Sailing governing bodies

Contacts and links for sailing governing bodies

Getting started

Sailing and windsurfing are two great sports for getting you active and energetic, outside in the fresh air. They’re quick and easy to learn - with the right tuition you’ll have great fun, you’ll be speeding along in no time!

Why would I start boating? (opens in a new window)

Once you’ve learnt the basics, you can actively explore your local stretch of water then join a sailing club full of like-minded people to go off cruising or racing. No matter what your age or experience, there is a course for you. It won’t cost you a fortune, and there’s an RYA Training Centre near you where you can get started.
Where’s my nearest RYA Training Centre? (opens in a new window)

Already hooked on sailing?

Then it’s probably time to join a local club where you can enjoy the social side of the sport by making friends and improving your skills on the water with other enthusiastic sailors. There are hundreds of RYA affiliated sailing and windsurfing clubs around the country, and whether you live in a city, on the coast or in the countryside, there will be one that’s local to you.
Where’s my nearest club (opens in a new window) and what’s going on in my region? (opens in a new window)

Share your knowledge and skills – become an instructor or coach

Teaching sailing or windsurfing can be a rewarding and challenging career or hobby. The RYA instructor training schemes are progressive - you can develop your skills and qualifications at your own pace by taking endorsement courses, working towards Senior Instructor level and, in the case of sailing, ultimately becoming a Coach/Assessor.
How do I teach sailing? (opens in a new window)

Try volunteering!

A great way of getting involved with sailing and windsurfing is to volunteer at your local club.
Volunteering can:

Enable you to help others
Share your skills
Make new friends
Take a new direction in life
Learn to do something new

Want to get involved? (opens in a new window)

Who is the RYA?

The RYA (opens in a new window) is the UK’s National Governing Body for all forms of recreational and competitive boating. They represent sailing, motor-cruising, sports-boats, windsurfing, inland boating and personal watercraft coordinating competition and development of these sports.
Want to talk to us? (opens in a new window)