RYA Sailing Courses in Cornwall
Learn to sail, build your confidence and develop practical skills on the waters around Cornwall with Take A Turn Yachting.
Our RYA sailing courses are run from Cornwall's Fal Estuary and surrounding waters, giving you the opportunity to learn in a practical, supportive environment while sailing in real coastal conditions.
2027 RYA Sailing Course Dates
Our RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper sailing courses are available on set dates throughout 2027. Courses are held from our base at Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth, Cornwall, with practical training on the water and five nights spent on board.
Each course starts at 17:00 on Sunday and finishes at 15:00 on Friday. Choose the course you are interested in below to see its available dates and booking calendar.
How to book
Use the relevant course calendar to check availability and send us a booking request. When selecting your dates, please select the Sunday start date and the Friday finish date for the course you would like to attend.
Your course at a glance
Everything you need to know about the practical course experience, without having to work through a long list of information.
Not sure which RYA sailing course is right for you?
The main difference between Competent Crew and Day Skipper is your starting point and what you want to be able to do on a yacht.
Choose Competent Crew if...
You are new to sailing, have little experience, or want to learn the fundamentals of sailing and become a confident and useful member of a crew.
Choose Day Skipper if...
You already have the required sailing experience and theory knowledge and want to develop the practical skills and confidence to take responsibility for a yacht by day.
Mixed practical courses: Competent Crew participants can train alongside Day Skipper candidates on our mixed practical sailing courses. This allows sailors at different levels to learn and practise together while working towards their own RYA qualification.
Choose your RYA sailing course
Our practical RYA sailing courses in Cornwall are designed for different stages of your sailing journey, from complete beginners through to sailors developing the skills needed to skipper a yacht. Courses are based at Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth and Truro, with practical sailing on the Fal Estuary and surrounding Cornish waters.
Learn the basics and become a confident crew member
An ideal introduction to sailing for complete beginners or anyone who wants to become a confident and useful crew member rather than simply being a passenger.
- No previous sailing experience required
- Sail handling, ropework and helming
- Yacht safety and life on board
- Practical experience under sail and power
- A foundation for further RYA qualifications
Develop the skills to skipper a yacht
For sailors with the required experience and theory knowledge who want to develop the practical skills needed to skipper a yacht safely by day in familiar waters.
- Practical navigation and pilotage
- Boat handling under sail and power
- Passage planning and tidal awareness
- Emergency procedures and seamanship
- Practical skipper confidence
More information before you book
Open the sections below if you want the finer details about our RYA sailing courses in Cornwall.
What is included in the course?
Your course includes five nights aboard the training yacht, breakfast and lunch each day, four evening meals onboard, snacks and drinks, lifejackets and required safety equipment, fuel, marina fees and free parking at Mylor Yacht Harbour.
One evening meal is not included and will be taken ashore, giving you the opportunity to enjoy one of the local restaurants or pubs. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking.
What are the Day Skipper entry requirements?
The practical Day Skipper course is not a beginner's sailing course. You should have enough previous sailing experience to be able to sail, along with the required theory knowledge.
- Previous sailing experience and the ability to sail independently
- An RYA Day Skipper Theory qualification or equivalent knowledge at Day Skipper Theory level
If you are unsure whether your experience is suitable, please contact us before booking.
What are the Competent Crew requirements?
Competent Crew is designed for beginners, so no previous sailing experience is required.
The minimum age is normally 18, or 16 when accompanied by an adult. Younger participants may be possible on a private course with participating adults, so please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Can I book a private course?
Yes. Private courses can be arranged subject to availability, with private groups of up to five people. Contact us to discuss your group and preferred dates.
What happens if the weather changes?
Sailing plans and timings are adapted to the weather, tides and conditions. The aim is to provide as much practical experience as possible while keeping the course safe and appropriate for the group.
Where will we sail?
Courses start and finish at Mylor Yacht Harbour. Depending on the conditions and course requirements, sailing may include the Fal Estuary, Falmouth Bay, Helford Passage and the surrounding Cornish coastline.
What should I bring?
You don't need to bring specialist sailing equipment, but there are a few practical things you'll need for your time aboard the yacht. The list below gives you an overview of what to bring. A full packing list is provided in your joining instructions when you book your course.
Clothing
- Waterproofs
- Warm layers
- Non-marking sailing footwear or suitable wellies
- Hat or warm hat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses and sun protection
Living aboard
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Wash kit and towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Phone charger
- Notebook and pencils
- Head torch or red-light torch
Other things to bring
- Any regular medication
- Seasickness medication if required
- Spare glasses if needed
- Toiletries
- Passport-style photograph
Passport-style photograph: Please bring a passport-style photograph with you. We need this to issue your RYA certificate at the end of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need sailing experience for Competent Crew?
No. Competent Crew is designed as an introduction to sailing and no previous sailing experience is required.
What experience do I need for Day Skipper?
The practical Day Skipper course is not a beginner's sailing course. You should have enough previous sailing experience to be able to sail, together with Day Skipper Theory-level knowledge or an appropriate RYA theory qualification.
If you are unsure whether your sailing experience is suitable, please contact us before booking.
Can Competent Crew and Day Skipper candidates train together?
Yes. Our mixed practical courses allow Competent Crew and Day Skipper candidates to train alongside each other, with activities adapted to each person's course and experience.
How long is the course?
The practical course runs for five full days and five nights aboard the training yacht, starting at 6pm on Sunday and finishing at 4pm on Friday.
Where do the sailing courses take place?
Courses start and finish at Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth and Truro. Depending on conditions and the requirements of the course, sailing may include the Fal Estuary, Falmouth Bay, Helford Passage and the surrounding Cornish coastline.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. You stay aboard the training yacht for five nights during the course.
Are food and drinks included?
Breakfast and lunch each day, four evening meals onboard, snacks and drinks are included. One evening meal is taken ashore and is not included. Dietary requirements can be discussed when booking.
How many people are on a course?
Mixed group courses have a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:4. Private courses can accommodate up to five people, subject to availability.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Plans and timings are adapted to the weather, tides and conditions. Safety remains the priority while making the most of the practical training opportunities available.
Get in touch
Whether you’re interested in bareboat charter, skippered sailing or RYA training, we’re happy to talk through the options and answer any questions you may have.
