RYA Youth Stage 2 – Developing Skills (Ages 7–16)
Our RYA Youth Stage 2 sailing course is where young sailors start to take real control of the boat.
Designed for those who have completed Stage 1 (or have equivalent experience), this course builds confidence in different directions of sailing and introduces more independent boat handling.
At this stage, sailors begin to understand how to make the boat go where they want it to, not just across the wind, but around a course.
It’s a big step forward and an exciting one.
Your Stage Two Explained
We run Stage 2 courses for two age groups:
7–10 years
10–16 years
Grouping by age ensures the coaching style matches the sailors. Younger participants continue learning through structured games and challenges. Older sailors focus more on technique, awareness and age appropriate games.
During the course, sailors will learn to:
- Sail upwind and downwind
- Tacking with increasing control
- Understand the five essentials
- Launch and return to shore safely
- Improve confidence in changing wind conditions
The course includes both practical time on the water and short shore-based theory sessions to build understanding.
All participants must be water-confident. All buoyancy aids are provided.
Why Stage 2 Matters
Stage 2 is where sailing starts to feel natural.
Sailors move beyond simply steering and begin to:
- Link different sailing directions together
- Complete triangular courses
- Recover from mistakes calmly
- Make more decisions independently
By the end of the course, most sailors can sail a controlled circuit including upwind and downwind legs. They are then ready to progress to RYA Youth Stage 3, where they begin sailing single-handed boats and refining their technique.
Course Format
We run RYA Youth Stage 2 courses during:
School holidays
Selected weekends
Courses are delivered in a supportive environment with qualified RYA instructors and small group sizes to maintain quality coaching.
Certification
Sailors who meet the required standard receive the official RYA Youth Stage 2 certificate. Assessment is continuous throughout the course.
Is This the Right Course?
Choose RYA Stage 2 if your child:
- Has completed RYA Youth Stage 1
- Can sail across the wind confidently
- Is starting to tack independently
- Is ready to sail upwind and downwind
If they are still building confidence steering across the wind, Stage 1 may be more suitable. Some of our younger sailors (age 7-8) choose to repeat stage 1 again even if they have already passed to build confidence.
Continue Their Sailing Journey
If you’re searching for intermediate sailing lessons for children or the next step after Stage 1, RYA Youth Stage 2 builds real competence and independence on the water.
It’s the course where sailing truly begins to click.
Checkout our FAQs for more info, including cancellations and what to bring. Please visit our main FAQ page or get in touch with the team.
Keep Sailing Locations
We’re proud to partner with outstanding local sailing clubs, giving our community access to fantastic facilities across Hampton, Surbiton, Guildford, Wraysbury & North London.