Become a Dinghy Instructor

Teach sailing and live life outdoors!

Dinghy sailing is an extreme sport for many, though for some the attraction lies with a peaceful Sunday afternoon cruise. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a relaxation addict, Flying Fish guarantees to improve your personal sailing, life skills and ensure you become a qualified dinghy sailing instructor in the best training locations in the world.

Becoming a dinghy sailing instructor means you are able to effectively run RYA dinghy sailing lessons to a wide range of people.

With an RYA instructor qualification, you will be able to teach sailing all around the world, work with people who will become friends for life and grow significantly as a person. 

Teaching sailing will give you confidence, people skills, presentation skills and so much more.

Whether you are looking for a career in dinghy sailing, a gap year experience or wanting to get abroad and teach during university summer holidays, becoming a sailing instructor will help you develop in many aspects of life.

In addition to all the above, it is such a fun and rewarding job!

How do I become a sailing instructor?

To become a sailing instructor, you will need a passion for the outdoors and want to help people progress with their dinghy sailing. 

Your personal dinghy sailing ability must be up to the standard to pass the Pre-entry sailing assessment set out by the RYA. This test includes; sailing without a rudder, sailing without a centerboard, picking up a man overboard, coming alongside, tight circles around a stationary object and efficient sailing of a triangle.

It’s very common for people to need help to get their personal ability up the required RYA level to pass the exam. That’s where Flying Fish can help! We run Dinghy Sailing Instructor Courses in Greece that will teach you the basics of sailing up to RYA level 3 before moving on to teach you the 5 advanced sailing modules in preparation for your instructor course and life teaching all over the world.

Within the UK you must be at least 16 years old and if you want to teach sailing around Europe and further abroad, you will need to be 18 or older.

There are also RYA qualifications you will need to become a sailing instructor including RYA Powerboat Level 2 and a First Aid Certificate. The full list of qualifications needed to teach sailing are below. 

Qualifications needed to become a sailing instructor

These qualifications and pre-requisites will be acquired during the Flying Fish Training:

• RYA Dinghy Sailing Instructor Certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Safe and Fun Safeguarding Course
• RYA Membership

If you are already a competent sailor, you could try our 4 week Dinghy Instructor Fast-Track Course. Flying Fish offers instructor courses for all stages of learning; from the beginner or relative novice to the capable, competent and accomplished sailor.

What courses can a dinghy instructor teach?

After you qualify as a dinghy sailing instructor you will be able to teach the following RYA Courses in both single and double handed boats:

• Adult Sailing Scheme Level 1, 2 and 3
• Youth Sailing Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Day Sailing
• Seamanship Skills
• Sailing with Spinnakers (if you have experience)

Flying Fish instructor training locations

During the Northern Hemisphere summer (May to October) Flying Fish are based in Vassiliki, Greece – arguably Europe’s top all round Water Sports location. With warm water, relaxed lifestyle, amazing conditions, incredible mountain biking and legendary nightlife it is no wonder it is so popular!  

During the winter months (October to April) Flying Fish moves to Sydney, Australia where the warm trade winds make Sydney a superb place to learn to sail. You will find sailing on Sydney Harbour incredible. This and the friendly, laid-back environment makes a perfect setting for a dinghy Instructor course down under. The beaches are world-famous and, since there is so much to see and do, it’s no wonder millions flock each year to experience life down under.

Once qualified as a sailing instructor

Is there a better way to spend your summer than getting paid to work on the water at any beach club resort worldwide? Many choose to join us for our professional development training in Greece to prepare you for life after Flying Fish plus you can access our free online recruitment service.

Which instructor course should I do?

Below are two options to become a Dinghy Instructor. If you are relatively new to the sport choose our 6-week programme. If you already have experience and can confidently sail a dinghy, choose the 4-week Fast-Track Course.