Recognised Training Centre, CYC offer the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course and RYA Day Skipper Theory Course, and a range of Club Theory Sessions on subjects such as tidal heights, tidal streams, pilotage and passage planning.
Talks, lectures, 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.
