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Westminster Boating Base provides a range of Royal Yachting Association dinghy sailing sessions and courses from beginner to advanced including racing. Courses include RYA Level 1 Start Sailing, RYA Level 2 Basic Skills and RYA Level 3 Better Sailing.
We issue RYA dinghy sailing certificates and we're a Royal Yachting Association Training Centre.
These introductory lessons are perfect for individuals and families (anyone age 10yrs+) who would like to give sailing a try. You'll be onboard a sailing dinghy with an instructor who will show you the ropes - literally!
These sessions have an emphasis on fun so book in and try something new.
If you've sailed before and want to progress the instructor will teach you from your current ability and are a good way to become familiarised with the river Thames and our equipment.
Must be booked in advance. Typically on Sundays and Mondays.
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Westminster Boating Base is a recognised Royal Yachting Association training centre.
A 2 day course for novices
As someone with little or no experience in a sailing dinghy, this course is the ideal place to start. Over 2 days you will learn the practical skills of how to tack and gybe a sailing boat, setting the foundation for the Level 2 course.
Building on the teachings of the level 1 course, you'll learn all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to handle a sailing dinghy in up to moderate conditions, setting the foundation for you to be able to sail without an instructor onboard.
On completion of the level 2 course you'll be able to join our recreational sessions for 'proficient sailors' to develop your skills further, try a single-handed sailing boat or get involved with our racing events.
16/17 May: RYA Level 1
20/21 June: RYA Level 1
27/28 June: RYA Level 2
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Perhaps you want to brush up or reach that next level at your own pace with one to one tuition? We can provide private sailing lessons with a qualified instructor upon request. Up to 3 people in the boat.
Price: £130 per 2.5hr session
EMAIL OUR TEAMWeekly sessions for adults
If you're a beginner, you will need to attend a course or series of lessons as listed above.
As a proficient sailor you will be reasonably competent at sailing a dinghy without an Instructor onboard and preferably hold the RYA Level 2 Dinghy Sailing certificate.
If you have not sailed with us before, due to the tidal flows of the river Thames, you will need to undergo a familiarisation (see Go-sailing sessions).
Having completed a course or familiarisation, you can join our regular recreational sailing sessions.
All of our sessions are run under the supervision of a safety boat and a RYA Senior Instructor who can provide assistance as required.
Sundays 10am-1pm
Monday evenings 6-8.30pm (starting 13th April 2026)
Pay-as-you-go or membership, these activity sessions can be booked up to 7 days in advance. You must pre-book.
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You'll need to bring:
Nobody will be allowed on the water without these.
YOU MUST BE CHANGED AND READY FOR THE START TIME OF THE SESSION.
*Winter clothing, 1st Nov-31st March: You will need a 5mm winter weight wetsuit or drysuit at a minimum. We have a limited number available for hire at £5 per session. You will still need to bring shoes, warm under-layers, towel, etc.