Whether you are looking to learn to sail and take your first few tentative steps into Yachting, or go professional and earn your RYA Yachtmaster™ we’ve got you covered!
As well as the RYA sailing & powerboat course catalogue, we offer a full range of theory courses (both classroom and online-based), plus our own in-house courses like our very popular Marina Skills & Power Handling day, through to the exciting Spinnaker and Downwind Sailing weekends for the more advanced sailor.
From total beginners to seasoned sailors, we have something for everyone. Below are a few of our most popular options to help you chart your course:
And that’s just the beginning—whatever your goals, we’re here to help you get underway and progress at your own pace.
We also offer exciting special events such as the yearly Round the Island Race and the truly iconic Fastnet Race, complete with qualifying races and full training programme.
Our Essential Navigation & Seamanship courses are a fantastic way to build a solid foundation before heading out on the water. You’ll get to grips with everything from chart work and tidal calculations to buoyage, basic pilotage, and crucial safety knowledge.
We also cover weather awareness, handling emergency situations, and interpreting navigational aids—giving you the confidence to plot your course whether you’re learning in a friendly classroom environment, or prefer the flexibility of studying online in your own time.
Ready to swap taking orders for giving them? Moving from crew member to skipper is a leap that brings newfound confidence, responsibility, and plenty of excitement. If you already know your halyards from your sheet bends but want to be the one calling the shots, our hands-on practical courses are designed to help you build the key skills that matter on the water.
You’ll cover everything from passage planning and navigation to boat handling and leadership, all in an encouraging and fun learning environment. With plenty of time at the helm and scenarios to put your decision-making to the test, you’ll finish the course prepared to take command of a small yacht—no more looking around for who’s in charge (hint: it’s you).
If you’re ready to swap theory for throttle and dip your toes into the world of powerboating, our beginner’s course makes an ideal launch pad. Across two fun and information-packed days, you’ll discover the foundations needed to handle a powerboat safely and confidently.
You’ll spend your time both afloat and ashore, getting comfortable at the helm while covering:
No prior boating experience? No problem! This course is designed for absolute beginners, giving you the practical know-how and confidence to skipper small powerboats, explore coastal waters, or simply enjoy life at the marina.
Ready to jump in and feel the rush of the open water?
If you’re aiming to skipper your own yacht or take charge on a powerboat, Certificates of Competence are the gold standard in boating qualifications. These internationally recognised certificates are designed for sailors who want to demonstrate their ability through experience and examination, rather than coursework alone.
Unlike standard courses, Certificates of Competence are practical qualifications that prove you have what it takes to command a vessel—even in challenging conditions. Think of them as your own ‘captain’s license’. Achieving one shows you’ve mastered not only the theory but the hands-on skills that matter out on the water.
Here’s a quick guide:
Whether you’re looking to boost your skills for a dream holiday or move towards a professional maritime career, Certificates of Competence are your springboard.
If you plan to use a VHF marine radio—whether fixed onboard or handheld- UK law requires you to hold an operator’s licence. This isn’t just paperwork; having the right qualification ensures you know how to use your radio correctly, so you can communicate clearly and, most importantly, call for help in an emergency.
Getting qualified is straightforward. You can complete your Short Range Certificate (SRC) in a single day, with a mix of practical training and a short exam at the end. This course covers essential radio procedures, distress calls, and how to operate digital selective calling (DSC) equipment, preparing you for both everyday use and emergency situations.
Ready to get legal and confident on the water? Check our course calendar below for upcoming dates and get your certification sorted.
Our tailored one-day first aid course is designed with boaters and water enthusiasts in mind. During the course, you’ll gain practical know-how in dealing with a range of emergencies that can happen on or around the water—including CPR, treating head injuries, and responding to cold water shock. The training is hands-on, relevant, and focused on real scenarios you might encounter whether you’re out at sea, navigating marinas, or enjoying inland waterways.
It’s an essential add-on for anyone looking to bolster their safety skills and be prepared for whatever the wind (or waves) might bring.
Thinking about turning your passion for sailing or boating into a career? Professional roles on the water, from charter skipper to delivery captain or instructor, all demand proper certification—and some serious sea time.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll typically need: Specialist Qualifications
If your goal is to work on superyachts, deliver boats across continents, or teach others the ropes, building a strong foundation with the right mix of practical and theoretical training is essential. We can help you chart the course through your journey from keen amateur to accomplished professional.
Ready to take your love of sailing to the next level and inspire others along the way? Becoming a certified instructor or coach is your ticket to turning passion into a lifelong adventure—whether on home waters or across the globe.
Start by building a solid foundation through practical courses and theory modules. Many aspiring instructors follow this journey:
With your certification in hand, you’ll find a world of opportunities at your helm, from coaching youth racing teams to leading adventure charters. Many instructors work at sailing schools, yacht clubs, or with international holiday providers—some even transition into private coaching roles or run their own sea-based businesses.
Beyond the lure of open water, teaching and coaching offer the chance to:
So, if you’ve ever dreamt of trading the office for the deck, or guiding crews through their first unfurling spinnaker, instructor or coaching certification could be your next big move.
Expand Your Horizons
As well as the RYA sailing & powerboat course catalogue, we offer a full range of theory courses (both classroom and online-based), plus our own in-house courses like our very popular Marina Skills & Power Handling day, through to the exciting Spinnaker and Downwind Sailing weekends for the more advanced sailor.
We also offer exciting special events such as the yearly Round the Island Race and the truly iconic Fastnet Race, complete with qualifying races and full training programme.
NEW – Returning Customer rewards scheme.
For every £800 spent with us on courses and holidays, mile builders etc receive off your next order a 2.5% discount.
(Based on a 12 month rolling accumulative spend total on courses and Mile builders, Maximum discount of 15%) Orders for this can only be taken via phone / Email and Invoice with BACS payment.
Example:
Customer has spent £1600 with us over the last 12months, so receives 5% off their next course. The cost of their next course is added to the rolling total, which could increase the discount for any future courses booked
(Charters are excluded from this offer, separate scheme for chartering applies)
Fun couple of days with the Commodore team doing Day Skipper drills ahead of a YM exam. Very useful and great instruction from Ali.
ChrisCI have used Commodore Yachting for the following courses and would never go anywhere else for training or experience building: Sail - Competent Crew Sail - Day Skipper Sail - Mariner Handling Power - PB2 Power - Own boat tuition Motor Yacht Power - Own boat tuition RIB All the instructors have been great and I have come away with bags of confidence. The Chief Instructor Tom is extremely knowledgable and will guide you as to what steps to take in achieving your goals.
Robert Till
